BLIND ILLUSION’S MARK BIEDERMANN LOOKS BACK ON FIVE DECADES OF BAY AREA METAL, LES CLAYPOOL, CLIFF BURTON, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT AND THE NEW STAGE FLIGHT LIVE ALBUM
Guitarist Mark Biedermann joins The Zach Moonshine Show for a wide-ranging conversation covering The Sane Asylum, David White, Les Claypool, Kirk Hammett, Cliff Burton, Sandy Pearlman, Blue Öyster Cult, the Bay Area metal scene, Hectic Records, Crushing the Universe, and the upcoming STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre
By Metal Devastation Radio
Few bands can claim a history as strange, unpredictable, and deeply connected to the roots of the Bay Area metal scene as Blind Illusion.
Formed in 1978, the band has spent nearly five decades moving through progressive metal, technical thrash, psychedelic experimentation and everything in between. At the center of that history is guitarist Mark Biedermann, whose career has crossed paths with some of the most important musicians and bands in heavy music.
During a recent appearance on The Zach Moonshine Show, Biedermann opened up about Blind Illusion's upcoming live album, the return of original vocalist David White, the band's younger current lineup, his work with Les Claypool, Kirk Hammett, Sandy Pearlman and Blue Öyster Cult, and one particularly remarkable story involving his longtime friend Cliff Burton.
The conversation also offered a glimpse into the next chapter of Blind Illusion, with the studio album Crushing the Universe already recorded and the band looking toward future European and U.S. festival appearances.
“THIS, I GUARANTEE YOU, IS 100% LIVE”
The immediate subject of the conversation was Blind Illusion's upcoming live release, STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre.
The album originated during preparations for what became the band's reunion performance with Exodus. Biedermann explained that David White, Blind Illusion's original vocalist, contacted him while the band was working on pre-production for Crushing the Universe.
“Dave White contacted me,” Biedermann recalled. “Lee contacted him and said would we do a reunion show with Exodus?”
The band quickly shifted gears and began revisiting material from its early years, including songs from the Trilogy of Terror era, the Blind Sun demo and “Smash The Crystal,” one of the final songs White performed before leaving Blind Illusion to join Heathen.
Rather than attempting to recreate the band's past with a lineup made entirely of former members, Biedermann chose to bring his current musicians into the equation.
That lineup includes guitarist Martine Lacour, drummer Phil Costantini and bassist Avery Thurman.
“I've got the band of young crazies that are just amazing,” Biedermann said, praising the musicians for capturing the spirit of Blind Illusion's early years despite their age.
The UC Theatre performance was recorded by engineer Ivan Garcia, who connected the band's stage microphones to Pro Tools and captured the performance from the board. Biedermann subsequently handled the mixing, working with Costantini on the drum and bass tones before blending the guitars and vocals himself.
And Biedermann was emphatic about one thing: there were no studio overdubs used to fake the performance.
“So it's a pure live album,” he explained.
He later put it even more directly:
“This, I guarantee you, is 100% live.”
That old-school approach is clearly important to Biedermann, particularly in an era where live records can sometimes be heavily altered after the fact.
DAVID WHITE RETURNS
One of the most significant elements of STAGE FLIGHT is the presence of original Blind Illusion vocalist David White.
Biedermann explained that White's involvement made the performance something of a historical anomaly, particularly because “Smash The Crystal” was among the last songs White sang with the band before departing for Heathen.
Biedermann said he would love to perform the material with White again, even discussing the possibility of a short European run built around the reunion.
For now, however, Blind Illusion will continue forward with its current lineup while White continues his work with Heathen.
THE NEXT CHAPTER: CRUSHING THE UNIVERSE
While STAGE FLIGHT looks backward, Blind Illusion is already looking forward.
Biedermann revealed that the band's next studio album, Crushing the Universe, has already been recorded.
The album is being produced, engineered and mixed by former Blind Illusion bassist Tom Gears, who Biedermann says has played a major role in shaping the sound of the new record.
“He's the whole reason why we are sounding like this on this new album, Crushing the Universe,” Biedermann said.
Gears also co-wrote “Automatic Man” with Biedermann, a track featuring what Biedermann describes as one of Martine Lacour's most outrageous guitar performances.
