Lady Evil- Rising Musicians & Band

Edition Seventy-Seven- Week Seventy-Seven:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto

Why was the name chosen for the band, and is this significant in some way?

“The name Lady Evil was chosen for this band as it is a song originally recorded by Black Sabbath. It appears on their 9^th album Heaven and Hell and it describes a magical mystical woman, she is the Queen of the Night and this is the persona Lisa adopts for her performances. It is significant in that Ronnie James Dio is the vocalist on the song Lady Evil and the Lady Evil band is a tribute to Ronnie James Dio, Ozzy Osbourne, their solo careers and their times as the front men for Black Sabbath.”

Where did they get their start, and who are the bandmates?

“Lady Evil is the brainchild of Lisa Schilling Hammill formerly of the long running Hudson Valley band Blind Date, more recently Power Drive, Split Decision and Metal Strangers and Mark Garcia of the Iron Maiden Tribute bands Legacy of the Beast and 20 years as the lead guitar of the very popular Iron Maiden tribute Sanctuary. Once Lisa and Mark decided to create Lady Evil, Robert Tuttle of the Gregg Woods Band and Cryptokill  quickly signed on as bass and Billy Torreggiani of Decent Exposure and Power Drive was excited to sign on to the project on drums.”

Is there a song that stands out amongst listeners?

“The song that is the jewel in the bands repertoire is Sacred Heart, which is the title of the third studio album by the band Dio, released in 1985.The Sacred Heart tour involved a mechanized Dragon and a laser show that captivated audiences in sold out shows. The band Lady Evil recreates the Sacred Heart tour with an 8 foot tall mechanized Dragon strapped to a motorized lift table that raises the dragon another 4 feet in the air, breathes smoke and eyes that flash firey red while the wings are flapping. All of this occurs on stage while Lisa uses a light saber to recreate the battle Ronnie James Dio staged in his show, while Mark Garcia’s soaring guitar solo dazzles the listening ear. Lady Evil also performs the iconic Heaven and Hell which is a dazzling tribute to Black Sabbath.”

What was the creative process like? 

“The creative process is the contribution of all of the members and their passion for this material. There is a large bat with glowing eyes affixed to the drum kit as a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne’s legendary stage shows, Lady Evil has a color changing Crystal Ball that glows with a fire of the Universe trapped inside. Lady Evil also has simulated flame boxes on stage to add to the visual effect. The next addition to the stage show will be a Werewolf to be used during the Ozzy Osbourne song Bark at the Moon and a Medieval castle backdrop. Lady Evil is far more than a bar band, it is a full blown stage show with multiple moving parts. We are very blessed to have many stagehand volunteers who are excited to help with the show.”

What are some recent venues to describe?

“Most recently Lady Evil performed at the club Dingbatz in Clifton New Jersey on January 20^th  and Quinnz Pinz in Middletown New York on March 22^nd both shows were off the hook and the audiences were singing along with their favorite songs while being stunned by the visuals.”

Why and how so? 

“Lady Evil often opens for Mark Garcia’s Iron Maiden Tribute Sanctuary although they are more than capable of headline shows as evidenced by their most recent appearance at Quinnz Pinz on March 22nd.”

Where would the band be honored to play in the future?

“Lady Evil would be honored to play Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center in Chester NY and Blackthorne Resort in East Durham NY.”

What are some future collaborations, potentially? 

“Witches Dance Mercyful Fate/King Diamond tribute from Long Island will be opening for Lady Evil, who is opening for Sanctuary on April 19^th at Dingbatz in Clifton NJ.”

Where can we hear more of Lady Evil?

“Lady Evil will be back at Quinnz Pinz in Middletown on June 8^th with The Kill as the opening act, August 24^th Lady Evil will be performing at Rock the Valley in Ansonia Connecticut,  Dingbatz Halloween show October 26^th, Argonne Rose Brewery November 26^th.” 

What makes Lady Evil an iconic band for our times?  

“Lady Evil is an iconic, visionary band passionately recreating the visual theatrical aspect of arena rock of the two legendary artists who not only fronted the Black Sabbath band but thrived in their individual careers and who still have leagues of loyal fans.”

Anything to add here?

“Lisa’s vocals are performed at A440 concert pitch, her vocal range is a spot-on perfect fit for this material as she stuns audiences with her range and high energy performances. Mark Garcia’s guitar work is heavily influenced by Zak Wylde, Randy Rhoades and Vivienne Campbell, his leads are spot on and the passion with which he plays is visually stunning. Robert Tuttle and Billy Torreggiani are the solid, high energy, spot on foundation upon which Lisa and Mark depend to make every performance a stand out. These four artists are fortunate as they are not only band mates but true friends who love what they are bringing to this material and loving the joy and amazement in their audiences faces. Please check out our Facebook page for videos, pictures and more upcoming events: facebook.com/LadyEvilRocks .”

Questions for The Photographer-

What was the overall experience and vibe with the band in the photoshoot?

“I had worked with Lisa the vocalist for Lady Evil doing promo photos for her to use for her band, we had tried to do a perf shoot, but it never worked out for our schedules. This shoot was a club in Middletown NY, the room was dark, the lights matched the vibe of a metal band. I was impressed with the musicians and Lisa’s voice.”

Would you recommend the Lady Evil band in the future?

“If you are a fan of Heavy Metal, and tired of hearing vocalists just screaming the words to the song, you will love this band, Lisa can really sing and has a great stage presence.”