Ep482: Dez Cadena - Flag, Black Flag, Misfits and more

Ep482: Dez Cadena - Flag, Black Flag, Misfits and more

Author: The Vinyl Guide January 13, 2025 Duration: 1:10:10

Former Black Flag singer/guitarist Dez Cadena traces his path from being the son of a jazz record producer to becoming a pivotal figure in the LA punk scene, discussing the records, rare recordings and eyewitness accounts in the formation of LA punk rock culture.

Topics Include:

  • Interview start, brief discussion of The Saints and Chris Bailey's passing
  • Dez discovered Australian punk through Music Plus record store
  • Early exposure to Ramones, The Damned, and The Saints
  • Describes discovering Radio Birdman alongside The Saints
  • Compares Radio Birdman's sound to Blue Öyster Cult
  • Discusses early AC/DC fandom, specifically Bon Scott era
  • Father Ozzie Cadena was record producer for jazz labels
  • Family moved from New Jersey to California
  • Father had connection to Lighthouse Cafe jazz venue
  • Dez's childhood exposure to music through father's record store
  • Father's recording techniques using minimal microphone setups
  • Connection to Rudy Van Gelder's recording studio
  • Father recorded blues artists like Lightnin' Hopkins
  • Received first drum kit as child from father
  • Influenced by TV show Hee Haw's multi-instrumental performers
  • Father encouraged guitar learning over other instruments
  • Father's reaction to Dez joining Black Flag
  • Met Ron Reyes at garage sale playing punk records
  • First encounter with Black Flag (then called Panic)
  • Discusses early Black Flag recording sessions and demos
  • Explains Louie Louie single release on Posh Boy Records
  • Details Thirsty and Miserable Licorice Pizza promotional record
  • Discusses relationship with Black Flag after leaving band
  • Explains circumstances of Ron Reyes leaving Black Flag
  • Describes chaotic Louie Louie performance after Reyes quit
  • Discusses transition from singing to playing guitar
  • Mentions potential singers considered before Henry Rollins
  • Keith Morris briefly returning for one show
  • Current Flag project and Punk Rock Bowling festival
  • Discusses Punk Rock Museum and giving tours
  • Mentions Johnny Thunders' guitar and other museum exhibits
  • Recommends The Schizophonics band
  • Promotes his current band Dondo
  • Mentions producing 3rd Rate band's recent record

See Dez at the Punk Rock Museum - Tickets here

Commercial free, high resolution verion of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0
Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
Podcast Episodes
Ep508: Forming The Germs - Chris Ashford of What Records [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:37
Chris Ashford of What Records? discusses releasing the first LA punk single "Forming" by the Germs, rarities, tapes, memories of Darby Crash and early punk scene stories. Topics Include: Chris Ashford founded What Record…
Ep507: Milo Re-Enrolls in College - Descendents Reclaim Their Legacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:59
Descendents have reclaimed their music catalog with pre-orders of 'Milo Goes To College' starting today - Bill and Milo give us updates on ALL, FLAG, new music and more. Topics Include: "Milo Goes to College" reissue ann…
Ep506: Craig Ferguson - Comedian, Actor, TV Host & Music Fanatic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:29
Comedian, Actor, Author Craig Ferguson discusses his early punk days, making music and comedy records, avoiding David Bowie and many musical moments that influenced his path. Topics Include: Discussion begins about Craig…
Ep500: Ed Colver - The Eye of LA Punk - Crackpot Record Collector [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:55
Ed Colver discusses his iconic punk rock photography career, including shooting legendary album covers like Black Flag's "Damaged" and Circle Jerks' "Group Sex," as well as his passion for collecting strange "crackpot re…
Ep500: Fred Schneider of The B-52s - Record Collector [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:14
Fred Schneider of The B-52s discusses his massive 10,000+ record collection while sharing stories about the B-52's early days, the original "Rock Lobster" single, vinyl reissues and new boxset. Topics Include: Massive re…
Ep500: Brett Gurewitz - Epitaph Records, Bad Religion & more [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:47
Epitaph founder Brett Gurewitz discusses rare records, early Bad Religion releases, the lasting impact of "Suffer", format transitions, and staying relevant through punk's evolution and vinyl's revival. Topics Include: B…
Ep500: Billy F Gibbons - Vinyl, Vintage Guitars, and Music History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:46
Billy Gibbons shares his lifelong passion for collecting vinyl records and vintage guitars, from his first Jimmy Reed single to his legendary "Pearly Gates" Les Paul, revealing the stories behind iconic instruments and r…
Ep500: Billy Corgan - Record Collector [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:09
Billy Corgan discusses his unconventional record collecting philosophy while revealing the complex saga behind the Machina albums, the 25 legendary vinyl copies, the upcoming Machines of God boxset, Mellon Collie vinyl r…