| L.O.C. and Happenin Harry |

Here's what our own Jason Lee (LOC) said about Harry: "A rare find in L.A....someone who actually GIVES A DAMN about the rock scene and works his ass off for it. I have played almost a dozen shows with him over the last several months, and EVERY one was a great time. I've learned a lot from him, and look forward, VERY MUCH, to bringing Loss Of Control to LAS VEGAS to gig with the Haptones."

Chelle: Ok, Harry, first, I'd like to start off by saying congratulations on 17 years clean and sober. That's a great accomplishment, especially in the business you're in. For my readers that may not be familiar with you, please give us some background on yourself. What bands have you been in?

Jimmy Fallon, Harry, Dizzy, and John Corabi

Harry, Cinderella lead vocalist Tom Keefer (White Guitar), and Jonni Jade of Toxic Twist (in background)

• 
  THE WANKERS (With Phil Campbell of Motorhead ~ Nick Menza of Megadeth)
  THE "4" DUDES (With Billy Sheehan ~ Ray Luzier of Army of Anyone ~ Brian Young & Toshi Hiketa of David Lee Roth's Band)
  FAUCET (With Nigel Mogg of The London Quireboys....later replaced by Pete Way of UFO)
  THEE BLACK SABBATH TRIBUTE BAND (With Dave "The Beast" Spitz of Black Sabbath ~ Eric Singer & Bruce Kulick of KISS) There are many more.....

Happenin' Harry and Isabelle

Chelle: How did you get involved in the music business?

Harry: Well, my entire family, on my dad's side, was in the entertainment industry. They were celebs back in the Golden age of film. My grandfather Bobby Harrison taught Betty Grable, Tommy Rahl, Bobby Van, Ann Miller how to dance. My uncle Jimmy Thompson was Gene Kelly's "Dance In", which meant everything Gene did, my uncle would have to do so they could set the lighting. Then he went on to star in some movies...."Singin' In The Rain, Brigadoon, etc". They were very popular "back in the day". My grandfather was also head of choreography at MGM, Paramount, etc.... My grandfather was always "Mr. Business" when I was growing up. I guess I inherited his strength with doing business. He was tough! hahahaha Some people say I am? You should have met Bobby Harrison! hahahaha He started doing Vaudeville......and even was partners and had an act with Henny Youngman. The Three Stooges used to open for my grandfather! How cool is that!? hahaha Back then they were called "The Howard Brothers". Anyway...I was born into the business, and learned as I went along. Does that answer the question? hhahahaha

Chelle: I heard your buddy, Dizzy Reed was discovered by Axl Rose while jamming with you. Is that true?

Happenin' Harry, Jerry, and Dizzy

Photo by Jenni Jayde

Chelle: I was told to ask you about doing the set closer, Burn by Deep Purple, at NAMM a couple years ago with Ray Luzier, Toshi Hikeda and Billy Sheehan. How was that?

Harry: WOW! You know your trivia! hahahaha
THAT WAS ONE OF THE COOLEST THINGS EVER!
I remember, I had hosted a benefit the night before for www.ravensheart.org, and I was running late to that gig. Dear friend, Michael Kenney (Keyboardist & crew for Iron Maiden) kept up with communications between me and Billy. I had to drive to Orange County from the Valley, and Michael would check in every 10 minutes......"Billy goes on in 10 minutes.......Billy is on stage........Billy said you have 30 minutes to get here......." Then, when I pulled up security opens the ropes and let's me drive on, and there's Michael holding a VERY close VIP parking spot for me as I pulled in. I get out of the car, lock the car...and, within a couple of seconds.....there's a laminate around my neck and Michael is leading me through the back stage door to the stage! So, I'm hanging backstage with my friends Tina, and her fiancé...Mike from Disturbed.... people are rushing up to me, getting me water, etc.. I was like..."I thought this was only a jam??" I was expecting maybe a couple hundred people hangin' out for the Sabian Party. WRONG! hahaha...I peek through the curtain, and as Billy and Ray give me the "thumbs up"....I see what appeared to be like two thousand people in this ballroom! hahaha. Then, Billy introduces me, and come out and people are crushed to the stage, goin' crazy!! Then we played Burn and the place went even crazier! That was a VERY cool experience. Thanks to Ray, Billy, Toshi, and Sabian for havin' me.

Leif Garrett and Harry

Harry: Gilda Radner & Gene Wilder. I know you said one, but they were together. This was in the 80's, and I was eating at Ed Dibevic's in Beverly Hills. My friend and I were the only 2 people there. Then 30 minutes goes by and I hear the most "lively" laughter I have ever heard in my life. I looked to see what the hell was going on, and it was Gilda & Gene at the counter eating with some friends. I was so nervous, but had to go say hello. They were the sweetest couple I have ever seen in my life and they were so nice to me. Gilda, in her sweet voice, said....."Harry, bless your heart darlin'" as I walked away.

Chelle: So you've been around Hollywood for quite a while...Any funny celebrity encounters you can tell us about?

Harry: I should write a book! hahahaha There are TONS! I've met just about everyone I have ever wanted to meet, so you'd have to be a little more specific on this one. hahahaha

Chelle: If you could jam with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Harry: I know this seems a little different....hahahaha. But, if I have to be completely honest, I would do anything to be able to sing with The Spinners....JUST ONCE! If it weren't for The Spinners, I wouldn't have the range I have as a vocalist. They don't know this, but they were the best vocal coaches I have ever had.

