Alex Cole Rocks!

When you attend a Ted Nugent show, you know you are going to be in for a hell of a good time and probably some surprises. When I was invited to cover Alex Cole’s power trio as the opening performers for Ted’s recent western U.S. tour, I knew I was in for a good time. However, what surprised me is how many fans of this sold-out show had never heard Alex’s music before that night! A quintessential rock star on stage and the humble and generous human being off-stage, this artist is a force of nature!

“Alex Cole Rocks!”

It is not uncommon to walk into any concert, whether it be a large, corporate venue or a small intimate setting to find the room relatively quiet and unattended during the opening performance. As it gets closer to the headlining act, then the seats start to fill in anticipation for the magic to happen with the Bold Faced name typed on your ticket. A partially empty venue was not the case this Thursday night with Ted Nugent / Alex Cole show at San Juan Capistrano’s “The Coach House.” Thursday was the second of two, consecutively sold-out, weeknight performances. Doors opened at 6 pm with Alex scheduled to hit the stage at promptly 8 pm; the room was already at full capacity when our team walked in a few minutes after 6:00.

Originally we planned to spend some time, on camera, with Alex before the show, but as in many cases, the hustle and bustle of pre-show preparations kept that from happening. Alex did find the time to track us down not long before his performance to say “hello” and thank us for his support. Our back up plan to chat later was thwarted due to the overwhelming number of new fans that crowded into the lobby. This time was set for a meet and greet, CD signings, photo ops and purchase of Alex Cole merchandise. Alex, with grace and style, spent his time shaking hands, signing posters, and chatting with concert-goers, eager to buy his music and learn a little more about this rising star. Through the crowd, I was barely able to catch a glimpse of his billion-dollar smile and resigned myself to attempting to catch up with him at a later time. I had that opportunity when he graciously spent almost two hours with me via a phone interview so I could learn more about what drives this artist forward.

Italian born and raised, Alex Cole, came to the United States five years ago and now calls Los Angeles his home. Already a well-known, successful artist in Europe he spent zero time working his way through the L.A. music scene. He went straight to the known power players. Within days of arriving in a California metropolis known for its indifference and aloof behavior, Alex sets his sights on L.A.’s infamous Sunset Strip and “The Whiskey A Go-Go /The Rainbow Room”. It was during his first encounter at The Whiskey where this lucky star was introduced to the establishments’ co-founder, Mario Maglieri. Maglieri was impressed with Alex and immediately offered him a gig, onstage at the Whiskey the very next night. Ok, so the “next night” happened to be a Tuesday night and maybe it wasn’t a packed room, but Alex was already well on his way.

Growing up in Italy, Alex was introduced to music at a young age and made it his passion. He listened to American rock and blues, began voice training and his vocal talent allowed him to perform in many of the local clubs around Milan. It was during a vocal recording session with recognized, composer, guitarist and television/music producer, Enrico Santulli, where Santulli encouraged Alex to pick up a guitar, and it was all uphill from there. Enrico then introduced him to, Claudio Bazzari, one of Italy’s best-known blues artists. Over the next decade, Mr. Bazzari was Alex’s teacher. Claudio taught Alex to read and write music. Alex uses his talents to reflect the passion inside as he shares that with his audience every show. ¹

During our conversation, I asked Alex what it was like touring with such an iconic artist as Ted Nugent. He couldn’t have spoken kindlier of the straight-shooting from the hip, gentleman, that is bigger than life. Ted’s road crew took Alex under their wing and were always helpful and encouraging during the tour and made him feel welcome and wanted throughout their tenure on the road. He spoke to me about a forever memorable moment in time where Ted walked into the green room after a show and spent time with Alex playing music together and talking about Ted’s clean-living lifestyle has served him well, which he has proven right repeatedly as the 71-year-old rock star commands the stage and interacts with his audience as if he is still a young gun.

Alex echoes Ted’s life choices with his disciplined fitness routine. You can easily find videos and social media posts online with Alex demonstrating his demand to keep his body and soul in excellent shape. There is nothing low-key when it comes to Alex’s stage performances. He comes out of the chute at full speed ahead and in his own words “releases the beast” (wish I had said that…because when it comes to Alex’s intense drive, more real words have not been spoken).

He is a stage owning, room owning, energizer bunny of an artist, hits the stage running, and doesn’t stop until the lights go down. He is best known as retro-rock artist, that will take you back to the glory days of the power rock era. Alex writes and composes his material, but his hard-hitting vocals, massive energy, stage presence will take you on a ride through the 1970s and1980’s where power bands were king.

I first met Alex at the 2019 winter NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) convention in Anaheim, California. As part of the media team assigned to cover many of the exhibitors and their artists, we scheduled a video interview with “Ex-Gear Effects Pedals”, CEO, Paul Killion and representing artist, Alex. We were welcomed by Paul and Alex, who were in no hurry to push us off back into the crowded aisles. Paul and Alex spent time with us on camera to chat about the Ex-Gear line of products. Although the interview was explicitly to be specifically about Paul’s company and his products, they kept us entertained with an enchanting sense of humor and spoke humbly about their part in this massive world of music.

Alex has completed his summer tour with Ted Nugent and is returning to the studio to start laying down tracks for his next CD release. This CD will be Alex’s sophomore full-length album. Since 2012 he has released several singles, an E.P., and a debut CD, in 2015, entitled Bad Boy Rocker.

As a big supporter of giving back to his community, and you can find Alex donating his time and performing for fundraisers and information awareness events, for many local charities and causes in the Los Angeles area.

Since his arrival in the United States in 2014, Alex has performed throughout the west coast and into Nevada (Las Vegas). He has also returned to his homeland and Europe on occasion, performing in Italy and Switzerland. He is a regular attendee at the winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California. You can find him wandering about supporting his endorsing vendors and visiting his favorite equipment booths.

I am looking forward to meeting up with Alex during the 2020 NAMM conference with hopes of spending more quality time chatting about his musical life and history in preparation for a follow-up article and on-camera interview. I’m coming for you, Alex. I’ve got your number (literally).

Keeping up Alex and finding his music online is simple and abundant. You can find him on social media by searching “Alex Cole rocks”. On his website at www.alexcole.rocks, you can find samples of his music, purchase CD’s and merchandise, find press and contact information along with his current touring schedule. You will find his music and fitness videos on most popular video streaming sites, by searching “Alex Cole Music” or “Alex Cole Rocks”.