MICHAEL KELLY SMITH (Britny Fox & Cinderella) on 1980's, "Dizzy" Dean, EVH & More | IANO

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

0:00 - Happy New Year! 1:50 - Who is Michael Kelly Smith (Britny Fox, Cinderella)? 2:18 - Today In Music: Andy Summers (The Police) turns 77 / John Denver would’ve turned 77 (RIP) / Pete Quaife (The Kinks) would’ve turned 77 / Burton Cummings (The Guess Who) turns 73 / Donna Summer would’ve turned 72 / Tom Hamilton (Aerosmith) turns 69 / Scott Ian (Anthrax) turns 57 “I ASK SOMEONE” W/ MICHAEL KELLY SMITH (LEAD GUITARIST / CO-FOUNDER OF BRITNY FOX & CINDERELLA) 2:56 - Who inspired you to pick up the guitar? 5:20 - How did you get hooked up with Tom Keifer (Cinderella)? 6:26 - Growing up, what were some of your most influential rock records? 8:26 - Who of your heroes have you met? 9:59 - Shout-out from Michael Atlas Lane (Detriment) and Jordan “J Glam” Adams 10:21 - How I got connected with MKS (Thank you, Luke Easterday!) 12:10 - Have you ever met Metallica? / Zakk Wylde’s appearance on Britny Fox’s ‘Bite Down Hard’ record (1991) 14:46 - Why did you get fired from Cinderella? 16:26 - How did you form Britny Fox? / RIP Tony Destra (1954-1987) 22:02 - Lane & Glam 2 / Los Angeles 24:38 - Touring with Poison, Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper & (almost!) KISS 28:50 - Why did “Dizzy” Dean Davidson quit Britny Fox? 36:49 - Opening for Alice Cooper in Europe in 1989 40:47 - Are you still in touch with anyone from the “hair metal” scene? 41:25 - What does Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen) mean to you? 43:45 - Showing off my Holden, Static-X, and Led Zeppelin guitars 49:22 - Today’s Quote: “If I could help a kid discover a liking or even a passion for music in their life, then that’s a wonderful thing.” - Eddie Van Halen 49:40 - Get a virtual guitar lesson with Michael Kelly Smith!

[@annetteryan5110]

This guy is a class act and a great guitarist. Michael is a beast of a musician. All respect to him for how he emerged after "Cinderella" to achieve greatness in his genre, with "Britny Fox"... like the Phoenix rising from the ashes!

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

I'm going to share this comment with him. Thanks for watching!

[@annetteryan5110]

@@iasknoonewithkevin Please do.. I'll be honest, this tribute to Michael was long overdue and thank God somebody acknowledged him, because I dont like the way he's been treated over the years. He deserves to know how much his contribution to music is appreciated. Thank YOU for giving him those accolades in this great interview!

[@annetteryan5110]

@@kevinkelley3906 Seriously talented and persistent.. in the aftermath of his departure from Cinderella and their subsequent rise to fame.. his perseverance & come back fame with "Britny Fox" ..was a storybook ending!

[@annetteryan5110]

@@kevinkelley3906 Of course you would....'cause 'ya know, *even with that extra "e" in your name ..."Kelly" Rocks."*

[@WilliamC1966]

Yep...he is awesome!!!

[@guitarbob173]

Michael was my first guitar teacher, circa the late 90’s. He introduced me to (early) Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, Montrose, Nazareth, etc. and, in so doing, COMPLETELY changed my life for the better. I’m sure I’m not the only one. I have not spoken to him in two decades, but recently thought of him upon the passing of Leslie West (Mississippi Queen was one of my first lessons!). I am glad to see that Michael is doing well. He was a class act...simply one of the kindest, most engaged educators that I’ve encountered. Best wishes, Michael!!! 🙏🏻

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Very cool, Bob. Thanks for sharing, and keep rockin'! RIP Leslie West

[@WilliamC1966]

He was a major influence in me picking up a guitar....his phrasing......his ability to make any riff not just fit the song...I hold him In high regards....he is what we need more of...especially now....Im 55....he just kills it....the older Britney Fox outtakes....killer!!!