Chelle: What is your opinion of today's music scene, and where do you think its headed next?

Harry and adult film star Kat

Harry: hahahaha. Oh shit, here we go. No. I'm not married. Almost was a couple of times though. hahaha Well, I cannot say who I am seeing. And, I cannot explain why. hahahaha But, yes, I am seeing someone. We are just having fun right now, and we'll see where that goes. We live in different cities, so that leaves plenty of time for the both of us to work on our own stuff. BUT...when we see each other! HOLY MOLY! hahaha PUT AWAY THE KITCHEN UTENSILS ! As far as kids...... I may have one actually. From a high school girlfriend. But, I spent years trying to find out if was actually the father. After 10 years of flying around, and calling....I gave up. If this person is my child, then he will contact me when he is old enough, and we'll check our DNA then. If it "is" true, then I will welcome my child with open arms. If "not" then, we can be best friends :) I exhausted every effort trying to find the mother. I even contacted the grandparents. The last I heard, the grandparents have custody, and the mother is in jail. The grandparents are not interested in me knowing if this child is mine. I did try for years though. I even sent them money.

Chelle: What ring tone do you have on your cell phone?

Harry: I have two phones...... One ringer is....."Desperate But Not Serious" by Adam Ant. The other ringer is......."Ant Music" By Adam Ant

Chelle: What's in your pockets right now?

Harry Chokes Kat

Chelle: What's the craziest thing you've ever done?

Harry: You gotta be kidding me? hahahaha There's been MANY things! I have held onto a car driving down The Sunset Strip while beating the driver in the face. I've taken 13 hits of acid in the same night. I have shot at safari animals standing on the hood of a car downtown Chicago. I've had sex in a tree. All of these were done under the influence, except the sex. hahahaha I do NOT party any longer though. Now, you can see why. hahahaha I'm lucky to be alive.

Chelle: What's the weirdest thing that's ever happened at one of your gigs?

Harry: Hmmmm? Weird? I'd have to say.....I have had blackouts while singing. Not from booze or drugs, but my vision sometimes gets consumed with a distorted view. The best way to put it is.....it seems like my whole view looks like someone is pouring a box of marbles over my face. Does this make sense? And, then it takes about 15 seconds, after dizziness, to regain my composure. I usually just stand still and wait for it to end.....if I move or walk any direction, my equilibrium goes to hell, and I fall. I'm sure some have seen this occur, but just thought is was a part of the show. HAHAHAHA

Chelle: When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Harry: Well, when I was in grammar school, I was going to go into Seminary to be a priest, and an English teacher. But, I ended up getting into the best High School in the Midwest, so I went a different route. Then, I got into the entertainment industry.

Chelle: What was the first concert you ever attended? How old were you?

Harry: The Spinners, Adam Ant, UFO, Ronnie James Dio, Michael Schenker, The Scorpions, Jellyfish, David Bowie, The Beach Boys, Ian Gillan, Black Sabbath, The Cult, Foreigner, Ministry, Metal, Funk, Disco, Pop......

Chelle: If you hadn't been a musician, what do you suppose you would have been instead?

Harry: An actor, and actually have done some acting.

Chelle: Anything we might have seen?

Harry and CC DeVille

Photo by Jenni Jayde

Chelle: My site is about Van Halen fans, so I need to throw in a few Van Halen related questions.... Have you met or jammed with any of them before?

Harry: Yes. I've met Michael, Eddie, Alex, and Gary through Scotty Ross. I have met David Lee Roth through C.C. DeVille & Bobby Dahl. (What a night that was! We partied for maybe 48 hours! hahaha Back in the day.) I have never met Sammy. I would LOVE to jam with any members of Van Halen! Actually, Billy Sheehan, Mike Portnoy, Paul Gilbert, and Gary Cherone will be doing a show in Chicago on Tuesday, May 30th. I heard they will be stopping by our show in Chicago the same night after they are done.
So....Never say never! hahaha

Chelle: Do you prefer Dave or Sammy?

Harry: I like them both for different reasons. To me..."my" Van Halen will always be with Dave, because that's what I grew up with, and that's what I remember. HOWEVER, VH had some great songs with Sammy. Ya can't take that away from any artist. I do have to say that, Diamond Dave is one of the BEST frontmen that have ever lived. He is a living legend.

Chelle: What's your opinion of their current situation? Do you think they'll ever tour again?

Harry: I have no idea. Who's to say? It's been so long I can't even think of "yes" or "no". Hey guys! Get me to sing, and we'll be on tour this summer!

Chelle: If you could have one super power what would it be? And why?

Harry: The power to heal any medical condition. Why? To save the lives of those who do not deserve to die.

Chelle: What's in the future for you?

Harry: Singin' a little tour with Johnny Kelly of Type O Negative, Jeff Duncan of Armored Saint, Rowan Robertson of Dio, and Don Rutherford of The Dizzy Reed Band. We are playin' some shows in the midwest at the end of May....early July. COME OUT AND HANG ! (Ed. Note: Interview done in April, 2006)

Chelle: Anything else you'd like to mention that I haven't asked about?

Harry: My grandmother is the BEST, and the GREATEST, friend anyone could ever have! I love you Gram!

Photo by Katie Klose

Website:
http://happeninharry.com/

MySpace URL:
http://www.myspace.com/happeninharry