Dennis Diamond on the Music Business

In the music business there are many unsung heroes. While the bands may get the glory its the folks behind the scenes that truly get things done. One of those men behind the scenes is Dennis Diamond. Dennis Diamond is the guitar tech of guitarist Vernon Reid. Reid is best known for his fret work in the ground breaking rock band Living Colour. Living Colour recently played the annual NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) convention this past February and I got the chance to hang with Mr. Diamond and pick his brain about being the behind the scenes go to guy for some of the best musicians in the world.

Associated Content: Dennis how long been playing guitar and performing?
Dennis Diamond: I started playing guitar at 13. Prior to that, I was playing drums starting at age 5. My interest in guitar grew from listening to two albums; Zephyr's self titled album (Tommy Bolin was the guitarist), and Can't Buy A Thrill, Steely Dan's first album (Denny Dias and Skunk Baxter were the guitarists). I joined my first band at 14, playing in the house band of a bar in Brooklyn, NY.

They needed a rhythm guitarist and additional singer. The band was unique in that everyone in the band was under 16. However, we were not exposed to any corruptive behavior, like alcohol and drugs (we weren't offered any), and we were subjected to periodic report card checks; if anyone was failing in school, they weren't allowed to perform until their grades improved... and they were serious! The other unique thing about the band (Golden Fleece) was the ability to learn the songs of the day quickly and accurately.