The band HEAD HONCHOS are named after their Grandfather. This father and son duo of Rocco Calipari Sr. (Guitar/ Vocals), Rocco Calipari Jr., (Guitar), along with Will Wyatt (Drums) and Mike Boyle, (Bass) combine a wide variety of musical influences that spans generations and fuses to create an explosive energy that, according to one review, “Is like getting kicked in the gut and saying thank you”.

Vizions of Rock: Where did the name come from and why?

HEAD HONCHOS: Our Grandfather used to call himself that. We thought it would be a cool name for a band.

Vizions of Rock: How did the band come together and how long have you been together?

HEAD HONCHOS: We started in 2007, then in 2009 Rocco Jr went to G.I.T. When he came back, we started taking the band more serious and started writing our own music.

Vizions of Rock: It has been said about the HEAD HONCHOS, “It’s like getting kicked in the gut and saying thank you”. I definitely felt that energy from your band when I listen to you. Is that something that is simply organic and comes out when the notes start flying, or is it something that you make a conscious effort to create; and that starts with the arrangement and recording of the songs, to performing them live on stage?

HEAD HONCHOS: I would say it's both organic and a conscious effort. We rehearse a lot and work things out. When we play live the 4 of us have great chemistry and we love to play so it comes out in our show and the music.

Vizions of Rock: This is just one man’s opinion, but when I listen to your music, I hear snippets of 70’s and 80’s classic rock n roll, to obviously blues, to even some heavy metal sound in there. How would you describe your sound?

HEAD HONCHOS: I think you pretty much nailed it. We pull from all of those decades and styles. Mike was in High school in the 70's and me in the 80's. Will and Jr are also 10 years apart, so we have wide variety of influences.

Vizions of Rock: How does your song come together, where do you get your inspiration?

HEAD HONCHOS: Our song Come Strong, from the Vizions of Rock Video is about having a dream and never giving up. The harder you work the better you get.

Vizions of Rock: What is the creative process like when writing your songs?

HEAD HONCHOS: I usually write the music first. Then I will find a vocal melody and attack to fit the groove. Once I have that I will write the lyrics.

Vizions of Rock: How do you think the music industry has changed over the last 40 years and is there anything that you wish you could change about it?

HEAD HONCHOS: Everything changes over time but some aspects still the same. On main stream radio they push what's ever popular at the time. It's great that we have internet radio to get our music shared around the world. I don't think I would change anything; you just have to roll with it and adapt to the changes.

Vizions of Rock: As a follow up, how do you think “The Blues” as an artform has changed since the days of say Robert Johnson?

HEAD HONCHOS: Yes and no. Some of the formulas are still in place like the lyrics and 1, 4, 5 progressions. When Muddy Waters electrified the Blues, the world took notice. Helped by the British it spawned many guitar heroes.

Vizions of Rock: Rocco Sr, - You have played with some instrumental people in the music industry over the years, which artist meant the most to you and why?

HEAD HONCHOS: I have been very fortunate to have played with some of my idols. The one that means the most would have to be Chuck Berry. The first song I ever learned was Johnny B. Goode. It was also the first song I played live in front of a live audience. Then Sept 9th, 2001 on my 35th birthday I played backup guitar in Chucks band. He let me take the intro to Johnny B. Goode. It was the greatest musical moment in my life.

Vizions of Rock: Do have any advice for up and coming musicians who want to follow in your footstep, aside from “Stay in school” and “Don’t quit your day job”?

HEAD HONCHOS: I would say if you have a passion for something go for it. Give it your best and learn all that you can about playing your instrument. There are other ways to make a living in music. I have also been a teacher for the past 25 years.

Vizions of Rock: Is there a message that you’re trying to communicate with your original music?

HEAD HONCHOS: No message our songs are about many different things.

Vizions of Rock: Who are your influences?

HEAD HONCHOS: Like everyone else I have so many but B.B King is my #1 favorite also Buddy Guy, Freddie and Albert King, Albert Collins, Johnny Winter, SRV & Jimmy Vaughan, Ritchie Blackmore, EVH, Robin Trower, Danny Gatton, Jerry Reed, many more.

Vizions of Rock: What do you like best about being a musician and what is the worst part about being a musician?

HEAD HONCHOS: I love everything about being a musician. Playing live is the best part for me. In the past I have been a welder a truck driver and a factory worker and don't miss any of it, lol.

Vizions of Rock: What is on the horizon for the future?

HEAD HONCHOS: To keep playing as much as possible and writing new material.

Vizions of Rock: How can we find you music?

HEAD HONCHOS: You can find it at theheadhonchosband.com, itunes, Spotify, Amazon music.