Steve Brown Of Tesla Interview: 10 Albums That Changed My Life

Feature Photo courtesy of Steve Brown

As the young brother of “Wild” Mick Brown of Dokken and Lynch Mob fame, Steve Brown might go by the nickname “Mild” due to his affable personality but make no mistake—his drumming is every bit as gut-punching as his hard-hitting older brother. These days, Brown is on the road with Tesla, bringing gobs of infectious energy and mega drum fills into the band’s well-loved mix. It’s a spot at the top of the hair metal heap he’s earned through years of service with Oleander and, like his brother, alongside George Lynch as part of his End Machine project.

To watch play Steve Brown play drums is to watch someone who lives life by each kick of his bass drum pedal and each whack of his snare and toms. Effervescent as it is, though, it’s his passion for rock music that sets him apart from the pack, which, along with his resume, makes Brown a premium choice to give Tesla’s music the four-on-the-floor punch it needs.

On the subject of passion for all things rock, during a break from Tesla’s ongoing touring activities, Brown beamed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to peel back the curtain on the ten records that changed his life. Can you spot any of your favorites?

# 10 – Montrose – Montrose (1973)

Without this album existing, I would have never been lucky enough to play drums for Ronnie Montrose for the last three years of his life. My time with him and the stories of how funny he was and how complicated and fragile he was could be an article in itself. So, for now, I leave you with this: praise for the also amazing Denny Carmassi, and a heartfelt thank you to the Boss himself, who took a chance on me and became a friend. Rest in Peace, Ronnie Douglas Montrose.

# 9 – February Son – Oleander (1999)

This album was important for me, as it changed everything about my trajectory after its release. Ric Ivanisevich, Doug Eldridge, Thomas Flowers, and I had already been friends. They played in various bands on the same bill over the years before its release, but I was super proud of my friends when “Why I’m Here” went and stayed at number one.

For the next few years after this album was released, I was honored to be able to play some shows while they were without a drummer (before Scott Devours, who played some incredible stuff on both Unwind and Joyride, but I digress) until about 2003, when I became a permanent replacement. It is still a great album to listen to and think back to those exciting times.

# 8 – Mechanical Resonance – Tesla (1986)

I remember the day that I first heard “Modern Day Cowboy” on K-ZAP in Sacramento, CA. I had a drum room at my parents’ house and played drums for about six months. I was already aware of Troy Luccketta’s playing, as I was a huge fan of The Eric Martin Band, so no surprise there. Mechanical Resonance turned out to be one of the first albums I learned, which I think is funny and definitely in the “There are no coincidences” category, as I’m with Tesla now.

# 7 – The Last in Line – Dio (1984)

Saturday, December 31st, 1983: Dio, Y&T, and Dokken at the Cow Palace on New Year’s Eve. There were so many firsts that night, one being the first time I got to see my brother [Mick Brown] play in a huge venue and the night that I decided that the trumpet I was playing was going to be traded in for drums.

It was the first time meeting the legendary promoter Bill Graham and manager Cliff Bernstein (who my parent’s thought was a homeless man who snuck into the show, but that’s another story). It was also our first-time seeing Dio, who was promoting Last in Line. This will always be the record for me that takes me back to that pivotal day when I decided to play drums.

That night was a schooling in drums. Of course, there was Mick and the late, great Leonard Haze laying it down with Y&T. But that night started my love of Vinnie Appice’s drumming. So, to make a long story short, Last in Line always brings me back to the beginning! The funny thing is that after all these years and close calls, I have yet to meet him! Rest in Peace, Ronnie James Dio.

# 6 – Wicked Sensation – Lynch Mob (1990)

Ok, so if I had to narrow down all the Dokken records my brother played on, I would have filled this list already. So, I decided to pick one record that I felt was his crowning achievement as far as his playing, and this record has it all.

I remember going to Tower Records with my friends to pick it up (yes, I had to buy it) at midnight. I really didn’t know what to expect, but when I heard the production, the songs, the tones, and everyone’s playing, I was hooked. I still listen to this often, and every time, it is like the first time all over again. Amazing.

# 5 – Abbey Road – The Beatles (1969)

Again, trying to pick a favorite Beatles record is almost impossible, but this one probably means the most to me. Although I think it might be a tie between Abbey Road and Rubber Soul, this album is such a masterpiece. Songs, songs, songs, along with vocal harmonies, awesome guitar tones, Ringo Starr, and did I mention songs? I thought so…

# 4 – Led Zeppelin IV – Led Zeppelin (1971)

Really, picking a favorite Led Zeppelin record is like choosing a favorite kid. I love them all for different reasons, and they each remind me of the times I heard them and what was happening in my life then. There are three bands on this list that I can thank Mick for repeatedly cramming in my head, and Zeppelin was certainly at the top. Plus, there is John Bonham. Done.

# 3 – 2112 – Rush (1976)

My older brother Bob had an awesome stereo system and a hell of a record collection. Therefore, he turned me on to so many great progressive bands. 2112 sucked me right in from the opening **whiz** to the end of the story. This was the first time I had heard drumming like this, or even a band like this, for that matter.

I was still about ten years from picking up a pair of sticks, but I suspect if it wasn’t for my brother Mick or our DNA driving me to play drums, it would be Neil Peart. Every time I even see this cover, I’m instantly transported to my brother Bob’s room (which I snuck into to play records and stare for hours at the inside sleeve when he wasn’t home) and wonder, in awe of, what it took to make music like this. Just amazing.

# 2 – Van Halen – Van Halen (1978)

There is nothing I could say about this record that hasn’t been said. In the days when radio stations sometimes had a segment where they would play entire records when they were released, giving broke kids like me a chance to pirate it off the radio, I pirated this one on 8-track.

I played that 8-track until I could afford a cassette! I love the experiences like this album brought for me, where you hear a band that stands out from the rest right out of the gate. You knew that you were listening to greatness. I sometimes wonder how many musicians this record inspired. Plus, Eddie. Period.

# 1 – Boston – Boston (1976)

As far as I can remember, this was the first record that brought it all together for me. The fact that it was one man’s (Tom Scholz) vision, coupled with the fact that he had to invent things to make it happen, is still amazing and inspiring to me. It is still a stellar-sounding record to this day! Plus, there’s Brad Delp.

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