[@mottosierra1372]

Im a guitar player and Love britny fox i can play all of theirs songs

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

What are some of your favorite BF songs to play on guitar?

[@dawson1787]

I feel sorry for you...

[@Walkerbjj]

They played at a club in my city when I was in the 6th grade. My dad picked me up from school and drove me to a record store where they were meeting fans. They signed my album. I was so f'n happy that day. Great band.

[@WilliamC1966]

This guy is underrated. ..as a guitar player....he rules ...my best friend passed away a few years back ...I don't get it ... maybe people have changed....but I love it ...his tone .. phrasing.... knowledge of guitars and amps ...listen to girlschool...and Bite Down Hard ...fuckin nails it!!!

[@WilliamC1966]

Seen him at Metals Edge In St. Louis back after Bite Down Hard......it just kicked so much ass ..it's on KZbin....hope they keep it up....just excellent...

[@kkwok9]

This was nice. Mr Smith is a well spoken and considerate man as well as a great guitarist. His influences are some of my favorite acts. The interviewer was very respectful and polite. So rare with the young of today. Rock on and May God Bless

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Means a lot, K Kwok. Thank you. Keep rockin'!

[@WilliamC1966]

Gotta love this guy ... he's a huge legacy within guitar!!!!

[@sethduckfan5100]

MKS one of my all time favorite guitarists, so tremendously underrated, dude was awesome and so cool face to face. His solos were eargasms just waiting to happen, Long Way to Love has that flying solo that can NOT be mistaken, his general playing, solos and riffs through all the songs/albums are just amazing. Now I know he has a FB page will have to hit him up

[@stricknine8623]

Michael Kelly Smith is one of my all time favorite guitarists. He is a skilled player but he just has such a great style to his playing. He is melodic but doesn't abandon the swagger either. Both are important for great phrasing.

[@WilliamC1966]

I will tell you one thing....I have nothing but respect for this guy...

[@WilliamC1966]

As a player ..he left a huge impression on me....style.... phrasing....I could go on and on ..

[@WilliamC1966]

I love this guy ...a guitar players player ....he shaped a lot of rock guitar history........♥️👍

[@kowbowski954]

Mike Kelly Smith is probably one of my favorite guitarists, its a dang shame Dizzy quit the band at that time because this band would've kept rising in popularity so much and imagine the albums they would've kept making....man that sucks.

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Keep your eyes peeled ;)

[@newavatar2947]

​@@iasknoonewithkevindo you know something? You just responded to a 2 y/o comment

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Fully aware. Also delivered a hint. Thanks for stopping by! @@newavatar2947

[@WilliamC1966]

He is such a monumental guitar player....his playing not only laid a foundation for rock/metal style....I dont think at times he understands how influential his playing is....

[@donotfret]

Whoa! Thanks so much for this. Bite down hard is the Genre's top ten albums

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Thanks for watching, fret. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

[@dardaddy2760]

Great interview..Bite down is a wicked album..Tommy has great vocal range...the album kept me going when my wife passed RIP Baby bear🐼⚘💞

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Thank you. God Bless your wife.

[@dardaddy2760]

@@iasknoonewithkevin thanx bud..appreciate 💪😎🎶🎸

[@willgragido3694]

Great player. Truly.

[@WilliamC1966]

He still kills it!!!!

[@theironlukeve5544]

Watched the interview again, so I'm gonna leave another comment! Long way to love is an incredible song, and the solo is awesome, amazing, beautiful and inspiring, one of my absolute favorites!!!

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

"Dizzy" Dean sounding like Paul Stanley in the first verse. Then, along comes rippin' MKS. Love that song!

[@theironlukeve5544]

@@iasknoonewithkevin Can't wait to rock out to some Britny Fox and Cinderella with you and Matt , and whom ever else is around brother!

[@sethduckfan5100]

That solo sealed it for me with MKS and BF, awesome solo

[@theironlukeve5544]

@@sethduckfan5100 Truly one of the best!

