An Interview with Ace Annese of Reality Check TV
How are you doing?
Things have been going great personally and professionally.
What are you doing these days?
Very busy planning World Domination via Reality Check TV. RCTV has prided itself on being a big supporter of local/regional acts and touring bands, so we attempt to get involved as much as we can in promoting/producing shows. To that end, we've recently entered into a cross-promotion/marketing deal with SFARZO GUITAR STRINGS. Check it out here: http://sfarzo.us/live
Describe a normal day in the life of Ace
I don't really have what could be termed "a normal day". I'm often banging away on the computer at RCTV HQ, networking, promoting, setting up events or interviews, chatting with friends/fans and related stuff. Other than that, I'm active in progressive causes, and I play poker for fun and profit.
What exactely is it that you do?
My "job/position" is essentially Co-host/Producer of Reality Check TV. I do all or most of the networking. marketing, publicity, promotion and live showcase organization/ production, as well as a lot of on-camera interviews. I'm also the DJ/MC at all our Events, and do some of that independently when asked. I've been part of the show since 1993. The show began in 1991, and was created by Hugh "Huge" McKenzie (Exec. Producer/Main Camera/Editor), and his partner at the time, Moca D. Lite. Moca left around the time I became involved. Our other members are Danny "DDDDanny" Shipman, who is Editor/Producer/Co-host and David Dragon, who is Co-host/Co-producer.
If you weren`t doing this, then what?
If I wasn't doing this, I'd still be in the Biz in some fashion, since I have a long history and background as a journalist, band manager/booker, Stage/production manager, Artist Relations Rep, Radio show host, and a zillion other things.
Who would you like to work with?
Who I'd like to work with, in terms of the TV show, are the few really big bands I haven't yet had on, like Aerosmith, Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and several like that. I've been lucky enough to have met/interviewed most of my heroes. I also want to interview Hugh Hefner and Stan Lee before they pass away.
What do you feel you have missed out on by doing this?
I have NO regrets. I live to ROCK!
Time of your life?
The best time of my life is doing the next Event or interview. I tend to live in the NOW, not the past.
Food?
Fave foods? I actually am a bit of a Chef, so I whip up some good grub on my own. Just recently made my super-secret Family Recipe Pasta Sauce (modified by me) and Baked Ziti for my girl--and she LOVED it. Licked the plate clean!!!
On the stereo?
Right now, I'm listening to the new JETBOY CD, 'OFFYOURROCKER', which is their 1st new music in 20 years. RCTv has a long history with Jetboy, and we shot the video that they are using to promo the new release. We produced the "Extras" on their DVD, 'THE GLAM YEARS' as well. I'm also loving the recent ACE FREHLEY record, 'ANOMALY', and the new ANGUS KHAN disc, featuring my good friend Frank Meyer.
On screen?
On TV, my favorite regular show is 'BURN NOTICE', a show about a former spy who is trying to get back into the CIA after being booted for a mysterious reason. Very cool show, with Bruce Campbell as one of the stars. Would LOVE to interview him! Also, I watch a lot of Robot Chicken, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, The Daily Show w/ Jon Stewart, Countdown with Keith Olbermann, and a lot of news or sports.
Sports?
Related to the above, I love Football, Baseball, Basketball and Hockey. I go to several games of the local San Francisco teams every season. That said, as a native New Yorker, I love my NY teams! I played a lot of sports growing up, including organized team sports. I have quite a few trophies and plaques, even though I don't look like a prototypical athlete.
Tattoos?
I love tattoos (especially on girls), but I don't have any myself. Maybe someday...
Groupies?
...I confess that I have them. Have I slept with any? Maybe...heheheh.
Transport?
I don't have a car currently. My past vehicles have tended towards classics like my 1965 Mercury Comet, or my 1972 Olds Cutlass Supreme. I've never had a brand-new car, and frankly, I don't like them.
Best concert?
Best live concert is always tough, but I suppose the 1st will always stand out, since it was my fave band, KISS in 1977 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Favourite Rocknrolla memory?
My all-time fave memory is interviewing one of my heroes in KISS, Paul Stanley, in LA in 2008. Awesome!
Vice of choice?
Vice of choice is Rock 'n' Roll, baby!
Who do you respect the most?
I respect Lemmy from Motorhead the most--he embodies the true spirit of Rock 'n' Roll. I am lucky enough to call him a good friend as well.
What do you appreciate the most in your friends?
I'm blessed with great friends, who support me and my endeavors.
What does your friends appreciate the most in you?
I suppose you would have to ask them, but if pressed, I'd say my integrity, loyalty and dedication. I hope.
State of the world today?
State of the world is kinda grim, but I am hopeful. I see potential for good things to happen, but for that, we must never let the forces of darkness prevail. So, it's good to spread the love through great music, art, entertainment, food, whatever, with an eye towards curbing violence and injustice wherever it rears its ugly head. It takes a lot of diligence, and I attempt to do my part as best I can.
What will we see & hear of Ace Realitycheck in 2010/11?
I personally am working toward expanding the reach and impact of Reality Check TV, and am also planning to join a Internet Radio Podcast called "Hard Candy" with my friend "Bassy" Stacy Maisenbach, which will hopefully launch soon. Stacy used to do the show on a local radio station, but left there and is moving it exclusively online. She graciously asked me to co-host, so I said "sure, why not?". I may also do some writing for magazines/websites again, which I do occasionally. Then there's doing more DJ gigs in local clubs. I love to weave the sonic tapestry for people's listening pleasure!
For more info on Reality Check TV: http://realitychecktv.com
There are links to all of our video archives, press, related projects and so on. To see full RCTV episodes, log on to http://realitychecktv.mevio.com
Reality Check TV can be seen on San Francisco Comcast cable ch. 29 every Fri. nite at 1 AM, twice monthly at 12:30am Fridays on Comcast cable public access in Concord/Walnut Creek and surrounding towns. We also have 10 minute "Minisodes" on SF Bay Area-wide Comcast On Demand (covering SF, Marin, Sonoma, Contra Costa and San Mateo counties). Click On Demand, then "Get Local", then "Local Entertainment" to watch anytime!
