Rough Cutt stormed onto the scene in 1985 with their self-titled debut release. Paul Shortino (vocals), Dave Alford (drums), Amir Derakh (guitar), Chris Hagar (guitar) and Matt Thorr (bass) immediately caught the attention of hard rock fans and journalists all over the world with their unique sound.
The band was managed by Wendy Dio, wife of the late Ronnie James Dio. Wendy had the band playing everywhere and the band made a huge name for themselves worldwide due to their amazing live shows and their unique style of heavy, guitar driven hard rock. Wendy not only managed the band she also co-wrote massively successful tracks “Black Widow” and “Dreamin’ Again”. Ronnie was also involved in writing as he co-wrote “Take Her”. The band released a second album in 1986 titled Wants You!. Another successful effort with standout tracks “Bad Reputation”, “Hot N Heavy”, “We Like It Loud” and “Double Trouble”. The band enjoyed much success in the US and worldwide, especially in Japan.
Fast forward to 2025… Dave Alford has put together a brand new project, Rockin’ Dave’s Rough Cutt, for the purpose of celebrating 40 years of amazing Rough Cutt music. He has surrounded himself with not only very talented musicians but persons that will deliver Rough Cutt music at the highest level. Scott Board (No Love Lost) has amazing vocal ability and a range that is matched by very few in the business. The twin-axe attack from Atlanta based guitar duo Neil Blade and Tony Baker deliver the riffs and tone that Rough Cutt is known for perfectly. Rounding out the lineup is Shawn Love on bass and Dave Alford delivering the thunder that Rough Cutt has always been known for.
On April 3 of this year, at Madlife Stage & Studios in Woodstock Georgia, Rockin’ Dave’s Rough Cutt made their live debut to a raucous crowd. The band delivered a scorching set to a crowd that was singing along, pumping their fists in the air and enjoying every blistering note coming through the speakers. The band is ready to strike and is now booking shows, with a confirmed date of October 15 at the legendary Whisky A Go-Go. Also, look for brand new music coming in 2025 as Dave and Scott are writing new material.
Rockin’ Dave’s Rough Cutt is gonna “Cutt Your Heart Out” in 2025 and beyond.
Tickets for Rockin’ Dave’s Rough Cutt at Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood on October 15 are available here.
Meet the band…
Rockin’ Dave Alford is an American heavy metal and rock drummer, singer, songwriter and producer who has played in the bands Max Havoc, Ratt, Jailhouse, Mod Ev, Kryme and Rough Cutt, whom he rejoined in 2016 upon their reformation. Alford also contributed to the Hear ‘N Aidvideo project where various heavy metal/ hard rock artists collaborated to raise money for Famine Relief in 1985; produced by Ronnie James Dio.
Powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, Scott Board, best known for vocals with classic mid- 80s metal band Cerebus who’s albums were in the top 15 on the metal charts in Europe back in the day. Also lead vocals, songwriter, melodic hard rock band, Kivel Recording Artists, No Love Lost, since 2013. No Love Lost’s releases have grown critical acclaim in the melodic hard rock genre.
Nathan Smith, aka Neil Blade, is a 34 year old Atlanta based guitarist and vocalist, who has been performing live around the U.S. for 20 years. He began his music career as a teenager, performing in various original metal bands, before branching into the cover and tribute band scene in his early 20s. He has since traveled the country, playing small clubs, casinos, fraternity houses, theaters, all the way to arenas. Whether he is playing guitar, or fronting a band as a vocalist, he pours every ounce of his energy and soul onto the stage, and lives to entertain. He has also released a catalog of original solo material. His biggest musical inspirations range from Van Halen, Ted Nugent and Scorpions, to Huey Lewis, Toto and Journey, all the way to Pantera, Lamb of God, and Periphery. Neil is excited and humbled to be invited to celebrate the music of Rough Cutt, alongside the legendary Rockin’ Dave Alford.
Born September 23, 1970 in Spokane, Washington, bassist/vocalist Shawn Love resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, and over the years has played on some of the biggest stages with National talents. Shawn has played in various original NC groups including Jacob Marley, Paragon, Saltlick, and Armada. He’s currently the bassist for Bad Romeo, an 80s tribute. With his love of the big 80’s music, Shawn brings his “attack the bass”, gunslinger style of playing, with a highly energetic stage show, to lay down the bottom-end.
Tony is an American guitarist born and raised in Commerce, GA. He got on stage with his dad’s band as a preteen guitarist and has never stopped. Baker has created several tribute bands over the past 25 years and has been a supported guitarist for many rock bands in the south eastern USA. Baker is currently a lead guitarist in the 80s rock band Rockin’ Dave’s Rough Cutt. He still performs with his 14 year old Def Leppard tribute Mock Of Ages, which is still performing shows.
BraveWords Records… home for Paul Di’Anno’s Warhorse, The Chris Slade Timeline, Rhett Forrester & Rob Robbins, Prophets of Addiction, Jack Starr, Crimson Glory, ASKA and Lillian Axe.
Make sure you are following the label on Facebook. >> https://www.facebook.com/bravewordsrecords
The post Founding ROUGH CUTT Drummer Unveils New Project ROCKIN’ DAVE’S ROUGH CUTT To Celebrate 40 Years Of Rough Cutt Music appeared first on BraveWords - Where Music Lives.
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The band was managed by Wendy Dio, wife of the late Ronnie James Dio. Wendy had the band playing everywhere and the band made a huge name for themselves worldwide due to their amazing live shows and their unique style of heavy, guitar driven hard rock. Wendy not only managed the band she also co-wrote massively successful tracks “Black Widow” and “Dreamin’ Again”. Ronnie was also involved in writing as he co-wrote “Take Her”. The band released a second album in 1986 titled Wants You!. Another successful effort with standout tracks “Bad Reputation”, “Hot N Heavy”, “We Like It Loud” and “Double Trouble”. The band enjoyed much success in the US and worldwide, especially in Japan.
Fast forward to 2025… Dave Alford has put together a brand new project, Rockin’ Dave’s Rough Cutt, for the purpose of celebrating 40 years of amazing Rough Cutt music. He has surrounded himself with not only very talented musicians but persons that will deliver Rough Cutt music at the highest level. Scott Board (No Love Lost) has amazing vocal ability and a range that is matched by very few in the business. The twin-axe attack from Atlanta based guitar duo Neil Blade and Tony Baker deliver the riffs and tone that Rough Cutt is known for perfectly. Rounding out the lineup is Shawn Love on bass and Dave Alford delivering the thunder that Rough Cutt has always been known for.
On April 3 of this year, at Madlife Stage & Studios in Woodstock Georgia, Rockin’ Dave’s Rough Cutt made their live debut to a raucous crowd. The band delivered a scorching set to a crowd that was singing along, pumping their fists in the air and enjoying every blistering note coming through the speakers. The band is ready to strike and is now booking shows, with a confirmed date of October 15 at the legendary Whisky A Go-Go. Also, look for brand new music coming in 2025 as Dave and Scott are writing new material.
Rockin’ Dave’s Rough Cutt is gonna “Cutt Your Heart Out” in 2025 and beyond.

