Episode 72: Michael Shotton of Von Groove

Von Groove is a Toronto-based hard rock outfit created in 1990 as a trio of lead vocalist/drummer Michael Shotten, Croatian-born guitarist Mladen, and bassist Matthew Gerrard. Shotten and Gerard had previously scored writing credits with the Canadian rock band Triumph. Cutting a series of demo sessions in the band's studio, Von Groove soon attained a deal with major label EMI Records. Session drums on Von Groove's eponymous Richie Zito-produced 1992 debut would come courtesy of Deen Castronovo, known for his work with acts such as Hardline, Bad English & Journey. Although the inaugural Von Groove record would be hailed as a bona fide classic of the genre in many circles, the group's profile suffered hugely as the tidal wave of Grunge enveloped the rock scene. The sophomore “Rainmaker”, a radical departure in sound that created undoubted controversy with the band's fanbase, would follow in 1994. Von Groove got back to their melodic rock roots with the Japanese-released “Mission Man” in late 1997. This album would find a reissue in Europe (re-named “Chameleon” and including three extra tracks). Shotten teamed up with guitarist Joey Hunting and Union bassist Jamie Hunting for the project band The Outpatience, headed by Guns N’ Roses songwriter West Arkeen. However, Arkeen would pass away in a drug-related incident in May of 1997 and the lone “Anxious Disease” album would go largely unnoticed despite having GNR members Slash, Axl Rose, Duff McKagan and Izzy Stradlin as well as Steve Stevens guesting on it. Von Groove would issue two albums in 2000, “Drivin' Off The Edge Of The World”, followed by the acoustic-driven “Three Faces Past”. Bassist Matthew Gerrard would make his exit to be replaced by Tom Lewis for the group’s 2001 album “The Seventh Day”.

Michael Shotten revitalized his connections with Rik Emmett by collaborating with the former Triumph frontman on new material. This endeavor had been branded Airtime, and they released the album “Liberty Manifesto” in 2007. In 2014, the album “Down To The Core” by L.R.S. (LaVerdi, Ramos & Shotton) would find release while Shotton kept busy with various studio work and live gigs throughout the years but now after almost 25 years, Von Groove is making their epic comeback! Frontiers Music will release a brand-new album in 2025, and the band is as refined, revitalized, and electrifying as ever so stay tuned!