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Bob Balch

@playthisriff

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Bob Balch guitarist for FU MANCHU, BIG SCENIC NOWHERE and SLOWER. Owner of PlayThisRiff.com. Email [email protected] for ONLINE GUITAR LESSONS!

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25 years ago today, Fu Manchu released their 6th album, which was their last with Brant Bjork. The Matt Hyde helmed California Crossing was recorded at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys. The 11 song collection (12 in Japan) was met with positive reviews and, for a lot of people, was their introduction to the band. I didn’t start managing these guys until 5 years later, but I’ve had the honor of working on 2 amazing things for this release. 1) “Mongoose” was licensed for a Toyota tv spot that aired during the Super Bowl. 2) We put together a Deluxe Edition triple LP with both sets of demos that were done in preparation for this album, which include the previously unheard compositions, “Foot Down & Low” and “Go For It.” Fun fact: Keith Morris contributed lead vocals on “Bultaco.” 1st pressing limited edition gatefold splatter 3LP. #fumanchu #fumanchuband

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🚨NEW EPISODE🚨 The Crooked Skulls return to The Heavy Desert Podcast following the breakout success of Midnight Sun, the album that landed on the Doom Charts and introduced the band’s heavy groove-driven sound to listeners around the world.
Pete and Dave reflect on the overwhelming response to the record, the opportunities that followed, and the evolution of the band after founding drummer Chuck Snyder’s departure. Joining the conversation is new drummer Bryan Heaney, who discusses stepping into the lineup, finding his place in the band, and preparing for his first live shows with The Crooked Skulls.
The band also dives into their upcoming 7-inch single, Pain Dealer / Ride Free, the songwriting stories behind both tracks, collaborations with Bob Balch, artwork from Matt Pike, a packed run of upcoming shows, and early plans for the next chapter of The Crooked Skulls.
And after my chat with the fellas, The Heavy Desert Podcast will premiere the track Pain Dealer that you’ll hear first, exclusively on the episode!
Whether you’ve been following The Crooked Skulls since day one or you’re just discovering them now, this episode offers a front-row seat to a band that’s clearly building serious momentum. Don’t miss this conversation with one of the underground’s hardest-working heavy rock bands. Tune in and subscribe!

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-heavy-desert-podcast/id1796730401?i=1000797593889

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qSBXVCgdvlfAu9tbuyIst?si=5SkHzeIoTF2ySkf23Gv1mQ&utm_source=copy-link

@thecrookedskullsofficial
@playthisriff
@mattpike1972

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What happens when a riff inspired by a movie turns into a new Crooked Skulls single... and Bob Balch hears it?
Pete, Dave, and new drummer Bryan Heaney join The Heavy Desert Podcast to discuss the success of Midnight Sun, the upcoming Pain Dealer / Ride Free 7-inch, and how Balch ended up delivering a killer guest solo that took the song to another level. All that and much more on tomorrow’s new episode of The Heavy Desert Podcast! Subscribe and turn those notifications on so ya don’t miss it!

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-heavy-desert-podcast/id1796730401

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0EPkgZXlyyPeXk9skCHM7p?si=M6PubPOvQ6WXsbW5hxKmfQ

@thecrookedskullsofficial
@playthisriff

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Bob from Fu Manchu jamming through his #ghostortion pedal. Showing off some of the tones you can get with different gain and volume settings. Light crunch to full saturation. Conjure some evil by getting on the mailing list today. Email cfeffects@gmail.com to join. #creepyfingerseffects #procorat #distortionpedal

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ANNOUNCEMENT! Stoked to be working with Jersey riffing machines @thecrookedskullsofficial in support of their new 7inch, "Pain Dealer/Ride Free"! Vinyl drops on November 13th, with a digital release on November 27th

The two songs follow Midnight Sun while showing different sides of where the band is heading. The 7-inch is intended as a bridge into 2027, keeping new music coming while the band continues playing regional shows, festivals, and other special appearances.

"Pain Dealer" features a guitar solo from Bob Balch @playthisriff, and the vinyl insert artwork is illustrated by @mattpike1972.

Cover art by @gasaedudes
Photo by @jjkoczan

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Fu Manchu
London
27/3/2018

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Drums for the third @slower_666 album are done! We’re getting there, stay tuned.

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@scottreeder working on low frequencies for the third @slower_666 album. We’re getting there, piece by piece.

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🇫🇷 Quarante ans après leurs débuts, Fu Manchu n'a rien perdu de son fuzz. Les pionniers du stoner rock californien à Rock the Lakes, en images.

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🇬🇧 Forty years after their beginnings, Fu Manchu hasn't lost a drop of fuzz. Californian stoner rock pioneers at Rock the Lakes, in pictures.

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@fumanchuband
@creepyfingerseffects
@playthisriff
@scottreederdrums
@scotthillfumanchu
@rockthelakesfestival
@muzic.live_
@canonfrance
@canonswitzerland

#fumanchu #rockthelakes #livephotography

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Fu Manchu at The Music Box San Diego 🔥
@fumanchuband

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Behind the kit, working on a cover for the third @slower_666 album and I don’t think you can guess this one. If you do, you win a lifetime supply of invisible oranges.

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Fu Manchu at the Troubadour 9/18/26. Favorite band playing my favorite record, “In Search Of…”

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