Claude Schnell Interview – Keyboardist who has worked with Heavy Metal groups Dio, Rough Cutt, Y&T, Loudness, Doro.
In this interview…
- Claude Schnell talks about the latest news of the reunion of Vivian Campbell, Jimmy Bain, Vinny Appice & Andrew Freeman (Lynch Mob).
- 26 Years since playing with Vivian Campbell.
- The band will be performing under the name “Last In Line”.
- New updates with Claude Schnell’s solo project.
- Possible touring will be involved with Last In Line playing the songs from the first 3 albums.
Exclusive Epitaph for Ronnie James Dio Book by Claude Schnell
Claude Schnell Interview Musicians Institute
Claude Schnell is a French American keyboardist. He has been a member of the bands Magic, Rough Cutt, Dio, and Last in Line. He also played on the Y&T album Down for the Count.
Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in France, when he was six years old his family moved back to New York. He immersed himself in the traditional classical piano curriculum of private lessons, practice and recitals.
As he was growing up, with the impact of artists like Jimi Hendrix playing in the Village, Humble Pie at the Fillmore and Led Zeppelin at Madison Square Garden, Schnell discovered rock and roll. He maintained the discipline of his Classical studies, he also began playing in a wide assortment of bands.
Schnell left New York City to spend several years in Buffalo where more long-term musical friendships were forged, most notably with bass players Billy Sheehan and Joe Cristofanilli, and drummer Pete O’Donnell.
Upon arriving in Los Angeles in the early 1980s, it was not long before Schnell’s virtuoso talents were in high demand. He formed two promising bands, Magic! and Rough Cutt.
By 1983, Schnell’s musical diligence and precision had earned him a reputation as one of L.A.’s most serious and well-respected players. Schnell joined Dio in May 1983. Schnell first played with Dio on the Holy Diver tour, though he did not play on the album itself.
After almost seven years in that band, Schnell chose to redefine his artistic focus, and embark upon his own musical odyssey.
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