Wikipedia

Todd Kerns

Todd "Dammit" Kerns is a Canadian rock musician who has worked with several bands, most notably The Age of Electric. He is currently the bass guitarist and backing vocalist for Slash[1] in the band Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators.[2] He's also the lead vocalist for the band Blackbird Angels, which he co-founded with Tracii Guns.

Todd Kerns
Kerns performing with Slash in 2015
Kerns performing with Slash in 2015
Background information
Born (1967-12-05) December 5, 1967 (age 56)
Estevan, Saskatchewan Canada
GenresHard rock, heavy metal
OccupationMusician
Instrument(s)Bass guitar, vocals, guitar
Years active1983–present
Member of
Formerly of
Websitetoddkerns.com

Career

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1989–2000: The Age of Electric etc.

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Kerns fronted and played guitar in the hard rock band The Age of Electric, with his brother John Kerns on bass, Ryan Dahle on guitar, backing vocals, and Kurt Dahle on drums and backing vocals. The band's most successful release was 1997's Make a Pest a Pet. The album produced the radio rock hit "Remote Control", which peaked at No. 9 on the singles chart in Canada[3] and resulted in the album being certified gold in Canada in 1998.[4] The song "Remote Control" was later put on MuchMusic's diamond certified compilation album, Big Shiny Tunes 2.[5]

In 1997 Kerns provided background vocals for Matthew Good Band's album Underdogs on the songs "Rico" and "Everything Is Automatic"[6] In 1999 he again provided background vocals for the Matthew Good Band on their album Beautiful Midnight, on the songs "Hello Time Bomb", and "Born to Kill".

For 99.3 CFOX's Year of the Fox compilation at Bryan Adams' Warehouse Studio in 1999, Kerns, along with Bif Naked, Trevor Hurst, Matthew Good, Craig Northey, Neil Osborne, Ashwin Sood, Brain Minato, recorded a cover of Prince's "1999".[7][8]

2000–2009: Static in Stereo, Go Time, Faster Pussycat, Sin City Sinners

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Kerns formed the group Static in Stereo with his brothers John and Ryan, and drummer Scott McCargar. The group performed at the Snow Jam festival in Halifax in 2001.[9] They released a self-titled album in 2002. The band was nominated for a Canadian Radio Music Award for "Best New Group" in 2002.[10]

In 2004, Kerns released his first rock solo record Go Time,[11] recorded with members of Zuckerbaby, Static in Stereo and Bif Naked.[11] The next year Kerns produced Britt Black's solo album Blackout.[12][13]

In 2007, Kerns joined Brent Muscat and Faster Pussycat for their European tour.[14] The same year he formed Sin City Sinners[15] with Brent Muscat.[16] Kerns recorded four studio albums with The Sin City Sinners.[17] The band is known for performing sets of hard rock covers and new originals.[18]

2010–2013: Slash, Apocalyptic Love, etc.

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In 2010 Kerns,[19] along with Brent Fitz, Myles Kennedy, and Bobby Schneck, joined Slash on the tour supporting his self titled record.[20][21]

The band also recorded a live concert entitled Made in Stoke 24/7/11[22] The album was recorded at Victoria Hall in Slash's English birthplace of Stoke-on-Trent, and was released as a double-disc concert set.[23]

Apocalyptic Love was the first of the Slash albums featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators albums. Kerns provided bass and background vocals[24] for this album, which was released on May 22, 2012.[25] The touring line up changed with Frank Sidoris[26] replacing Bobby Schneck on rhythm guitar. The album featured the single "You're a Lie",[27] which hit No. 1 on the active rock music charts in Canada.[28] This record was certified gold in Australia[29] New Zealand,[30] and Poland,[31] and went silver in the UK[32]

2013–2015: World on Fire, album and tour, etc.

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Kerns performing with Slash in Bulgaria in 2015

World on Fire, Slash's second studio album, again featured Kerns, Fitz and Kennedy. This time the record was recorded with Michael "Elvis" Baskette.[33] The album sold around 29,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 10 on The Billboard 200 chart.[34] The feature single off this album was "World on Fire". The song reached the number one spot on Billboards Mainstream Rock Songs.[23] This tour lasted from July 9, 2014[35] until December 31, 2015.[36] The record was certified silver in the UK[37]

In 2013, Kerns joined fellow Canadians, Brent Fitz, and Chris Jericho in the Canadian cover band Coverboy.[38]

Kerns released his first acoustic record Borrowing Trouble in 2014.[39] That year he was voted by Loudwire readers as the 2014 Bassist of the Year in the 4th Annual Loudwire Music Awards.[40] In December 2015 Kerns played guitar for Michael Monroe[41]

2016–2017: Toque, The Age of Electric, live DVD, Kiss Kruise, etc.

