Steve Roney
Steve Roney
Guitars, 1985 - Current
Steve put Asylum together in late 1984.
What prompted you to start Asylum? Steve: My Senior year of High School I was playing in a cover band, but I knew I wanted to play original music.
Who were your influences, and who are your favorite guitarists? Steve: Kiss, Van Halen, Judas Priest, and everything Ronnie James Dio did! My favorite guitarists are Michael Schenker, Van Halen, Randy Rhodes and Richie Blackmore.
Favorite Asylum moment, Shows, and Songs? Steve: In 1987 we auditioned for the Hayward Battle of the Bands and did not finish in the top 10 out of 30 Bands. In 1988, we tried again, and this time we made it to the Top 10 finals. We nearly won the thing with an all but perfect set of 'Ridin High', the 'Immigrant Song' and 'Much To My Surprise'. We ended up taking 2nd place which felt really good considering we had not made it to the finals just a year before. A favorite show of mine was our Record Release Party at The Stone in San Francisco in Feb. of 1990, for the "A Matter of Time" EP. A couple of my favorite Asylum tracks would be 'Much to My Surprise' and 'She's From Outer Space'.
Shawn Fitzpatrick
Shawn Fitzpatrick
Vocals 1985 - Current
How did you get started in singing? Shawn: I started playing drums in Jr. High and would jam with lots of different people - we would all learn the songs, but no one ever wanted to sing. For a while I did both, sang while playing the drums. I found that to be very difficult, and soon realized I was a better singer than drummer.
Who were your influences, favorite bands and singers? Shawn: My older brother Mark is a fantastic guitar player, and I used to go see his cover bands play. He both encouraged and inspired me to sing. We were even in our own band for a brief period of time. My favorite bands are Led Zeppelin, The Who, The Stones, Cheap Trick, Aerosmith, Rush and The Beatles to name a few. My favorite singers are Robert Plant, Roger Daltrey, Robin Zander, Rick Emmett, Graham Bonnet and Paul McCartney (with major props to Josh Kisza!).
What are some of your favorite memories of shows/Songs and moments from the early days of Asylum? Shawn: Anytime we Headlined a show, and were able to use our full stage set up was fun. I always fed off of the energy of a large crowd. Opening for Mr. Big in 1989 was an amazing experience. A couple of my favorite Asylum songs are 'Roses on the Floor' and 'She's From Outer Space'.
Acknowledgements: We have had so many amazing people work for, and with us over the years. None of it (this) would have been possible without them! Thank you to all of our friends and fans...old and new!
Paul Monteiro
Paul Monteiro
Drums and Percussion - 1985 - Current
When did you start playing drums? Paul: I started playing drums when I was about 11 years old and was primarily self-taught.
Who were your influences? Paul: My older siblings listened to surf music, Elvis, and The Beatles, which was my introduction to rock, but when I heard Kiss, everything changed. Along with Kiss I then got into harder rock like Led Zeppelin, The Who, Def Leppard, Van Halen and Iron Maiden, Deep Purple and others. Some of my favorite drummers are Ringo, Keith Moon, John Bonham, Peter Chris and Neal Peart.
What are some of your favorite moments and songs from the main years of Asylum? Paul: I remember our very first show on July 3rd, 1985, at Mabuhay Gardens like it was yesterday, we were off and running. In 1989, my birthday (and Shawn's) at The Stone in San Francisco, and later opening for Mr. Big! I have fond memories of recording our album "A Matter of Time" in Los Angeles. I always enjoyed it when we were the Headlining band. A couple of my favorite Asylum songs are: 'Much to My Surprise', and 'Drastic Plastic'.
Acknowledgements? Paul: Thank you to the Band, we all grew up together! Thanks to our crew, Friends and our fantastic fans!
Jessie Roman
Jessie Roman
Bass, Keyboards, Vocals, 1986 - Current
When did you start playing Bass? Jessie: When I was 15, I started playing both bass and guitar, and was self taught. My earliest music roots were in Salsa music due to my Latin American heritage. I remember being quite young when I saw an ad for a "K-Tel" album featuring Journey, Kiss, Kansas and Boston, I was hooked!
Who were your influences when joining Asylum? Jessie: I was into Journey, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Rush, Scorpions, Aerosmith, The Who and many others. John Paul Jones, Ross Valory, Steve Harris, Getty Lee and Fran Sheehan were my favorites.
Favorite shows, events, moments? Jessie: My first show with Asylum early in '86 at The Rock on Broadway, the times we played at The Santa Clara County Fair, and opening for Mr. Big.
Aknowlegements: Jessie: I would like to thank God for giving me the desire and ability to play Bass, the boys in Asylum for taking a chance on me and bringing me on-board, and the entire Asylum fan base who made it fun and possible to play.
Manny Raposo
Manny Raposo
Guitars, Vocals, 1988 - 1990, 2003
When Did You Start Playing Guitar, and who were your influences? Manny: I started playing guitar when I was just 7 years old. I was influenced by bands like Van Halen, Led Zeppelin and AC/DC.
Do you have a favorite moment or performance while in Asylum, a favorite Asylum song? Manny: Playing in front of a sold-out crowd at The Stone in San Francisco opening for Mr. Big. One of my favorite Asylum songs is 'In the Cold'.
Acknowledgements: Manny: Thanks to Steve, Shawn, Jessie and Paul for picking me as the 5th member of Asylum. Also, thank you all who supported, attended and helped the band in any way with practices, shows, studio recordings, pictures, videos and parties!
Martin Ramos
Martin Ramos aka Mars Perry
Bass, Vocals, 1985
When did you start playing Bass? Marty: I started playing Bass in High School.
What did you do musically before Asylum? Marty: I was the founding member of the band Idyl Wild.
Who were your influences, favorite bands, favorite Bass players? Marty: Kiss, Van Halen, Judas Priest, Journey, Def Leppard, Accept, Iron Maiden to name a few. My favorite Bass players would be Gene Simmons, Niki Sixx, and Rudy Sarzo.
What are some of your favorite memories from your time in Asylum? Marty: The mirrored wall in our rehearsal studio (hahaha). Opening up for Keel at the Keystone Palo Alto. Recording Asylum's Demo tape, as it was my first experience in a real recording studio. Haming it up on stage emulating Spinal Tap as Shawn was helping me back to my feet after I slipped and fell on my ass at the Mabuhay Gardens.
Bob Campbell