Tickets for Rockin’ Dave’s Rough Cutt at Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood on October 15 are available here.
Meet the band…

Rockin’ Dave Alford is an American heavy metal and rock drummer, singer, songwriter and producer who has played in the bands Max Havoc, Ratt, Jailhouse, Mod Ev, Kryme and Rough Cutt, whom he rejoined in 2016 upon their reformation. Alford also contributed to the Hear ‘N Aidvideo project where various heavy metal/ hard rock artists collaborated to raise money for Famine Relief in 1985; produced by Ronnie James Dio.

Powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, Scott Board, best known for vocals with classic mid- 80s metal band Cerebus who’s albums were in the top 15 on the metal charts in Europe back in the day. Also lead vocals, songwriter, melodic hard rock band, Kivel Recording Artists, No Love Lost, since 2013. No Love Lost’s releases have grown critical acclaim in the melodic hard rock genre.

Nathan Smith, aka Neil Blade, is a 34 year old Atlanta based guitarist and vocalist, who has been performing live around the U.S. for 20 years. He began his music career as a teenager, performing in various original metal bands, before branching into the cover and tribute band scene in his early 20s. He has since traveled the country, playing small clubs, casinos, fraternity houses, theaters, all the way to arenas. Whether he is playing guitar, or fronting a band as a vocalist, he pours every ounce of his energy and soul onto the stage, and lives to entertain. He has also released a catalog of original solo material. His biggest musical inspirations range from Van Halen, Ted Nugent and Scorpions, to Huey Lewis, Toto and Journey, all the way to Pantera, Lamb of God, and Periphery. Neil is excited and humbled to be invited to celebrate the music of Rough Cutt, alongside the legendary Rockin’ Dave Alford.

Born September 23, 1970 in Spokane, Washington, bassist/vocalist Shawn Love resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, and over the years has played on some of the biggest stages with National talents. Shawn has played in various original NC groups including Jacob Marley, Paragon, Saltlick, and Armada. He’s currently the bassist for Bad Romeo, an 80s tribute. With his love of the big 80’s music, Shawn brings his “attack the bass”, gunslinger style of playing, with a highly energetic stage show, to lay down the bottom-end.

Tony is an American guitarist born and raised in Commerce, GA. He got on stage with his dad’s band as a preteen guitarist and has never stopped. Baker has created several tribute bands over the past 25 years and has been a supported guitarist for many rock bands in the south eastern USA. Baker is currently a lead guitarist in the 80s rock band Rockin’ Dave’s Rough Cutt. He still performs with his 14 year old Def Leppard tribute Mock Of Ages, which is still performing shows.
BraveWords Records… home for Paul Di’Anno’s Warhorse, The Chris Slade Timeline, Rhett Forrester & Rob Robbins, Prophets of Addiction, Jack Starr, Crimson Glory, ASKA and Lillian Axe.
Make sure you are following the label on Facebook. >> https://www.facebook.com/bravewordsrecords
The post Founding ROUGH CUTT Drummer Unveils New Project ROCKIN’ DAVE’S ROUGH CUTT To Celebrate 40 Years Of Rough Cutt Music appeared first on BraveWords - Where Music Lives.
Continue reading...