White Zombie Guitarist J. Yuenger on Music and Expat Life - Deviate with Rolf Potts Podcast

“Travel feels like a generational signifier the way rock music was when I was a kid. The whole idea of having experiences as opposed to accumulating stuff feels like this planetary alignment, the way rock was in the ’70s.” - Jay Yuenger
Jay Yuenger is a rock guitarist best known for his work with the Grammy-nominated heavy metal band White Zombie.
In this episode of Deviate, Rolf and Jay discuss Cuba and access to technology (3:00); J’s White Zombie backstory, and his travels with the band (13:30); the rise in popularity of White Zombie and the evolution of travel (40:00); the breakup of the band and Jay’s post-band years spent traveling (50:00); and souvenirs (1:01:00).
Jay Yuenger:
/ jyuenger
/ jyuenger
www.jyuenger.com/
For more info on this episode, check out:
rolfpotts.com/...

[@The_Knight_Mayor]

The most overlooked and underrated metal guitartist... probably ever .

[@Doomzdayxx]

For sure.

[@silvercloud1641]

Those White Zombie records made metal history. 🤘

[@funnrun3399]

He makes metal guitar playing look too easy

[@MarlonBrando414]

He and Sean should have started another band, 2 very underrated talented musicians

[@pf100andahalf]

Although I agree 100%, Jay and Sean (and de Prume) were awesome together, the most important thing is for Jay to live his best life. All too often, people burn themselves out and wind up extremely unhappy by trying to stay on the cutting edge of art. It's a lot of work and not one necessarily conducive to happiness. It seems like Jay is enjoying life and ultimately that's what matters.

[@SlobZombie]

They did.......Grey Zombie

[@olendzki]

La Sexorcisto was a "life-changing" album for me as a guitar player that grew up in the 90's. The riffs...the NONSTOP riffs and grooves...are the stuff of legends. Thanks J.

[@MCRUE78]

Absolutely right brother ! That album is amazing

[@seanslavin1974]

Agreed. My high school band did Thrust and Soul Crusher. I learned a lot by learning those songs.

[@adamturner1563]

One hell of a guitarist and criminally under appreciated. A phenom on the git fiddle! .. love ya j. Hail White Zombie!

[@mraarongwhite]

62 people made it this far. no hope for the masses. lets count our blessings for the oh so few keeping the dream alive

[@fantomas6196]

Sick groves one of may favorite guitar players

[@nickd.9882]

yes, sir!

[@bharmon1980]

I miss the 90s and white zombie. Jay is one of the best under rated guitarists of all time. I wish jay would start up a new band

[@pablocuneo4611]

In the 90’s either you wanted to play Jay or Dimebag’s style. Jay help create what metal riffs are now.

[@nickd.9882]

FACTS

[@s.w.matteo6679]

Both

[@joesmith9216]

ELECTRIC HEAD was so amazing! there is no words to describe the power of those riffs!

[@outsidedog7772]

hahahahaha sure

[@robertmills2058]

Truth

[@oddbender423]

I played his backstage guitar once. unbelievably nice guy and super talented

[@calnorso]

This is so amazing, I was a HUGE fan of White Zombie (and Jay) growing up. He was a major reason to why I started playing guitar. I was sad when they broke up because just like he said; they probably did have at least one more great album in them....but Rob sucks :-). But he sounds like a super cool dude, the type of guy I would hang out with. So right on, this was good to listen too and catch up with an old guitar hero of mine.

[@nickd.9882]

More Human Than Human inspired me to play guitar and literally changed my life. Great Post!

[@johnkarnaghon6055]

J and dimebag are the reason I became a guitarist

[@reidflemming8458]

I often fantasize about a side project with both of them on guitar. Could have filled in the gaps between Pantera albums while Phil & Rex did Down.

[@Malum09]

J. Is a very underrated guitarist

[@joeyatkins1504]

Leonardo Pedroza agreed !!! He never gets any love even though he was amazing and very innovative. I’m always looking for info on him there isn’t much on him .

[@Malum09]

Joey Atkins I definitely think that his riffs are what made the last 2 albums so great

[@ETHRFTHR]

@@Malum09 His riff writing is really unparalleled on La Sexorcisto.