Biedermann compared Lacour's playing to John McLaughlin, Uli Jon Roth and Al Di Meola, saying the young guitarist is capable of taking the material into territory even Biedermann himself cannot always follow.
“If you call what I do shredding,” Biedermann joked, “there's got to be another word for what Martine does.”
He also revealed that the new version of “Concerto” will appear on Crushing the Universe, this time without keyboards.
LES CLAYPOOL WAS BLIND ILLUSION'S FIRST BASS PLAYER
Perhaps one of the most fascinating portions of the conversation centered around Les Claypool.
Long before Primus, before Frizzle Fry, before the massive bass-playing reputation, Claypool was a young musician learning the instrument in Blind Illusion.
According to Biedermann, Claypool became one of the band's first bass players in 1978.
“He didn't know how to play,” Biedermann explained.
The arrangement was simple: Claypool would get a bass, join the band and Biedermann would teach him the material.
“The deal was you get a bass, you join my band, I will teach you how to play my songs, and then you will be the greatest bass player in the world someday.”
That prediction didn't exactly age badly.
Claypool eventually left to pursue jazz and fusion, but the relationship between the two musicians continued. Claypool later contacted Biedermann looking for someone to play fusion guitar with him, leading to a project called Sons of Illusion.
Biedermann also pointed to Blind Illusion recordings as containing some of the earliest known recordings of Claypool.
The Ultimate Anthology material includes the “Deathbed Kamikaze” demo, with Biedermann stating that the first two tracks feature Claypool on bass.
“And that is the earliest recordings you will ever get of Les Claypool,” Biedermann said.
Claypool eventually returned to Blind Illusion for The Sane Asylum, helping reconnect the band's original history with its 1988 debut.
KIRK HAMMETT AND THE SANE ASYLUM
The history surrounding The Sane Asylum is equally remarkable.
Biedermann confirmed that Kirk Hammett was involved with the album's production.
According to Biedermann, Hammett produced the record through the mixing stage, although the production arrangement ultimately prevented him from completing the mixing process with the band.
“Kirk Hammett produced The Sane Asylum up to the mixed point,” Biedermann said.
The result was an album that captured Blind Illusion's unique place in the Bay Area scene, while featuring musicians who would go on to become major figures in metal.
THE LOST YEARS AND BLIND ILLUSION'S WEIRD SIDE
Blind Illusion's history wasn't always about straight-ahead thrash.
Biedermann discussed a period when the band moved into considerably stranger territory, incorporating keyboards, psychedelic influences and experimental material.
He explained that the Bay Area scene had begun changing dramatically after thrash exploded, with funk metal and alternative sounds gaining ground.
Bands such as Primus, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane's Addiction, Testament, Exodus and Death Angel all came up during the conversation.
Biedermann described a period when Blind Illusion's musicians were essentially caught between worlds.
“The players that wanted to play couldn't play the stuff and the players that could play it didn't want to play,” he explained.
“That is how that weird ass hippie the lost years Blind Illusion came about.”
That experimental side of Blind Illusion remains part of the band's DNA, with Biedermann planning to revisit “Concerto” on Crushing the Universe.
SANDY PEARLMAN, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, JOE SATRIANI AND ROBBIE KRIEGER
Biedermann's history extends well beyond Blind Illusion.
During the interview, he discussed his involvement with Sandy Pearlman and the world surrounding Blue Öyster Cult, including work connected to Imaginos.
That experience also brought him into contact with legendary musicians including Robbie Krieger of The Doors and Joe Satriani.
Biedermann recalled playing rhythm guitar and guitar parts on the Imaginos material, including the Imaginos material surrounding ‘Magna Evolution,’ with Robbie Krieger also contributing to the recording.
He also discussed playing on “The Siege and Investiture of Baron von Frankenstein's Castle at Sea,” a song that later generated an amusing misunderstanding online.
When Biedermann discovered a fan had praised what they believed was Joe Satriani's guitar work as some of Satriani's best playing, he eventually revealed that the solo being praised was actually his.
“And I should know because I'm Mark Biedermann,” he recalled.
Rather than taking offense at the mistake, Biedermann took it as a compliment.
“That's the greatest compliment that you would think my work was Joe's best work,” he said.