[@billwatson9085]

Mike Just sent me this via text. Awesome show. I just started lessons with Mike about a month ago. Such a good guy, Great guitar player and a very patient teacher. Growing up listening to Britny Fox and now being able to take lessons from a guitarist I admired in my teenage years is absolutely awesome.

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Really great to hear, Bill. Thank you for watching!

[@WilliamC1966]

As a guitar player...he blows me away...seen Britny Fox at Metals Edge in St. Louis....bite down hard era...it kicked ass! Bite down hard is fucking the shit! That was way back....but that album and the out takes were awesome!!!

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Hell-yeah, Htc! I'll relay this to Michael...

[@donotfret]

I could have copiloted this interview because I had bought all thier stuff and followed them all these years

[@kennyplay5982]

Mike and Bill Dixon used to work at a carwash a block away from my house and I used to stop by to see them. They were 18-19 yrs old.

[@limbuprakash7986]

I’m honoured to be 630th subscriber in this channel.I’m huge heavy metal fan.GNR Appetite is the starter.

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

I'm honored to have you be a part of my journey. Thank you, Limbu!

[@stephenh1387]

I see maybe MKS stepping in for Jeff in a reformation of Cinderella🤝

[@kimbarling4213]

Great interview. Michael Kelly Smith such a gentle articulate soul. Awesome guitarist . Britny fox were a fav of mine in the day. Shame about the internal personnel issues that have stayed within certain members to this day. He seems happy being away from the limelight, teaching his craft to another generation. Was inspiring to hear him him not only not cus, but have a mature level head and professional attitude when they were coming up and not getting involved in the groupies drink n drugs backstage scene. ! Commendable. Best wishes M.K.S moving forward I would relished the opportunity to have m.k.s as a rock guitar tutor with his own experience and influences. That was my time 80s Glam hair metal rock.

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Thanks for watching, Kim. If you haven't seen, there is a link in the description for guitar lessons with MKS. Keep rockin'!

[@kimbarling4213]

@@iasknoonewithkevin Thanks for your reply Kevin. I watched the complete interview, as it was raining here today in melb,aust. Great that you let MKS answer your questions in his own time ,and you didn't cut in or interject with your nxt question. Mentioning that you were born in 88 when britny foxes debut came out was amusing. I was 21 that year, and glam metal was really peaking. 80s music in general was abundant with rich diversity and genuine bands and artists. Can we really say that in 2021???

[@Wilk5280]

Great interview, I was such a huge fan! Got to see Britny Fox in Wellsboro, Pa just before the tragic accident that took Tony’s life. RIP 😔 Ran into the band again a year or two later in Williamsport, Pa. when they played with Joan Jett. Saw MKS outside his tour bus and we sprinted toward him. He and Billy hung out with us for a good 30 to 45 minutes and were the coolest. Nice of him to let us interrupt his Nintendo Golf game lol!!!

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Great stories. Thanks for sharing, Mike. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

[@aferraioli1]

Don’t forget Montrose. We talked about him years ago!

[@WilliamC1966]

Bite down hard....he kills it!!!

[@bobowrathsovine.]

During Britney Fox's hay day he used a white Charvel Soloist model with gold plated hardware. I actually bought the sheet music book for the first Britney Fox album but it wasn't tablature and like most guitarists I never learned to read music. I was in the 8th grade when the local rock music radio station 93.3 WKQZ in the Tri City area I grew up in Michigan Long Way To Love was on the radio. I went out and bought the cassette immediately. My best friend did too. He actually saw them open for Poison at the Saginaw Civic Center in November 1988. I never saw Britney but bought the second album Boyz In Heat on vinyl. It amazes me that a guy who is too young to have recollection of Michael knows anything about him

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Really appreciated you sharing this, Bob. Happy Holidays!

[@WilliamC1966]

I know he probably doesn't like the attention....but he is so awesome..,I wish he was a little more accessible. ...he is incredible. ..he's an icon as far as guitar players..,.his structure style and playing is such a distinct style....and phrasing...it's a combination of all of it....

