Pat Ranieri founded Thrash/Death Metal pioneers, Hellwitch, in 1984, giving him over 40 years in the music life. He’s also your go-to for bootleg tapes (Are we going to get him into trouble for mentioning that??) He’s proven to be a wealth of experience, passionate fandom, and intense music. He spoke with Jack Mangan backstage at a 2024 gig.
https://hellwitch.com/

Pat Ranieri: If I could go back in the time machine to my old self: “Do less bong hits and write more song.” (laughs) That would have probably been the best thing I could have done, because I wasn’t very aggressive with composing music, just was aggressive with playing and practicing and whatever. I’m motivated now more than ever to write, I think, than I ever have been. I see now that’s a big part of it, because the more stuff you have, the greater your chances of success – – and not even success, just getting your sound out and sharing your ideas with the world, and hopefully more people like it and you get noticed – – and lives are enriched from your creativity.