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In 2016, Kerns joined Brent Fitz, and Cory Churko in the Canadian cover band Toque.[42] Toque played the 2018 Juno Fest and walked the red carpet.[43] He also released a studio album TKO with Reed Shimozawa (from Zuckerbaby)[44] in 2016.[45]

Kerns appeared in two of Michael Sweet's music videos[46] in 2017. In May that year he joined with People for Animals at The Basement Nashville for a charity show raising over $10,000 for spaying and neutering of animals in the area.[47]

In 2017 Kerns and the rest of The Age of Electric did a cross country 20th anniversary reunion tour.[48] Kerns also joined the cast of Raiding the Rock Vault for the 2017 run in Branson, Missouri.[49] He was also a part of the 1000 show celebrations in Las Vegas.[50]

In 2017, Kerns released his first live DVD Live at the B-side Lounge Toronto.[51] Guitar World Magazine awarded Kerns with the Platinum Award for his 2017 Prestige Todd "Dammit" Kerns Anti-Star VI[52] guitar.

In 2017, Kerns joined Bob and Bruce Kulick on the Kiss Kruise 2017, after appearing on Bob's solo record Skeletons in the Closet[53][54] Late that year he performed with Dizzy Reed's (from Guns and Roses) side project Hookers & Blow.[55]

2018–2019: Living the Dream, Kiss Kruise, B.C. Entertainment Walk of Fame, etc.

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June 17 Slash announced the "Living the Dream 2018" tour.[56] On July 25 the single "Driving Rain" was released;[57] the album was released in September 2018.[58]

Kerns joined Brent Fitz, Zach Throne and Bruce Kulick on the Kiss Kruise[59] Decades at Sea.[60]

In 2018, Kerns received a star on the B.C. Entertainment Walk of Fame,[61][62] and appeared in the independent film "The Whiskey Man and the Rider".[63]

2020–2022: Minefield, podcast and Slash's "4"

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In early 2020, he released the ten-year anniversary album Exile on Fremont Street, Ten Years in Exile.[64] He was scheduled to join Bruce Kulick on the sold out "Kiss Kruise X" along with Zach Throne and Brent Fitz;[65] however, this was postponed due to COVID-19.

Later that year, he performed a solo acoustic show for Bluesfest Windsor, Windsor, Ontario,[66] and started the new hard rock band, Minefield, with Brandon Fields, Jeremy Asbrock and Matt Starr. Their debut single was called "Alone Together".[67] He also appeared on David Ellefson's album No Cover on the track "Sweet F A",[68] and then for the Starz program Heels on the track "Run to the Lightning (feat. Todd Kerns) – Coincidental Minors".[69]

In the same year he started a video series titled "Todd Kerns Talks To ..." which are conversations using video conferencing between himself and a guest from the music industry.[70]

On October 22, 2021, Slash feat. Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators released a new single entitled "The River is Rising" and revealed, through social networks, the title of their next studio album: "4". On December 3, 2021, the second single from the album was released: "Fill My World", on all digital platforms.

Todd Kerns performed on Kiss Kruise 11 (week 1 and 2) with the Bruce Kulick band[71] and the All Star Jam.

Frontiers Music Srl announced the signing of a new trio, Heroes and Monsters. Formed by three rock n' roll lifers and friends, bassist/vocalist Todd Kerns, guitarist Stef Burns, and drummer Will Hunt, the band's debut album will be released in early 2023.[72]

Todd Kerns speaks at INDIE WEEK CANADA November 11 2022.[73]

Other

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Kerns launched his own clothing line called "Dammitwear / Anti-Star designs".[74]