[@WilliamC1966]

I'm a big Schenker fan too...lol

[@AlmostReady504]

saw them open for Poison . Britny Fox kicked ass

[@mmc5040]

I enjoy Jeff Lebar as a guitarist but would have to heard more of him in Cinderella.

[@VH-OU812]

It sucks that he recently passed. Jeff was, IS, a great guitarist. My condolences to his Family. Anyway, great interview!! Keep safe & rock on!😷🤘🏻

[@theironlukeve5544]

Awesome episode Kev!

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Gratitude

[@theironlukeve5544]

@@iasknoonewithkevin Watching again Kev! loven' it!!! speaking of UFO got to do Shoot Shoot

[@BaronVonBielski]

I can't believe that MK Smith didn't get more attention as an innovative guitar player because some of his solos were awesome. For example Longroad, all the solo fills in Left Me Stray, In Motion... I could keep going, but he has great melody and tone which to me is the best things a lead guitarist can bring. He deserves more accolades for his work in metal music.

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Well put! I'm going to relay this message to him.

[@stevesmith5198]

MKS is a class act

[@joshuawoodall6292]

Great to here anything Britney fox. Wished the song again had been included on bite down hard. I after all these years search for news on Britney fox.

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Awesome, Josh. Thanks for watching!

[@irocitZ]

Over the years I would run into some of the guys from Britney Fox, usually at local shows or concerts in the Philadelphia/Jersey area. Hopefully we'll get to them all together on a stage again.

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Any notable memories with MKS, Dizzy, or Johnny Dee?

[@irocitZ]

@@iasknoonewithkevin yes, pretty much all of them except Dean or Tommy. I met MKS awhile ago at a Rock convention, he signed a BF poster for me. I saw Billy at a few club shows, one of them was I think Dokken or Vince Neil might have been both the same night, it was over 10 years ago. Lastly, I said hello to Johnny at a Judas Priest show just over the bridge in New Jersey and then again with Doro in a club in Philadelphia.

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

@@irocitZ Awesome stories! I'll relay to Michael.

[@bobowrathsovine.]

It didn't even matter what part of the USA or even Australia, United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Canada, Japan, Soviet Union, ect if a band had a recording contract in 1988 they were all pretty much of the same stock because that genra of what was known simply as heavy metal at that point in time. It may have been the largest music scene ever to exist on Sunset Blvd LA California but it had spread around by that point.

[@maverick_trail]

MKS is like "Pearl Jam, Tool, Godsmack.... oh brother, I'm gonna have to translate my answers to Millenial-ese".

[@kennyplay5982]

Then I remember seeing and talking to Michael at Pizza Hut, which was right next store to the carwash he worked at years before. And I asked him what he was doing and he said he just got back from touring in Japan warming up Joan Jett!. He went over his pay and some of the record label issues.

[@mikejohnson5375]

Yes finally something on him .

[@matthewdortona237]

For the record, Brittny Fox and Cinderella WERE NOT LA sunset strip bands. They were from the Philly and South Jersey area. I lived in SJ and saw they frequently at the Galaxy

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Sounds fun!

[@hmdwn]

Not really, Tom was from Springfield Pa, Jeff was from Drexel Hill Pa, Eric was from Maryland... I worked in prior bands with all of them (except Jeff)

[@heathertiller3644]

Who said they were?

[@1984isnow]

michael wants that page signed paul!! :) trilogy of terror creepy af!!!

[@krisyoungsteadt9139]

Very cool…

[@ericthebullet]

Great guy !

[@davidallenroth]

Cool dude. He could of been bitter after the Cinderella deal but sounds like he got on with things, and has aged well, especially for his profession, actually he looks the best nowadays out of all the Cinderella guys

[@hmdwn]

you should see Mike with his wig off lol

[@heathertiller3644]

@@hmdwnI don’t think it’s a wig, bro. That’s the same do he was rockin back in the day!

[@barbarabutler4159]

Where and when did you play wildwood ?

