Music City, it’s time to rock! Give a listen to “Battle Lessons”, the killer title track from the forthcoming album due out in early 2021 on Double Dragon Records from renowned guitarist, singer and songwriter Damon Johnson. Watch the cool in-studio video recorded at Rock Falcon in Nashville right here, right now.

In addition to the bands he co-founded, Black Star Riders and Brother Cane, Johnson’s legacy includes touring as guitarist with Alice Cooper and in a dream come true, with the current lineup of Thin Lizzy. In fact, Damon and his current band, The Get Ready recently streamed “A Tribute to Thin Lizzy” which I hope you were lucky to catch.

We thank Damon for visiting 11 Questions and look forward to the new record and hopefully a return to gigging in 2021!

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I was born in Macon, GA and grew up in two small Alabama towns: Monroeville and Geraldine. I lived in and around Birmingham from 1987-2013. We moved to Nashville in summer of 2013 knowing it would be productive for my family as well as my music.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

My first record I bought was a 45 single of Steve Miller’s “The Joker”, from the Woolworth’s in Monroeville. The last record I bought was a CD of Clutch’s Book of Bad Decisions from the band’s website. 

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

My first concert was seeing Boston w/Sammy Hagar in Mobile, AL on January 30, 1979. The last concert I saw was Lucinda Williams at the City Winery in Nashville on November 1, 2020. (Music City Mike: I was there too!)

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame? 

Steve Earle.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

The Starbucks on Highway 100 in Bellevue for coffee. Our choice for pizza is Marco’s Pizza on 70S in Bellevue. 

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

Steve Earle’s Guitar Town.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Jack in the Box on Charlotte Pike.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

Jason Isbell, Jack White and Buck Johnson.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

The Basement East, The High Watt, Exit/In

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here.

Madonna.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

New album Battle Lessons dropping January 22, 2021.