- Mona Gnader
FULL THROTTLE Magazine
Sept 2003 Issue 22
Mona
Hangin' With Sammy's Bassist
by Gerry Graphia
If you've seen Sammy Hagar and the Waborita's perform then you know you've not only experienced a concert, but an event. His show rocks to the max and everyone goes home happy. In case you didn't know, Sammy is a biker. But Sam is not alone as so is another bandmate.
With long, waist-length black hair flicking back and forth and known only by her first name "Mona," she's on stage with Sammy and the gang night after night kickin' ass and taking names. She's having the time of her life.
Sammy Hagar and the Waborita's were in town recently touring on thieir latest album release, Sammy and the Wabo's Live Hallelujah. Mona and I hung out backstage and talked about music and motorcycles, two things that are near and dear to both our hearts.
FT: How in the world did you ever get lucky enough to be hooked up with Sammy Hagar and was that like a dream come true?
Mona: It's a total dream come true and one of the best experiences of my life. I've been doing it for six years now. I got a gig with Wayne Perkins who was real tight with the Skynyrd guys. David Lauser (the drummer for the Waborita's) and I were on Wayne's record and we also played some live shows with him. David is also an old friend of Sammy and they had been playing together since they were about 15. When Sammy wanted to put his band together he called David and I was recommended. I went and auditioned and got the job.
FT: You guys have just released a new CD. The CD contains some of Sammy's classics such as "I Can't Drive 55," "Three Lock Box," "Rock Candy," and also some newer material such as "Mas Tequila." What's your favorite cut on the album and which one is the most fun to play?
Mona: Wow that's a hard question. Every song has something different for me that makes it exciting, I love Sam's older stuff.
FT: Which one gets the crowd going the most?
Mona: "I Can't Drive 55" always puts it over the top, and so does "One Way To Rock." Another one that's real fun because Sam is doing it a little different now is "Finish What You Started."
FT: What's it like being the only chick in Sammy's band? Do they give you a hard time?
Mona: All the time, Sam's the worst! They all have a great sense of humor and like to tease. They're al my brothers and I love em' but sometimes they can be too much and I have to get away.
FT: What's in the future for Sammy Hagar and the Waborita's?
Mona: We've got Sam's birthday bash blowout coming in October at Cabo Wabo down in Cabo San Lucas. We usually play 3 or 4 nights for that.
FT: When did you start riding motorcycles and when did you get your first Harley?
Mona: I've been riding dirt bikes most of my life, but Sam gave me my first Harley for Christmas in 1999. It was really something. Covington Cycle City in Woodward OK had built this "Red Rocker" bike for Sam and he wanted the whole band there for a shoot which I thought was unusual. We were by Sam's warehouse where he keeps his cars and stuff and out of the corner of my eye I saw the roll up door open and this big flash of pink. When I saw the tank and it said "Pink Voodoo" on it I knew that bike was for me. I have to admit I cried in public.
FT: Tell me more.....
Mona: It's an 883 Custom with a lot of chrome accessories on it. Michael Covington of Cycle City in Woodward, OK painted it. I'm bumping it up to 1200 this winter. I thought I wanted to keep that bike stock, but after putting a lot of miles on it I changed my mind. I'd like to get a Low Rider and I love the FXR's too.
FT: What intrigues you about the Harley mystique and how do you feel when you are on your bike with your face in the wind?
Mona: Being a bass player I love that low-end rumble. When I'm on my bike and it's just me inside my helmet, I love the wind and it feels great. I love the temperature changes that you feel when you hit a shady or sunny spot and when I take off into wine country I can smell the grapes. When I'm alone it gives me time to get grounded and just think. There's no feeling like that.
FT: Where's your favorite place to ride?
Mona: I love to go up North through Oregon and maybe Washington. I also love to get off the highway and into wine country, it's so beautiful out there.
FT: Are you able to bring a bike with you?
Mona: It almost happened this tour but since we're flying it doesn't make sense. We're not staying anywhere our trucks might be. But I'd definitely like to do that because as we travel through towns I've made mental notes to remind myuself of where I'd like to ride.
FT: What can you tell our readers about riding and those who are considering buying themselves a motorcycle?
Mona: There's no feeling like it. You get out there and you're in control of a whole different type of transportation. It feels good, you get the wind in your hair and you can pack some clothes, ride somewhere and stay overnight, it's so much fun. When I'm on my bike I don't care how long it takes me to get from point A to B. It's all about enjoying the ride.
FT: Do you have a website where you fans can e-mail you?
Mona: I do, it's Pink Voodoo.com. You can go there and check out pictures of the band, what kind of rig I'm playing and you can send pictures of your bike if you want to.
Mona is a cool chick who is in top-notch bad-ass rock and roll band, rides a Harley and is having the time of her life. If you don't believe me then be sure to check out Sammy Hagar and The Waborita's the next time they are in town. She is doing what all us riders do, living life to it's fullest.