[@teslarocks7345]

He was so right about the guitar work of the 70's and 80's, but you can include the bass and drums from those decades. There has been nothing like it after say the early 90's. It was like a 4 course meal, now a bunch of what they call rock is like a bowl of mashed potatoes. Sounds like instruments all mixed up in it. There are some finding this kind of way of playing again though which is promising. Great interview!

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Totally understand where you're coming from. Thanks for watching, Steve. Keep rockin'!

[@scottanderson4175]

I believe Michael was a better fit for Cinderella than Jeff 😐 Michael was amazing live and had great stage presence and killer tone 🥂

[@WilliamC1966]

I have to agree ..mks...is a real musician...not like these guys now. I have nothing but respect for him...

[@jamesmccracken9323]

The guy interviewing Michael, when he reads of the birthdays, dude , its Tom Hamilton ,not Tim Hamilton of Aerosmith !

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Ya got me there, James!

[@MrHardrock]

Is there a link for online lessons?

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Thanks, David. Please DM me on IG @iasknoonepodcast or FB at Kevin Re LoVullo for MKS's contact information.

[@DR676767]

Bad ass band, better then Cinderella in my opinion

[@sullivan-pughvideoproducti5531]

Bite Down Hard is a very good album that unfortunately came out about 7 years too late. Like all the hard rock and metal in the early 90s, the short lived grunge era made all of the stuff from the 80s “uncool.”

[@kennyplay5982]

Atlantic Starr !!

[@CrisisActorJonsiri]

subscribed yesssss

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Right on, thank you!

[@1984isnow]

saw cinderella dozens and dozens of times at the galaxy, seen britny fox many many times at the galaxy, was there the night of their showcase, it was a horrible winter night, tony destra, RIP died on the same horrible turn as the goalie for the philadelphia flyers. i had tickets to see bon jovi OPEN for RATT at philly spectrum, 85? not sure, it was just before slippery when wet wasreleased and bon jovi fame skyrocketed!! we got a call that a band cancelled out of the EMPIRE rock club, so we filled in and played with a very early verson of britney fox "boyz in heat"? (i know its also their second album) i remember they had fish nets on and chicks in the dressing room were planting lipstick prints up and down their legs.am i wrong? the 80s are foggy now, but after bon jovi played he showed up at the EMPIRE that night after his show and was in the crowd while i was playing, i broke a stick, threw it out, and when i looked over, bon jovi was banging on the edge of the stage with it! Cozy Powell also one of my all time favs! RIP

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

LOVED the stories, dude. Thanks for sharing, watching, and the subscribe! \m/

[@sbeard73]

Boys in Heat was tha $hit

[@ColorfieldMedia]

MKS was also a great Producer. He Produced the debut release entitled "After Dark" by the band "Gun Shy" out of the same Philly area. The lead singer (Vin Colella) went on to work with the creators of Woodstock and John Lennon's engineer Shelly Yakus and one of the guitar players (Tommy Krash) went on to join Britny Fox and now works with Ripper Owens. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oITEi6x7mttqbrs

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Very cool. Thanks for the info, CM!

[@keithblackwelder1751]

Andy Summers isn’t dead.

[@kennyplay5982]

Telepath!!

[@am3986]

Man! Same old questions! I feel sorry for Mike. Ugghh! I'm out!

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Thanks for watching!

[@HARDASSER]

Good interview by MKS. The interviewer, not so much. Too fuckin' young for this genre of music.

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Haha

[@HARDASSER]

@@iasknoonewithkevin Kevin, you did good though. Sorry about the above comment. Maybe I was jealous. I would have loved to interview him myself.

[@am3986]

Godsmack, Tool, Pearl Jam..pure garbage.. three chords no melodies no guitar solos...not sure why Mike would be talking to someone who likes the 90's grunge...

[@BaronVonBielski]

I agree with 2/3 of that. Pearl Jam doesn't fit with Tool or Godsmack.

[@xjbomb4463]

Learn how to do a interview

[@iasknoonewithkevin]

Thanks for watching!

[@garytom1935]

🤘😎🤘