Tesla bassist Brian Wheat revealed a crucial agreement within the band regarding the potential incapacity of lead vocalist Jeff Keith to perform.
Speaking about when the band might eventually retire from performing live, Wheat shared the one condition they would retire and ‘how much gas is left in Tesla’:
“When people ask me how much gas is left in the tank for Tesla, the simple answer is I don’t know. It all depends on when Jeff can’t sing to the level he still sings at. When it’s less to a point where people go, ‘Oh, he doesn’t sound good,’ then we’ll stop. And as long as we’re all healthy.”
The bassist did not forget to share his admiration and gratitude for the former members of the band either:
“I don’t think there’d be a Tesla without me, Frank [Hannon], or Jeff. Obviously, Tommy [Skeoch] and Troy [Luccketta] aren’t in the band anymore, but if it wasn’t the three of us, I don’t think you could justify going out and calling it Tesla… Me and Frank started the band. And then Jeff was the next to join, and then Tommy and then Troy. So, yeah, the original guys from the garage, basically.”
Frank Hannon Agrees On The Condition
Tesla guitarist, Frank Hannon, too, was one of the members to comment on this Jeff Keith-related condition. During an early interview with Scott Itter of Dr. Music, the guitarist was asked whether or not they would replace their current frontman if he ever decides to retire. Seeing the band as a sacred ground, Hannon replied:
“It’s kind of sacred ground with Tesla. We’ve already decided that when Jeff can’t sing, we won’t get a replacement. Historically, in the 40 years that we’ve been doing Tesla, we probably can count on one or two hands at the most how many shows we’ve had to cancel due to him being sick. For years, we prided ourselves in never canceling a show.”
Tesla Has No Intention To Retire Soon
As it appears from the answers of both members, Tesla is not retiring soon. The retirement is out of the question not only for the bassist and the guitarist but for Jeff Keith himself as well. Last year in October, the frontman was asked about his retirement plans, to which he confirmed that not anytime soon:
“Hey, as long as my voice is holding up and everybody’s doing good, we’re gonna keep it up and go as long as we can. I was sad to hear about Kix throwing in the towel or whatever you wanna call it, hanging the boots up, but Tesla, we’re these boots were made for walking, and that’s just what we’ll do — rocking. [Laughs] Not walking, rocking.”
You can watch the interview below.
