Interview with Tom Harte of Trucker Diablo

MD: Let’s kick things off with the band’s name. Where did it come from?

TT: Trucker Diablo is a nod to a trucker’s persona; it’s like saying the trucker is named Diablo. The name fits our spirit—we aim to rock hard, enjoy the journey, and make connections along the way. We’re committed to this long haul.

MD: How did the band come together, and was your initial goal world domination?

TT: We’ve been friends for years, and both Terry (drummer) and I played in a previous band. Initially, we formed Trucker Diablo just for fun, without a clear direction. Over time, as our songs evolved, people began to appreciate our sound. Now, we’re excited and fully focused on reaching a broader audience.

MD: What can fans expect from your live performances?

TT: Expect a great time filled with laughter, audience engagement, playful banter, and, of course, some hard-hitting rock tunes.

MD: What’s your most rock ‘n roll moment as a band?

TT: Recently, we shared the stage with Ricky Warwick from Thin Lizzy, performing three songs together that genuinely rocked the house. It was an unforgettable experience.

MD: What’s been your biggest gig so far?

TT: Last year, we played at the Pentrich Rock and Blues Custom show in the UK, and it was fantastic—the crowd was amazing.

MD: Is it challenging for new bands to gain recognition these days?

TT: Yes, it can be tough with so many talented bands out there. We chose a unique path by not trying to fit into any scene, focusing instead on broadening our audience and staying true to ourselves. The response from our fans has been incredible, and we know we couldn’t do this without their support.

MD: So, with the current state of the music industry, what motivates you to be in a band?

TT: It’s our passion for music and the connection with our families and fans. While many bands can get people to rock out, we aim to craft songs that resonate emotionally with listeners. It’s powerful to evoke feelings through our music.

MD: Who are your main musical influences?

TT: Our influences range widely, including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Creedence, Metallica, and Thin Lizzy, among others—there’s a lot!

MD: Tell us about your single ‘Juggernaut’ and how Ricky Warwick got involved.

TT: We played a show with Ricky 18 months ago, and he liked our music. We invited him to collaborate, and he agreed! We recorded it around Christmas, and it performed incredibly well, hitting number 1 on Amazon’s rock charts shortly after release.

MD: How would you describe your sound?

TT: We describe it as high-octane, hard rock with a mix of good-time vibes and a touch of petrol-fueled energy.

MD: What are your goals for the rest of 2011?

TT: We’re actively promoting the band, have been featured in Classic Rock magazine, and are gearing up for some festival performances. We’re ready to work on new album material by year-end, so you might see us on the road soon!

MD: Where can fans purchase your CD?

TT: It’s available on iTunes, and you can find a direct link at www.imcreative.co.uk/Truckershop. We’d love for you to check it out!

MD: What would you consider the meaning of life?

TT: “Be excellent to each other” captures it well.

Thank you to Tom for sharing insights with us, and special thanks to Darren Seaton for introducing us to this fantastic band. Support live music wherever you can!