Bonfire’s bio describes them as “a high energy tribute to AC/DC based in the Los Angeles area. Their musicianship and show brings you closer to seeing early AC/DC like never before. They have been praised by fans and critics for their energy, sound and true interpretation of early AC/DC.”
Their performance can only be described as “simply incredible” topped off with some of the best musicianship LA has to offer. In fact, they’re a MUST-SEE ACT!
Their music career has taken them from many prestigious clubs in and around the Hollywood area, to Ojai’s Classic Rock Festival, and even overseas to the annual concert THE BIG BALL in Wrexham, Wales.
This year AAM is excited to announce that BONFIRE will be headlining the official “Rock the Toy Box VIII” Toys For Tots benefit produced by GreenStock Productions in conjunction with the US Marines. “Rock the Toy Box VIII” is being hosted once again at Harper’s Bar and Grille, 19333 Business Center Dr., Northridge, CA 91324.
“Rock the ToyBox VIII” will feature Bonfire and 6 more bands and will be held on Saturday, Dec. 1st. It’s an ALL AGES show. Doors will open at 7 PM, and admission 1 NEW unwrapped toy valued at $10.00 or more!
To get all you AC/DC lovers fired up, we asked Steve Pandol of Bonfire a couple questions.
AAM: What surprises do you have in store for your fans at Harper’s for the “Rock the Toy Box” benefit?
Steve Pandol of Bonfire: First, we would like to say thank you for having us play the event. It is a great cause and we hope everyone comes out to support it. We plan on giving a kickin’ show! We always try to put out high energy, and with classic AC/DC, you can’t go wrong! And who knows, we may play a song we haven’t played before or at least one we haven’t played in a long time.
AAM: Bonfire is in fact a band that truly pays homage to the band AC/DC. When and how did Bonfire first form? How soon after forming did you start playing out?
Bonfire: I began putting the band together in about mid-2000. It took awhile to find the right people for the project, so we didn’t start playing until the summer of 2001. Our vocalist and myself are the only original members of the band. I found him when he called an old ad I had placed in a local music magazine. It’s kind of weird because after auditioning so many singers I was ready to throw in the towel and not place any more ads. At the same time, Sean found the old ad and decided to check it out. The rest is history. The drummer and bassist I have known for a long time, as we are all part of the same group of musician friends. Our guitarist (Malcolm) and I met when our bands played together a couple of times. He also worked at an amp shop I would frequent.
AAM: Please tell our readers the members of Bonfire and their roles.
Bonfire: I’m Steve Pandol and I play Angus Young (guitar), Sean Mulvihill is our Bon Scott (vocals), James Pulli is our Cliff Williams (bass), Forrest Everett is our Phil Rudd (drums) and last but not least is Sean Colligan, who is our Malcolm Young (guitar).
AAM: Your band members truly do look and even take on the roles of the AC/DC rockers themselves. Did you go looking for musicians who best represented AC/DC, or was this just a coincidence?
Bonfire: When I first looked for musicians to play in the band, I searched for players that were good on their instrument and easy to work with, more so than if they looked the part. So, yeah you could say it was coincidence.
AAM: Besides the performances mentioned above, are there any other incredible places or stages you have performed on – or want to?
Bonfire: There have been many great stages, but what makes performing incredible is the fans who come to see the show. We have had great audiences, and we really feed off of that energy. Some of the stages we have played have been the House of Blues Anaheim and Hollywood, The Canyon Club and The Tucson Fairgrounds.
AAM: What makes Bonfire different from other bands paying tribute to AC/DC?
Bonfire: I think we really have the whole package, and that’s what makes us unique. Our vocalist really took on the look and he sounds great. The people in Wales went nuts when he walked out on stage and sang. Second, I try to do the act as close as possible to Angus. It’s not easy to move like he does and play at the same time, but I have worked on it for over 7 years. Third, guitar tone is everything in an AC/DC song, so we do our best to recreate that Marshall sound of the ‘70s. Lastly and most importantly, we have some great musicians in the band. If the music doesn’t sound good, no one will want to see you.
AAM: What is on the horizon for Bonfire?
Bonfire: We want to do more album shows. I think our next one will be playing “Powerage” in its entirety. There are some great Bon Scott songs we still haven’t played but want to. We hope to play out more in the future in different parts of the US and the world, and that’s what we are always working on.
AAM: Have you thought of releasing a CD? If so, when?
Bonfire: We have thought about it and are exploring it more, though we don’t know when one will be put out.
AAM: What’s the best way for your fans and talent buyers to keep up with tour and gig dates?
Bonfire: The best way to contact us and for show dates is through our web site, which is www.LABonfire.com. You can also contact us through www.MySpace.com/LABonfire.
AAM: Is there anything you’d like to say to our readers?
Bonfire: First, we want to say a big thank you to all of the fans that come to see us. We really appreciate the support. If it weren’t for you coming to share the classic music of AC/DC with us, we wouldn’t be doing it. You are the ones that keep us going. Also, please come out to Harper’s to support the less fortunate by bringing a toy, and enjoy a great show at the same time. We look forward to seeing you there.
A Bonfire show is truly amazing to see, especially for anyone who just wants to rock out and have a good time. Their incredible act focuses on the Bon Scott era, performing songs the audience can’t but help but sing along with. So what’s NOT to like about having a great time with a great tribute band paying homage to one of the greatest bands of all time?
Please join us in believing “Every Child Deserves A Little Christmas.” With YOUR help children of our community will wake Christmas morning still believing in Santa Claus…! Hope to see you ALL at Harper’s Saturday December 1st. More info here.
