From an interview with Chad Berndtson, published by JamBase on May 12:



JAMBASE: Karl, you know I have to ask about The Rolling Stones. How did you get the call?

KD: Lenny Kravitz. Lenny was having dinner with Mick [Jagger] in London and that’s when he found out that Bobby [Keys] was sick. His first thought was to call me, and he did. It was a surprise call from Lenny -- I get a call from him maybe once a year, sometimes two years, so it was kind of a shock. He put me in the mix, and they liked what I had done before, and we talked it up, and I said O.K., and two weeks later, I’m on my way to Australia.

JAMBASE: What has this experience been like for you?

KD: You know, it’s cool. The whole experience, even now, sitting here, talking to you about it, it’s surreal. I’m still not quite over the shock of it. You play with The Rolling Stones, you play in front of 50,000 people. But I’m not thinking about the audience, I’m thinking, I’m on stage with the friggin’ Rolling Stones. That’s the crazy part. I’m looking out and Jagger, [Keith] Richards, Charlie Watts, these guys are watching me play.

JAMBASE: Did you know any of The Stones or the extended band members before?

KD: None, actually.

JAMBASE: And you will be part of the touring band for The Stones’ U.S. tour this year, correct?

KD: Yes.

JAMBASE: What is the day-to-day experience like? How much interaction do you have with Mick and Keith and the rest of the band?

KD: I’m one of the guys. I’m in the band. They work really hard -- they’re not standing around chit-chatting, telling stories. But during breaks I’ll go over and hang out with Keith or Charlie or Ronnie [Wood] and talk about stuff. Mick is a little bit more business. He’s always doing something. He comes in, he rehearses with a purpose, and when he’s done, he’s done. He’s not really hanging out. I mean, he’s doing choreography, he’s coming up with bits, he’s just a super workhorse when he’s out there. When we have our end of tour party, though, he’s hanging out. It’s all awesome.

JAMBASE: Any thoughts you’d like to share on Bobby Keys?

KD: My biggest regret is not getting to hang out with him. I feel like I’m in this chair now, and I’m suited for it because I’ve been such a big fan for 40 years and I’ve studied the work he did. I had such a big interest in what he brought to the table. So my biggest sadness was not being able to convey that personally.

JAMBASE: When in rehearsal or when the shows started, did the band give you much direction or is it more, “Do your thing, Karl?”

KD: Yeah, it’s do your thing. Mick heard my stuff before so he knew what I played like. We did “Sticky Fingers” a few years ago with Anders [Osborne] and I sent him our version of “Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’.” He knew I had a certain amount of reverence for the material.

[www.jambase.com]

That's great stuff. I've never heard him play. Should be interesting. You gotta do your own thing. You cant try to imitate Bobby.

Cool little interview. What it would be like to be in his shoes. Actually on stage playing with the Stones. Must be far out!

He seems like a genuinely nice guy. Looking forward to hearing him play.

he's very well spoken and modest...a great fit for the unfortunate way he's had to join the group.

This guy is cooler than cool.

Quote
Gfmsoccer
That's great stuff. I've never heard him play. Should be interesting. You gotta do your own thing. You cant try to imitate Bobby.

Just listen to the boots and You tube videos of the last tour. he sounds great.

Cool ....



ROCKMAN

Nice interview. Thanks for posting, BBJ.

Great post, Johnny!

Here's Karl doing Brown Sugar down under, Gfmsoccer:

Interesting interview, he seems to be the ideal successor to Bobby - thanks.

Thanks for posting.

Nice
Thanks

(LOL... at first I thought "sit in" referred to 60s style protest.)

Quote
schillid
Nice
Thanks

(LOL... at first I thought "sit in" referred to 60s style protest.)

Me too...a cute play on words there for the article title.

Thanks bye bye johnny, good stuff here.

Interesting. Thanks for posting.

What a nice guy - he dresses almost as cool as Charlie.

Thanks for sharing.

Quote
latebloomer

Quote
schillid

I thought "sit in" referred to 60s style protest.

Me too...

... or 1980s or 2010s ...

Can't wait to see his band on July 4th at midnight in Chicago!