Rogues of Chaos at the Whisky: Produced by Matt Starr, Fueled by LA Grit
Rogues of Chaos at the Whisky: Produced by Matt Starr, Fueled by LA Grit
We’re backstage at the legendary Whisky A Go Go with Rogues of Chaos — a local LA band blending glam grit, power pop hooks, and raw rock energy. Produced by the iconic Matt Starr (Ace Frehley, Mr. Big), who also drummed for them tonight, the band sat down with Highwire Daze to talk origins, inspirations, and what’s next.
Introduce yourselves and tell me what you do in the band.
Jerry: Jerry Flack, lead guitar, songwriter… and leader.
Cristina: Cristina Smith — keyboards and keytar.
How long has Rogues of Chaos been together?
Jerry: The inception started in 2022.
Christina: We had our first recording in 2023.
Jerry: That’s when we hooked up with Matt Starr.
How did Matt Starr become involved?
Jerry: He’s producing us, doing studio drums, and playing live shows like tonight. I reached out, we talked, found common ground. He was touring with Ace Frehley and playing Belly Up — about 40 miles from our studio. We picked him up that morning, recorded our first tracks, and Cristina drove him back. That night we hit the Ace Frehley gig. It was electric.
How many times have you played the Whisky?
Cristina: This is probably our fifth or sixth time. We love it.
Jerry: The crowd, the crew — they’re fabulous. The history here is iconic. Playing The Whisky is a bucket list thing.
For those who haven’t seen you live, what can they expect from a Rogues of Chaos show?
Jerry: Energy. Pure energy and fun.
Cristina: Great tunes, great writing — songs you can dive into even if it’s your first listen.
Pick two songs from tonight’s set and tell us what inspired them.
Jerry: “Wild Tonight” kicks things off. It’s got a Queen-style intro, Matt on drums, me on guitar — a wall of sound like Phil Spector meets 80s/90s edge.
Cristina: “Crazy For You” — our first release. Power pop, lots of listens, fan favorite. It’s our closer.
Joining us now is Marty Erickson, harmonica player. How did you end up in the band?
Marty: I was the roadie. One day Jerry calls and says, “I hear harmonica on this new song.” I confessed — I’m a closet harmonica player. He said, “Bring it to rehearsal.” I did, wrong key. But he had that covered – the band had the right one. They handed me a harmonica and said, “Play something.” And I said, “Play what?” So I remembered a YouTube riff, started jamming — five minutes later Jerry says, “Studio in two weeks. Write your part.”
Jerry: I basically took him out of the closet.
Marty: Yeah — out of the closet and into the fire.
What’s coming up in the New Year?
Jerry: In February, we’re direct support for Missing Persons — right here at The Whisky.
Cristina: We’re sorting out gigs for NAMM. A few offers are floating, nothing locked in yet.
Matt Starr, you’re here — how did you get involved with Rogues of Chaos?
Matt: I was touring with Ace Frehley. Jerry reached out, asked me to play on a couple songs. I asked, “You got a producer?” He said no. I said, “Hell yeah, I’ll do it.” That was two years ago. We’ve done a whole record — it sounds great.
What’s next for you?
Matt: Third Black Swan record is finished. No release date yet, but we’re shooting videos this weekend. Stay tuned.
How can people reach you?
Matt: Hit me up at www.mattstarrmusic.com/.
(Interview by Ken Morton – Photos by Karen Burleigh of Rock Edge Photography)
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