[@elduderino4579]

Yeah not just his playing but his performance too. As a guitar and bass player who’s played in bands people don’t realise the skill it takes to jump around, get a face full of dreads and continue to hit every single note on cue. Sean is a hell of a bass player too

[@mraarongwhite]

quit the game on top tho. nothing tops wz to this day. not even pantera

[@diegocorral7468]

J is the reason I've always wanted an Ibanez Iceman. I couldn't care less about Paul Stanley, J is why I will one day own an 70s-80s Iceman.

[@gumbomudderx7503]

White Zombie is my all time favorite band, and the older I get the more and more I feel the urge to travel and see more different places. It’s awesome that someone I looked up to in music is also someone I admire as a traveler.

[@donrush9635]

Jay, Most of the reason I love WZ is your awesome phrasing/grooves/transitions. What an amazing fucking talent! I grew u p in the 70s, so Stones/WHO/Bowie. But then when I started getting into Ozzy, Crue and shit, I found you guys. Sexorcisto is my favorite album of all time, and all bc of the shit you did on that!

[@elduderino4579]

Have listened to this interview a couple of times now. White Zombie were such an amazing band and J has never done that many interviews so I found this whole conversation fascinating. Would love a second round with J again delving more into his WZ stories and experiences. The fans would appreciate it massively. Also fantastic line of questions you had for him, you did an awesome job!

[@NecropsY1]

When he calls out Rob Zombie as dance music -its so true hes used that same dance beat in every rob zombie song

[@joeyferguson840]

Yes.....J is the fucken man. One of the best to ever rip a guitar. J is an innovator.....he crafted his own sound.....a unique style all his own. Thats part of what makes him so good.....a true leader never to adhere to a trend.....he follows no one but his own ambition. I saw White Zombie back in 96 with Pantera at the Coca Cola Starplex in Dallas Tx. I feel so grateful that I got to see em....I believe that was their last official tour. Take it from a guy who has seen White Zombie live......Rob Zombie doesn't compare.....especially when playing WZ tunes. There is no White Zombie without J and if you watch Rob play WZ tracks live you'll know why. J. can never be replaced. He's an original all his own in creation. How many musicians who play guitar can say that? I'll give you a hint. You don't need to count on more than 2 hands to do it.

[@Eric-wg8zu]

I wish Jay would at least make a few KZbin videos of guitar lessons. I would absolutely love to see more of him!!! 🤘🤩🤘

[@gustavmarie]

Totally underrated guitar player. Cool mix of metal, punk and psychedelic ideas. Nice to learn he is an interesting and very down to earth dude. As another North American expat and former hardcore kid/music guy, I would be fascinated to talk to him

[@STARJUMP_GRIM]

J. is also a super nice guy. I emailed him about something randomly one day and he emailed back and was a really nice guy. Its always cool when you find out your heros are awesome people.

[@dom-perignon720]

Had a similar experience with him, very amiable dude. And since his name was brought up, BC was that way too. Gotta imagine the amount of correspondence these folks receive is insane, so yeah, very cool of them to take the time.

[@fishticks5388]

What a great find this is.

[@jprobertson-e1j]

Jays riffs on Astro Creep are timeless!

[@dereksendrak]

More J please!!!!! Love this guitarist!!🤘🏻

[@Iheartdgd]

Love this guy, thanks for posting this full interview on KZbin, I’ve been wanting to see this for a while now.

[@thenaturalkrod007]

Jay is an awesome dude. I once asked him a question and he got back to me I was blown away. I love his guitar playing. He's very underrated. Thx Jay

[@113KILL5]

Started playing guitar because I heard the Astro creep album and it blew me away. Much love if you’re reading this man.

[@SlobZombie]

Are you in a band?

[@gabeisred]

Fantastic interview! Fun personal note - If tuning a guitar to standard, I still tune by the opening riff of Thunder Kiss '65 and have since I was in high school in the 90s.

