Bumblefoot to the MMaXX

Apollo take on a new decade and release their sophomore album, (pronounced “2020”), guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal feels fortunate for another opportunity to embrace his prog-rock roots and tap into what he calls his “inner [Allan] Holdsworth.” Thal started his 30-plus-year career in, Shrapnel Records owner Mike Varney called Thal’s demo tape “among the most impressive I’ve ever received. It contains elements of classical, blues and jazz and at times reminds me of Frank Zappa.” Thal’s prog forays expanded with his Nineties solo albums and , followed by his Bumblefoot project, which started in 1998. And, although Thal eventually segued into more straight-ahead rock projects such as Guns N’ Roses, Sons of Apollo’s formula of a “hard rock foundation with a lot of prog stuff built on top of it” allows him the chance to be more daring and to craft “crazy” and “weird” guitar arrangements.