“I AM NOT AI”
The conversation eventually turned toward modern music culture and the changing relationship between musicians and their audiences.
Biedermann talked about social media, younger metal fans and the increasingly strong backlash against artificial intelligence-generated artwork.
He pointed out that his own song “Automatic Man” contains the line:
“I am the automatic man. I am not AI.”
According to Biedermann, the line was written years before the current AI debate exploded, but now carries an entirely different weight. His young bassist Avery Thurman also sings the line with him.
Biedermann praised the younger generation for being outspoken and unapologetic about what they expect from metal.
He also highlighted Thurman's social media presence, noting that the young bassist regularly posts performances of songs by Metallica, Megadeth and other major metal acts, sometimes pulling in thousands of views.
For Biedermann, that connection between the old guard and the new generation is one of the most encouraging things happening around Blind Illusion.
“WE'RE LIKE ONE OF THE LAST MEN STANDING”
Biedermann acknowledged that Blind Illusion doesn't occupy the same commercial tier as Metallica, Exodus, Testament or Death Angel.
But he also made it clear that the band's place in Bay Area metal history cannot simply be erased.
“I'm almost like one of the last men standing,” Biedermann said, pointing to the surviving bands from that original scene.
He sees the current generation of Blind Illusion musicians as carrying that history forward.
“As far as I'm concerned, you know, I'm going to be around for another 20 years playing this stuff,” he said.
“But if I kick the bucket, I expect them to carry on.”
That philosophy seems to define the band's current era. Blind Illusion isn't simply attempting to recreate 1988. The goal is to keep moving while preserving the spirit that made the band unique in the first place.
THE CLIFF BURTON STORY
Then came perhaps the most unexpected story of the interview.
Biedermann recalled a conversation with Cliff Burton outside Ruthie's in the Bay Area.
According to Biedermann, Burton approached him with an unusual proposition.
“Hey, Biedermann, I want to play some Southern rock with you.”
Burton had apparently heard the country-influenced guitar lines in Biedermann's playing and wanted to form a Southern rock project influenced by bands such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top.
Biedermann said Burton wanted to return to smaller clubs and play Southern rock when Metallica was off the road.
The two musicians actually jammed together several times, including a performance at Ruthie's where they played “Am I Evil?”
Biedermann also recalled another jam involving Burton, including Southern rock material and “Give Me Three Steps.”
But then Burton left on tour with Metallica.
“He took off on that tour and he never came back,” Biedermann said.
“So that was a bummer.”
Years later, Biedermann formed Ghost Kings, a Southern rock, blues and bluegrass project that he considers partially inspired by Burton's unrealized idea.
The description?
“It's like Johnny Cash meets Led Zeppelin.”
The project even featured original Blind Illusion drummer Brett Hearn at one point.
FROM THE BEATLES TO BRUCE LEE
Biedermann's influences aren't limited to metal.
He cited The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, Steve Morse, John McLaughlin, Uli Jon Roth, Al Di Meola, Jerry Reed and Roy Clark among his musical influences.
But perhaps more unusual is the influence of martial arts.
Biedermann began studying Kung Fu at the age of eight and described Bruce Lee as being as important to his development as his musical heroes.
He eventually performed Shaolin Kung Fu on the Great Wall of China and explained that Chinese philosophy and martial arts have also influenced his songwriting and Blind Illusion's music.
Biedermann specifically connected the title Crushing the Universe to a movement within a Taiji set, explaining that elements of ancient Chinese Kung Fu philosophy and mysticism have found their way into his music and lyrics.
“Bruce Lee was as big an influence to me as Uli Roth,” Biedermann said.
It's another example of why Blind Illusion has never fit neatly inside one box.
HECTIC RECORDS AND THE BAY AREA CONNECTION
Blind Illusion's current relationship with Hectic Records also represents a return to the band's Bay Area roots.
Biedermann described the connection as essentially a “no brainer,” particularly after seeing friends and other Bay Area musicians working with the label.
Will Carroll of Death Angel has been heavily involved with Hectic Records, and Biedermann praised Carroll's hands-on approach to promoting the label's artists.
Rather than relying solely on traditional distribution, Carroll has been personally taking Hectic releases into record stores while touring with Death Angel.
