The Space Ace AKA Danny James




1. Had you seen DTK before you joined the band?

I had seen them play Dudley JB's as part of a KISS Expo in 1998/9. I can't remember much about them as I was completely plastered thanks to my mate Dave forcing me to drink loads of alcohol.....the swine!!

2. How did you become the guitarist with DTK?

Through default, hahahaha. Actually, Gary rang me out of the blue to see if I'd help out for a weekend early in 2003 as they'd been let down again by their original guitarist. Gary thought I wouldn't be interested in auditioning for DTK as I was playing with an Ozzy tribute at the time, but I enjoyed playing with the band so much I basically begged him to let me join. Funny side story here is that Ian was one of the people who actually auditioned for the vacant guitar slot. Ha, beat you to it Cat Boy!!

3. Tell us about your pre-show rituals.

I like to get ready on my own if possible. Everyone else in the band has really bad hygiene issues and they all seem to fart in unison after saving up all their gas for 4 weeks. I try to concentrate on getting the make up as accurate as possible which would be impossible if we're all together taking the mickey and trumping loudly. I'm only joking, its not that bad....until Ash creates a huge rift in the ozone layer by dousing himself with Old Spice or some equally rancid mosquito repellant. To answer my long winded reply correctly it actually takes me ages to get ready. Im always first to start and last to finish. Ash can get ready in seconds!!

4. What are your tech specs?

Gibson and Marshall. Need I say more?

5. What is your all time favourite guitar?

It's always been a Les Paul. I've had other guitars such as Washburn N4's, Jackson's, Ibanez etc, but I've never lost the enthusiasm for playing a LP. My favourite has to be The Zakk Wylde Custom Bullseye. Absolute monster of a guitar!

6. What other bands have you played in/recorded with?

I played with Fahrenheit during the 90's and recorded a couple of albums along with playing all over Europe and more recently I was playing guitar for ex-Tigertailz singer, Steevi Jaimz.

7. Are there any plans to continue Rocket Ride ?

Absolutely. It's great to let go of being in DTK for a while and play with other musicians. Matt Blakout from Tigertailz is an outstanding drummer and my bass player Jay is constantly in touch with Ace's bass player, Anthony Esposito who thinks we're great (and that Jay looks SOOOO much like Nikki Sixx, hahaha). I'm finishing off mastering some tracks which will be available to hear on our 'media' page very soon. I'm also returning to the studio to add to the songs I recorded for Rocket Ride last year.

8. What's your favourite food and tipple? (And you can only choose one of each).

Arrrgh!!! You can't do this to me!!!! This isn't fair at all. Just one? Ok, Chicken Madras with mushroom rice and for tipple, you can't go far wrong with Mad Dog 20:20

9. What's your most embarrassing moment whilst playing with DTK?

Luckily I haven't fallen off the stage or spiralled around doing a version of swan lake when Ive lost my footing....yet! I get really frustrated when the smoker forgets it has a job to do though. There's nothing worse for me than to flip the ignition switch for the smoker to go into a giant sulk and not work.

10. If you had to pick one venue or show above all others as your favourite DTK show where and when was it....and why ?

Hands down it has to be playing outdoors on the beach front in Lloret De Mar, July 2009.

11. What is your favourite song to play live?

Always has been, always will be, Detroit Rock City.

12. If you could play any venue anywhere with DTK where would it be and why?

I wouldn't hesitate to play somewhere like Nottingham Royal Centre or if possible, to play an outdoor festival in South America.

13. What other instruments do you play? Did you actually start off as a guitarist?

I started off as a classical pianist aged 3. Ive played trumpet, tenor horn, I can make a high pitched squeak only dogs can hear on a recorder. Never been able to get the hang of the drums and Im utterly useless with a violin.

14. And finally, who above all other musicians would you like to jam with?

If I had the talent and was capable of not making myself look a complete arse, I would have sold my mother to have been tutored by Randy Rhoads. No doubt it would have at least improved my soloing. A true guitar genius.

Follow Danny