INTERVIEW: Joey “Blue” Gonzalez

Written by on January 31, 2025

Interview by Jesse Skinner.

It’s fair to say that heavy metal drummers are some of the most dedicated individuals in the music business. When a drummer has a resume filled with iconic bands such as Superjoint, Warbeast, Hank 3, Phillip Anselmo & The Illegals, and recently GAMMACIDE, it’s easy to respect the will and dedication of the artist, especially in the metal community given the work load. Joey Gonzalez, also known as “Blue,” is a heavy metal drummer originally from Texas, whose resume is by far one of the most impressive in the industry. Getting his start at the bottom like any other musician at the age of 17, Joey’s workhorse mentality and hard work paved the way for him to be able to perform with such iconic artists and even to become an iconic artist himself through diligence and skill. His original drumming style is, by far, some of the best in the metal community. Joey was kind enough to take some time from his busy schedule to give RadioRadioX a little insight on his current projects, and how he keeps the metal gears grinding.

RRX: You are one of the most hard working musicians in the metal community, playing with numerous bands at once. What are your main projects that you are currently working on?

Joey Gonzalez: As of right now, I’m playing with the Dover Brothers, Beast of War, Perico, and most recently joined Gammacide.

Photo provided.

RRX: Where did the “beans and rice beatdown” motto come from for Perico? How would you describe the style of Perico? And should we expect any releases anytime soon?

JG: Perico is most definitely a “slam” band with some lyrical madness sprinkled on top for spice. Simple riffs to jam and headbang to! As far as the slogan is concerned, beans and rice are a heavy influence where we’re from, and you need that kind of fuel when it comes to a beatdown. We just dropped one song and more on the way!

RRX: What are the origins of the Dover Brothers? How would you describe the style of music?

JG: The Dover Brothers are Calvin and Joiner Dover, two very talented good ol’ boys from Houston. They had this band for years and found Johnny, our Irish connection, for second guitar and songbird vocals. It wasn’t until after the Brothers and I met and jammed with Philip in En Minor that the idea of having me join the Brothers came up. They are incredible players, so when Calvin asked if I was interested in playing with them, I was in!

RRX: At what age did you start playing the drums? And when did you realize you wanted to be a working musician?

JG: I started playing drums when I was 12, got my first kit at 13, and never looked back. At that age, being a working musician isn’t the goal. It’s just to play and jam with your friends. Making this a career is a complete by-product of wanting to jam!

Although I will say that at 14, I saw this huge “Big 4 of Glam:” Poison, Whitesnake, Vince Neil, and someone else I didn’t give a shit at the time. I was there for the sake of a free ticket! Buuut … when I looked around and saw the people screaming and having a blast drinking, hooting, and hollering – I didn’t know how I was going to get the people on my side to get them to do that for me – but that’s when I knew I wanted this to be my world.

RRX: Who were your influences in playing drums? Personally, who was your major influence in life in general?

JG: In playing drums, Vinnie Paul is my number one, tied with Joey Jordison. Then Dave Lombardo and Gene Hoglan. Those four are most of the elements that make up my style, but there’s so many more, like Igor, Derek Roddy, George Kollias. Then we go old school, with Neil Peart, John Bonham, Baker, and various other eclectic artists.

I couldn’t say just one influence as far as my personal life. My family and bandmates have always been there for me and never steered me wrong. I started touring at 17 and was the youngest in all of my bands; luckily everyone took great care of me and guided me down the path of righteousness and thrash!!!

RRX: You have an overall talented style of drumming. How do you keep your stamina up when your schedule is very demanding?

JG: I don’t practice enough and hate myself for it. When I do practice I like to think I give it 110%. Stamina comes with repetition.

In order to function at a specific level of effectiveness, you need to be mentally prepared for the task at hand. I aim to kill every time I sit my fat ass down behind the kit (excuse my French.)

RRX: What equipment do you currently use and abuse?

JG: I love my Tama Drums! Tama hardware, Paiste cymbals, Czarcie Kopyto kick pedals, Footblaster triggers, and Promark sticks!!! I have some killer people I work with in the companies; it’s a dream come true to be able to play this gear!!!

Photo provided.

RRX: Any interesting stories from being on the road touring?

JG: One time I dressed up like Cheech and sang “Earache My Eye” while Philip Anselmo played drums in London, I think, for his birthday. That was sick! Another time, my guitar player Mikey DeLeon flew out of the passenger seat of a hummer because this dude was driving like a d***head.

Once there was a f***ing shark on the table in catering for the display at Hellfest in France. Ya know, just random stuff like that.

RRX: What was your most memorable moment during your career?

JG: Our time in Japan and Australia was just surreal …

RRX: What can we expect from you musically in the future?

JG: All four bands I mentioned are active and going to be playing shows all this year!!!

Perico, the Dover Brothers, Beast of War(formerly Warbeast), and Gammacide are all on Facebook.

RRX: What advice would you give a young drummer just starting out?

JG: To the aspiring drummer: play from the heart, play often, play loud, play soft, play cover tunes, play your own tunes, just play. Explore the kit and find your own style!

More from Jesse Skinner …


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