References

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  1. ^ "Slash and Myles Kennedy Talk New Album". Gibson. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  2. ^ "SLASH's 'Work Ethic Is Non-Stop,' Says CONSPIRATORS Bassist TODD KERNS". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. September 13, 2016. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  3. ^ "Item Display – RPM – Library and Archives Canada". October 19, 2012. Archived from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  4. ^ "Gold/Platinum – Music Canada". Music Canada. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  5. ^ "Release "Big Shiny Tunes 2" by Various Artists – MusicBrainz". musicbrainz.org. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  6. ^ "Disorientation: A Matthew Good Fansite | mattgood.plastic-soldier.com |". mattgood.plastic-soldier.com. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  7. ^ "Top 5 Prince Covers by '90s Canadian Musicians". jaded and elated. April 21, 2016. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  8. ^ Jaded and Elated (April 21, 2016), 1999 (Prince cover) from Year of the Fox, archived from the original on December 14, 2021, retrieved July 28, 2018
  9. ^ "Live: Snow Jam Halifax Citadel Hill Halifax, NS".[usurped]. Chart Attack, September 19, 2001, Review by: Ryan O'Connor
  10. ^ [1] 5th Annual Canadian Radio Music Awards Announce red-hot list of nominees – NewsNouvelles, Canadian Association of Broadcasters, January 15, 2002
  11. ^ a b "Todd Kerns Go Time". Exclaim!. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  12. ^ "Britt Black – Pop Rock from Vancouver BC". livevan.com. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  13. ^ "MorleyView: Britt Black Interview – antiMusic.com". antimusic.com. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  14. ^ "Todd Kerns Interview – Prestige Guitars Newsletter". prestigeguitars.com. Retrieved January 22, 2018.
  15. ^ FM, Player (June 11, 2009), Interview with Todd Kerns of the Sin City Sinners, retrieved July 28, 2018
  16. ^ "FASTER PUSSYCAT's TAIME DOWNE And BRENT MUSCAT Reunite For A Cause". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. November 29, 2012. Retrieved January 11, 2018.
  17. ^ "Sin City Sinners – A Look Back at the Five Releases from the Band So Far! – ZRockR Magazine". zrockr.com. January 15, 2016. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  18. ^ McMillan, Paul Andrew (February 26, 2016). "Why Cover? An Ethnographic Exploration of Identity Politics Surrounding 'Covers' and 'Originals' Music in Dunedin, New Zealand". Medianz: Media Studies Journal of Aotearoa New Zealand. 15 (1). doi:10.11157/medianz-vol15iss1id136. ISSN 2382-218X.
  19. ^ "Todd Kerns: Slash – Glide Magazine". Glide Magazine. May 10, 2011. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  20. ^ "Slash Announces "We're All Gonna Die" U.S. Tour". Goldmine Magazine. June 24, 2010. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  21. ^ SlashParadise. "Slash Solo Tour 2010–2011 | Concerts, shows and dates". slashparadise.com. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  22. ^ "Slash to release live album 'Made In Stoke 24/7/11' this autumn – NME". NME. September 15, 2011. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  23. ^ a b "Slash – Chart history | Billboard". billboard.com. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  24. ^ "Discover why it's good to be Slash". Goldmine Magazine. February 8, 2013. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  25. ^ Baltin, Steve (February 15, 2012). "Slash Talks New Album, Why He's a 'Band Guy'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  26. ^ "SLASH's 'Apocalyptic Love' Song Is 'Earth-Shattering,' Says Bassist TODD KERNS". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. March 2, 2012. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  27. ^ "Slash Bassist Todd Kerns: 'Apocalyptic Love' Title Track is 'Earth Shattering'". Guitar World. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  28. ^ Rock/alt, Canadian (May 22, 2012). "Canadian Active Rock & Alt Rock Chart Archive: Active Rock – May 22, 2012". Canadian Active Rock & Alt Rock Chart Archive. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  29. ^ "SLASH: 'Apocalyptic Love' Certified Gold In Australia". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. September 3, 2012. Retrieved July 28, 2018.
  30. ^ "NZ Top Albums Chart". Recorded Music NZ. July 16, 2012. Retrieved August 31, 2019.
  31. ^ onyx.pl, Onyx Sp. z o.o., tel. +48 572 400 000. "ZPAV :: Dla firm muzycznych – Strona główna". dfm.zpav.pl. Retrieved July 28, 2018.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  32. ^ "Brit Certified- bpi". BRIT Certified. May 29, 2015.
  33. ^ "SLASH And MYLES KENNEDY Discuss 'World On Fire' Album". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. May 27, 2014. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  34. ^ "SLASH: 'World On Fire' First-Week Chart Positions Revealed". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. September 24, 2014. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  35. ^ SlashParadise. "Slash Solo Tour 2014–2015 | Concerts, shows and dates". slashparadise.com. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  36. ^ "Slash to rock the Las Vegas House of Blues on New Year's Eve". AXS. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  37. ^ "BRIT Certified". Brit Certified – BPI. August 18, 2017.
