Guitarist Mark Biedermann joins The Zach Moonshine Show for a wide-ranging conversation covering Blind Illusion’s history, David White, Les Claypool, Kirk Hammett, Cliff Burton, Blue Öyster Cult, Sandy Pearlman, Crushing the Universe and STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre
September 14, 2026
Blind Illusion guitarist Mark Biedermann recently joined The Zach Moonshine Show on Metal Devastation Radio for an extensive conversation spanning nearly five decades of Bay Area metal history, the band’s upcoming live album, its legendary early lineup, and the next chapter of Blind Illusion.
The interview covered everything from Les Claypool‘s early days in Blind Illusion and Kirk Hammett‘s involvement with The Sane Asylum to Biedermann’s friendship with the late Cliff Burton, his work connected to Sandy Pearlman and Blue Öyster Cult, and the band’s forthcoming studio album Crushing the Universe.
Biedermann also discussed Blind Illusion’s upcoming live release, STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre, scheduled for October 16, 2026.
According to Biedermann, the album captures the band exactly as it happened onstage.
“So it’s a pure live album.”
He later emphasized:
“This, I guarantee you, is 100% live.”
The performance features original Blind Illusion vocalist David White, alongside the band’s current lineup of guitarist Martine Lacour, bassist Avery Thurman, and drummer Phil Costantini.
The reunion came together while Blind Illusion was working on the band’s next studio album. Biedermann explained that White contacted him about performing a reunion show with Exodus, leading the band to revisit material from Blind Illusion’s early years, including songs from the Trilogy of Terror era, the Blind Sun demo and “Smash The Crystal.”
LES CLAYPOOL’S EARLY BLIND ILLUSION YEARS
One of the most notable revelations from the conversation involved Les Claypool, who Biedermann says became one of Blind Illusion’s first bass players in 1978.
“He didn’t know how to play.”
Biedermann recalled teaching the young Claypool his songs and encouraging him to develop as a bassist.
“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.”
Claypool would eventually go on to become one of the most recognizable bass players in music through Primus, but his early Blind Illusion connection remains an important part of the band’s history.
Biedermann also discussed early Blind Illusion recordings featuring Claypool, including material from the Deathbed Kamikaze demo.
KIRK HAMMETT AND THE SANE ASYLUM
Biedermann also offered insight into the history of Blind Illusion’s acclaimed 1988 debut album, The Sane Asylum, confirming Kirk Hammett’s involvement with the record.
“Kirk Hammett produced The Sane Asylum up to the mixed point.”
The album remains an important document of the classic Bay Area metal era and featured musicians whose careers would go on to intersect with some of the biggest names in heavy music.
THE CLIFF BURTON CONNECTION
Perhaps the most unexpected story from the interview involved the late Cliff Burton.
Biedermann recalled Burton approaching him about forming a Southern rock project that could perform when Metallica was not on the road.
“Hey, Biedermann, I want to play some Southern rock with you.”
The two musicians reportedly jammed together several times, including playing “Am I Evil?” at Ruthie’s in the Bay Area.
Biedermann said Burton’s idea eventually influenced his later Southern rock, blues and bluegrass project Ghost Kings, which he describes as:
“Johnny Cash meets Led Zeppelin.”
CRUSHING THE UNIVERSE
While STAGE FLIGHT looks back at Blind Illusion’s history, the band is already preparing its next studio chapter.
Crushing the Universe has been recorded and is being produced, engineered and mixed by former Blind Illusion bassist Tom Gears.
Biedermann credited Gears with playing 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.”
The album will also feature a new version of “Concerto,” this time without keyboards, as well as “Automatic Man,” which Biedermann co-wrote with Gears.
Biedermann praised guitarist Martine Lacour’s playing on the new material, comparing the young guitarist’s abilities to John McLaughlin, Uli Jon Roth and Al Di Meola.
“If you call what I do shredding, there’s got to be another word for what Martine does.”
SANDY PEARLMAN, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT AND JOE SATRIANI
Biedermann’s musical history extends well beyond Blind Illusion.
During the interview, he discussed his work connected to legendary producer and manager Sandy Pearlman, Blue Öyster Cult, and the Imaginos material.
He also recalled working around musicians including Robbie Krieger of The Doors and Joe Satriani.
One particularly amusing story involved a fan who praised what they believed was Joe Satriani’s guitar work, only for Biedermann to discover that the guitar part being praised was actually his.
“And I should know because I’m Mark Biedermann.”
Biedermann described the misunderstanding as a compliment rather than an insult.
“That’s the greatest compliment that you would think my work was Joe’s best work.”
FROM THE BAY AREA TO THE NEXT GENERATION
Biedermann also reflected on Blind Illusion’s unusual position within the Bay Area metal scene and the importance of passing the music down to younger musicians.
“I’m almost like one of the last men standing.”
The guitarist said he intends to continue performing for years to come while encouraging Blind Illusion’s younger musicians to carry the band’s legacy forward.
“But if I kick the bucket, I expect them to carry on.”
The band’s current lineup represents that connection between the original Bay Area metal generation and a new generation of musicians.
EUROPEAN AND U.S. FESTIVALS
Blind Illusion is also looking toward the road.
Biedermann expressed interest in returning to European festivals including Alcatraz, Headbangers Open Air and Storm Crusher, while also calling on American festival promoters to consider the band for events including Hell’s Heroes and Milwaukee Metal Fest.
With STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre arriving October 16 and Crushing the Universe in the pipeline, Blind Illusion is preparing for another active chapter.
After nearly five decades, Biedermann remains focused on keeping the band moving forward.
“I intend to be one of those guys.”
STAGE FLIGHT: LIVE AT THE UC THEATRE
Blind Illusion – STAGE FLIGHT: Live At The UC Theatre
Release Date: October 16, 2026
Featuring original vocalist David White, the album captures Blind Illusion performing live at the UC Theatre in California.
According to Biedermann, the recording contains no studio overdubs and represents a completely live performance.
The upcoming studio album Crushing the Universe will follow, with former Blind Illusion bassist Tom Gears handling production, engineering and mixing.
LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW
Mark Biedermann’s complete appearance on The Zach Moonshine Show features over an hour of stories covering Blind Illusion’s history, Les Claypool, Cliff Burton, Kirk Hammett, The Sane Asylum, Blue Öyster Cult, Sandy Pearlman, the Bay Area metal scene, STAGE FLIGHT, Crushing the Universe and much more.
Check out the interview on YouTube:
Connect:
https://blindillusion.bandcamp.com/album/stage-flight-live-at-the-uc-theatre
https://www.instagram.com/blindillusionofficial
https://www.facebook.com/officialblindillusion
https://www.hectic.com/product/blind-illusion-live
Contact:
David Hecht
Hectic Records
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