[@mraarongwhite]

one tone to rule them all

[@robbie5984]

What an amazing podcast/interview/whateveryouwanttocallit. I was about 9-10 years sold and the first two records I got on tape was Rage’s first album and Astro-Creep 2000. White Zombie launched me into the musically driven person I am today. DudeMan is so respectful by stating facts about the questions being asked but not just shitting on dark events. Dude seems content. I dig it. 🙅‍♂️🙅‍♂️🙅‍♂️

[@billydavis9814]

IVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING J A FEW TIMES...AND HES SO LIKE THIS..VERY LIKEABLE, GUY..WELL SPOKEN AND VERY INTELLIGENT CONVERSATIONS WE HAD. I MISS THE GUITAR AND HIS STAGE SHOW...THOSE LICKS TO DATE STILL JUST KICK THAT ASS! IM A DRUMMER PLAYED DAILY FOR NEARLY A YEAR AND 1/2 TO THIS ALBUM ...FROM START TO FINISH...DEVIL MUSIC VOL 1...AND HAD TO REPLACE THAT CD AT LEAST 5 TIMES NOW...AND YOU KNOW WHAT...ITS IN MY CAR CD PLAYER RIGHT NOW. DAMN SHAME IT FELL OFF SO QUICKLY...I FELL THAT HAD SOOOOOO MUCH MORE TO DO...BUT ROB SEEMS TO HAVE THIS AHHH WHATEVER VIBE ANYMORE...WISH HE WOULD DO ANOTHER PROJECT WITH THE LINE UP...DAMN COULD YOU THINK WHAT WOULD COME OUT OF THAT! BUT IT WAS VERY GOOD TO HEAR THAT j IS DOING WELL, OFTEN WONDER WHAT HE WAS UP TO. THANKS FOR POSTING. WELL DONE SIR! OH AND P.S. THUNDER KISS WAS THE FIRST RIFF I EVER LEARNED ON GUITAR!!!

[@theywontfindme1471]

Thank you for this podcast

[@YohaneRockett]

Nice! I saw you in Germany with Danzig in Bielefeld.

[@SlobZombie]

Damn fine episode I'm still obsessed with White Zombie and totallywish there was a music scene like that nowadays. The raw unique sounds and visuals is legendary. J. for sure has got a room in the house that Iommi built for Riff Masters

[@fantomas6196]

You have to make a part 2 I'm sure hes has more great stories.

[@goathair33]

I met J in the 90s at a show for the band Triple Fast Action Thanksgiving weekend in Chicago, he was standing next to me & for some reason looked familiar, i finally had to ask if his name was J by any chance? He was in town visiting his family for the holiday. He signed my ticket stub with the “J”. 🤘

[@Mickcotton]

Jay is Absolutely A Legend. Thank You 🙏 So Much for All Your Music. 🤘🤘✅

[@bedooanddadoo9226]

Jay is one of the most bad ass dudes I've heard . Rob is so crazy to have ended it . If it wasn't for Jay and Shuen Yuelts then zombie would never be where he is now. I dont know much about the drummer John but the band was magic . Love ya Jay.

[@elduderino4579]

Sean Yseult 😉..... yeah that bands riffs were killer!

[@johnkarnaghon6055]

Ivan deprume was the drummer white zombie became famous with

[@johnkarnaghon6055]

...in fact ivan lives about 4 miles from me here in the great northwest

[@porminuto7665]

The "other drummer John" is John Tempesta. He arrived from Testment and after WZ played with Prong, Tommy Iommy, Helmet among others. A fun fact is his brother (Mike) was the guitar player of Powerman 5000, the band in which Rob Zombie's brother (Spider One) is the vocal.

[@anthonymckinney8173]

This is the most epic podcast I've ever heard. ❤❤❤ #myidol #jyuenger

[@glynne.cicada]

Thanx for this!!! :) X

[@Lol_Pig]

Being in NOLA, I'm surprised he didn't jam out with the Down guys

[@dovleac]

Sexorcisto is my favorite album of all time. I also like to travel, I've been to a few places and know the importance. Too much of our lives are repetitive. When I get enough money I like to take at least a month away from my normal life, if not longer.

[@manzchello4752]

Rob Zombie, wtf are you thinking? We sure could use White Zombie back together again!

[@scottisitt]

This was great! Really enjoyed this.