  38. ^ "TODD KERNS Embraces Canadian Rock With COVERBOY While Working On New SLASH Album". BraveWords. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
  39. ^ "Todd Kerns | Borrowing Trouble". hardrockhaven.net. June 6, 2013. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  40. ^ "Todd Kerns Bassist of the Year – 4th Annual Loudwire Music Awards". Loudwire. February 3, 2015. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  41. ^ "TODD KERNS To Play Guitar For MICHAEL MONROE Next Month". BraveWords. Retrieved February 18, 2018.
  42. ^ "TOQUE Featuring TODD KERNS, BRENT FITZ – Debut Album Detailed". BraveWords. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  43. ^ "Todd Kerns's Toque is about as Canadian as it gets". Georgia Straight Vancouver's News & Entertainment Weekly. March 23, 2018. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
  44. ^ "Zuckerbaby | Biography & History | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  45. ^ "TODD KERNS On New TKO Album – 'Not Every Song Is Super Rowdy, But That Was The Theme'". BraveWords. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  46. ^ "Michael Sweet, 'Bizarre' – Exclusive Video Premiere". Loudwire. July 22, 2016. Retrieved January 11, 2018.
  47. ^ "Musician Todd Kerns to play benefit for People For Animals". The Tennessean. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  48. ^ "Five Questions With ... Todd Kerns of Age of Electric". FYIMusicNews. November 24, 2016. Retrieved January 16, 2018.
  49. ^ Joshua, Clark (November 7, 2017). "Branson embraces 'Raiding the Rock Vault". Brandson Lake News.
  50. ^ "TODD KERNS, JOHNNY SOLINGER Join Raiding The Rock Vault". BraveWords. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  51. ^ "TODD KERNS Launches Pledge Music Campaign For Live DVD". BraveWords. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
  52. ^ "Review: Prestige Guitars Todd 'Dammit' Kerns Anti-Star VI Signature Model". Guitar World. Retrieved January 6, 2018.
  53. ^ "How Bruce and Bob Kulick Teamed Up for Their Kiss-Themed Concert". Ultimate Classic Rock. November 13, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
  54. ^ "Bob and Bruce Kulick team up to deliver rarely played KISS classics at KISS Kruise VII – Sleaze Roxx". sleazeroxx.com. November 8, 2017. Retrieved January 10, 2018.
  55. ^ "Dizzy Reed Side Project Hookers and Blow Announce Tour Dates". Ultimate Classic Rock. November 27, 2017. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  56. ^ Kreps, Daniel (June 19, 2018). "Slash Sets Tour, New LP 'Living the Dream' With Myles Kennedy". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  57. ^ "SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS: 'Living The Dream' Artwork Unveiled; 'Driving Rain' Single Available". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. July 25, 2018. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  58. ^ "Slash Previews Driving Rain Video Recap ::Slash News ::antiMusic.com". antimusic.com. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
  59. ^ "KISS Kruise To Rock Again In 2018". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. November 13, 2017. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  60. ^ "2018 Kiss Kruise Adds Ace Frehley, Bob and Bruce Kulick to Lineup". Ultimate Classic Rock. January 18, 2018. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  61. ^ "Announcing 2018 Honourees to the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame". BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  62. ^ "TODD KERNS To Receive Star On BC Walk Of Fame". BraveWords. Retrieved July 29, 2018.
  63. ^ "Todd Kerns". IMDb. Retrieved April 10, 2019.
  64. ^ "ORIGINAL SIN Frontman TODD KERNS Talks Exile On Fremont Street Reissue – 'Sonic Boom By KISS Was A Real Inspiration'". BraveWords. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  65. ^ Kielty, Martin (January 19, 2020). "Bruce Kulick Plans to Record With Kiss Kruise Band". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  66. ^ "TODD KERNS Streams Solo Set From Vegas For Bluesfest Windsor". BraveWords. Retrieved July 13, 2020.
  67. ^ "Minefield | Golden Robot Records". goldenrobotrecords.com. Retrieved September 26, 2020.
  68. ^ "David Ellefson on New Covers CD, No Cover – We're All Part Of The Same Rock & Roll Playground!". Metal-Rules.com. July 9, 2020. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  69. ^ "TODD KERNS Sings "Run To The Lightning" From Heels Season One; Audio Available". BraveWords. Retrieved August 24, 2021.
  70. ^ "SLASH Bassist TODD KERNS To Host Video Chat With GUNS N' ROSES Guitarist RICHARD FORTUS". BraveWords. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  71. ^ Stockspublished, Matt (November 11, 2022). "Rare cuts, make-up contests and chef Paul Stanley – eight awesome things we learned on-board Kiss Kruise 2022". Loudersound. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  72. ^ "HEROES AND MONSTERS – New Power Trio Feat. TODD KERNS, STEF BURNS & WILL HUNT To Release Debut Album In Early '23; "Locked & Loaded" Lyric Video Posted". BraveWords. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  73. ^ "Indie Week Day 4 Schedule". Dropout Entertainment. November 11, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
  74. ^ "Rockstar style – Win with Todd Kern's Dammitwear | Addicted". weraddicted.com. May 24, 2016. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
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