On the exciting episode of Loudwire Nights that aired on Thursday, February 13, the talented Dino McCord joined host Chuck Armstrong to delve into the fascinating journey of Red Voodoo as they celebrated their self-titled debut EP. Their discussion provided insights into the band’s evolution and the vibrant music scene they are part of. Listen to the complete conversation in the audio player located at the end of this article for an in-depth look into their creative process and experiences.

In the midst of their engaging chat, McCord revealed a surprising connection to celebrity chef Guy Fieri, who not only financed their EP but also invited them to play at his birthday celebration. This unexpected invitation led to a memorable performance opportunity for the band, marking a significant milestone in their early career.

McCord shared his excitement, stating, “We never played a birthday party, ever, so our first one is for Guy.” The event took place at a cozy restaurant bar in Sebastopol, California, accommodating around 200 guests, making it an intimate yet thrilling experience for the band.

Although McCord admitted feeling a bit out of place at first, the opportunity to perform for Guy Fieri was too enticing to decline. Just days prior to the event, Fieri had reached out, requesting that they learn ‘Killing In the Name’ by Rage Against the Machine, a song that presented a unique challenge for Red Voodoo, particularly since their sound diverges from Rage’s heavy style.

Upon arriving at the party, the nerves were palpable as they prepared to play. McCord humorously recalled, “We learn it, we pull up to the party, we’re nervous as hell.” This anxiety was compounded by the presence of legendary musician Sammy Hagar, who had practiced with them just days before to perform some of his songs.

McCord expressed how surreal it was to share the stage with Hagar during their performance, adding, “We got there, play the set with Sammy. That was awesome.” The birthday party had an ’80s theme, which added an element of fun and nostalgia to the event, with Fieri even dressing up as Hagar for the occasion.

As the evening progressed, the band was about to launch into a Metallica song when McCord noticed someone in the crowd who looked remarkably like Lars Ulrich. Initially, he thought it was just another partygoer dressed for the theme, but guitarist Davin Loiler was convinced it was indeed the legendary drummer.

With a laugh, McCord exclaimed, “That’s fucking Lars,” realizing the magnitude of the moment. The band then played ‘Fuel’, and to their amazement, Ulrich complimented them, saying, “You guys did awesome. You’re a new band?” This encounter was a significant boost for the band, highlighting the unexpected connections in the music industry.

As if the night couldn’t get any more incredible for McCord and his bandmates, they soon discovered the true reason behind Fieri’s request for them to perform ‘Killing In the Name’.

READ MORE: Tom Morello Recalls Day He Started Working on Guitar Riffs That Would Be on Rage Against the Machine’s Debut Album

McCord recalled, “Brad Wilk from Rage Against the Machine is there,” which led to the realization that Fieri had a special connection to the song. He chuckled, “Oh shit, that’s why he wanted us to play the song. It was pretty cool [and now] we have it in our set when we just want to pull something out of our ass.” This experience underscored the importance of being adaptable and ready to seize unexpected opportunities in the music world.

Discover More Insights from Dino McCord on Loudwire Nights

• How Red Voodoo first connected with Sammy Hagar and the significance of his support: “Sammy Hagar caught wind of us and we recorded our debut EP with his producer in San Francisco.”
• What lies ahead for their debut full-length album: “We probably have 20 songs ready to go and [we’re just kind of] weighing our options and seeing who’s going to bite and what’s going on.”
• The band’s passion for touring and performing live: “We have some dates on the East Coast with Vince Neil, we landed our first festival … At the end of the day, we really do thrive being a live band. That’s what we live for.”

Catch the In-Depth Interview in the Podcast Player Below

Dino McCord joined Loudwire Nights on Thursday, February 13; the show replays online here, and you can tune in live every weeknight at 7PM ET or on the Loudwire app. Additionally, check your local radio station to see if the show is available and enjoy on-demand interviews.