Biedermann said that personal connection is one of the things that makes Hectic special.
For a band with nearly five decades of history in the Bay Area, it is fitting that the next chapter is once again being built alongside musicians and people from the same community.
EUROPE, U.S. FESTIVALS AND WHAT COMES NEXT
Blind Illusion has already toured Europe multiple times, and Biedermann made it clear that the band wants to return.
Former Blind Illusion bassist Harold is now interested in helping with management and European festival bookings.
Biedermann specifically named Alcatraz, Headbangers Open Air and Storm Crusher among the festivals he'd love to return to.
But Europe isn't the only target.
Biedermann also issued a direct invitation to American festival promoters.
“We want to play some festivals in the US,” he said, specifically mentioning events such as Hell's Heroes and Milwaukee Metal Fest.
And with STAGE FLIGHT arriving first and Crushing the Universe expected to follow, the timing couldn't be better.
KEEPING THE MACHINE MOVING
Toward the end of the interview, Biedermann reflected on longevity and the strange idea of an “overnight success” arriving after decades of work.
He compared his situation to Willie Nelson, describing the possibility of a “60-year overnight success.”
The money isn't what motivates him.
Keeping the music alive is.
“As long as we get that success and there's money to be, there's money that they want to cry about, that's OK,” Biedermann said. “Because I'm not worried about the money as much as getting, keeping the product going.”
That may be the best description of Blind Illusion's current position.
Nearly five decades after the band began, Biedermann is still writing, recording, performing and looking ahead.
The history is enormous.
The stories are even bigger.
But Blind Illusion isn't finished making history.
STAGE FLIGHT: LIVE AT THE UC THEATRE
Blind Illusion's STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre is scheduled for release October 16, 2026, featuring original vocalist David White.
The live album captures the band's UC Theatre performance and, according to Biedermann, is a completely live recording with no studio overdubs.
The band is also preparing the next studio chapter with Crushing the Universe, produced, engineered and mixed by former Blind Illusion bassist Tom Gears.
After nearly 50 years, Mark Biedermann isn't looking backward.
He's still cranking the amps, still writing songs, still pushing his guitar players to the limit and still planning the next show.
As he put it during the interview:
“I intend to be one of those guys.”
And if Blind Illusion's history is any indication, there's probably a hell of a lot more story left to tell.
Full Show Track List:
Battle Of The Bands Top Six Winners:
1 - Another Demon - Reduced to Ash - (16,323,137 votes)2 - Virya - Technophobia - Live from FLSS 2026 - (6,562,524 votes)3 - Persephore - All That Is Left - (1,166,799 votes)4 - Soul Of Sheol - Paradise Is Not For Us - (13,191 votes)5 - Sharp n' Loud - Armored sexy girl - (12,895 votes)6 - Mistress - Terrified eyes - (4,589 votes)
The Zach Moonshine Intro
7 - Ozzy Osbourne - Believer - Live From Blizzard Of Ozz Tour8 - MURDERY - KILLING GRANDMA9 - Infestation - Mother Of All Bombs10 - BEHEMOTH - In League with Satan
Blind Illusion - Interview featuring Smash the Crystal/Blood Shower/Night Blade
11 - CIRITH UNGOL - All The Shadows12 - Smoulder - Shadow Of The Vulture/Warrior Witch Of Hell/Cage Of Mirrors [Manilla Road cover]13 - Netherdred - Necrodancer14 - Dee Calhoun - Kill a Mother Fucker15 - CREEPER - Big Bad Wolf16 - Ophiolatry - Revenge17 - The Red Mountain - When The Hammer Drops/The Color Greed18 - Demon Christ - Curse You All19 - Slipknot - Arsenal20 - Antania - 3321 - Craig Neill - Baloo Ka Toofaan22 - In Spite of Thunder - Collateral Damage23 - PS:23 - The Angel They Call Evil24 - Titan Blood - Unite Them
Streaming now in full on Mixcloud!
The interview is also available via YouTube, Spotify, Apple etc:
[jrEmbed module="jrYouTube" youtube_id="6W6t331iBAA"]
Super massive thanks to the 289,486 metal maniacs from all over the world that tuned in for the live broadcast Friday!
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