[@captainhuckleberry7428]

la sexorcisto is one of those albums that I'll listen to the whole album, cover to cover, still after all these years

[@paulnash2027]

Great interview

[@jdessell]

I used to live down the street from the studio he worked at on Piety Street in New Orleans.

[@kf7721]

Saw at Irvine meadows they were opener band before Anthrax. Maybe 93

[@afrolund80]

What an awesome guy! I totally expected his expat story to be about not wanting to pay taxes or something. As a dirt poor Infantry veteran it really grinds my gears when rich people cry about having to contribute. But there ain't nothing more American than leaving a shitty circumstance to make a better life!

[@bryanfrombuffalo7685]

That and smells like teen spirit are probably thee riffs of the 90s

[@zaknolan7562]

I wish this interviewer would just let J talk every once in awhile

[@chesspunk489]

I deleted my facebook 2 years ago and don't use any social media. It really does feel great.

[@dakotawinston7677]

Killer goddamn ending Segway!

[@xx7secondsxx]

HELLSCHYEAS!!! Was like #138 on the 👍 🤘🎸🤘🎸🤘🎸🤘💚🖤💚🖤💚

[@soilworker3]

Love the story about cleaning up the appearance because of all the trouble it caused in airports. Jason Newsted said that's why the Metallica guys cut their hair all those years ago, makes sense!

[@TheTribe666]

Is there any chance did you ever join back for a reunion with white zombie just wondering if you ever feel like it was owed to the fans and all I want him to come back I appreciate everything you’ve done and the life you live now it’s awesome but a yeah a reunion will be much appreciated especially to all the fans ,will that ever to be Consideration ?

[@joesmith9216]

WZ was not a band with a genre!!!!! it's cool how every single type of rock/metal/underground fan is into them, they are legends for that too. It even appeared back in their prime some pop/mtv heads were into them.

[@fasteddie777666]

He went to get his haircut at NERGAL'S barber shop !!!...I BET !!!

[@bonsummers2657]

at 38:00,…. Reagain was 80 to 88,… or through January 1989

[@johnnymindfunk]

but the hangover lasted for a few years.

[@dukeljk2191]

Ronald Reagan years were great for most people . Maybe for people who can't spell Reagan it was bad.

[@lairofhorrors1756]

Rob Zombie's music is Garbage compared to White Zombie! Its ridiculous he broke up the band for his techno garbage!

[@Sam-bd3qr]

51:24

[@NecropsY1]

No questions about AMPS guitars ? Influences _ ??? bad interview

[@higgpigg4326]

2 years worth of playing in a band and set for life,poor people

[@GTRrocker84]

It’s insane to me that he quit music after being in white zombie.

[@bharmon1980]

It bothers me a lot when a person wears a band t shirt and doesn't even know of what it is. I grew up on music big time in the 90s. We called people who used band shirts for fashion posers.

[@joeyferguson840]

Posers.....yep. Fuck trends.....we're all about the trendkill. Thats part of what made J so good. He developed his own sound.....style. A true leader who never followed. Don't be that guy......don't be that guy who wears a t shirt of the band you're going to see

[@toma.4808]

And with that youll find most bands dont give a fuck they sold a shirt got their cut and now someone advertised their brand

[@snorgisborg2]

44:17

[@gilligan80]

Theres rhythm guitarists and there's rhythmic guitarists.... two of the best riffs ever are thunder kiss 65 and children of the grave... even though that is black sabbath the first time I ever heard it was nativity in black and was played by j.... I'm 41 and grew up to metallica megadeth and slayer.... I was the guy who fast forwarded the solos though... yawn

[@allenwilhelm7799]

I wonder if every older generation has been as convinced that "the music of the kids" is as objectively horrible as I see today's music cuz jfc it's bad.

[@AdolfStalin]

Loved him in WZ and Rights Of The Accused. Too bad I'm too poor to travel

[@destro513]

You can get round trip plane tickets for like 80 bucks right now. You don't have to be rich to move about. Infact it's more normal to be broke and travel. What keeps you rooted? Kids, child support, house payment... What skills do you have that transfer from city to town if you need to stop and work for a few days or weeks. It's not that hard. The most difficult part is making the choice to sell most of your stuff and break the lifetime of training and normalization of renting an apartment and working a crappy job.