Bob Schallau Introduction Former bass guitarist for The Boon and Cakeboy, among other bans, with over 20 years experience in both Austin and Los AngelesMusic journalist for over 10 years who has worked with publications like AlternativeNation where he interviewed famous musicians like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Darkness' Justin HawkinsOwns and operates the Bob Schallau Blog Experience Bob Schallau is a former writer for ThoughtCo who wrote articles about bass guitar and rock music for over two years.Shortly after Schallau's first rock concert, Journey at Anaheim Stadium, he took up the bass guitar at age 11. Schallau played his first Los Angeles club show at age 19 as bassist for The Boon, a band established by future School of Fish frontman Josh Clayton-Felt. Coincidentally, Journey members Neil Schon and Jonathan Cain were in the audience that night watching Schallau's band play.Schallau worked with over a dozen bands throughout his career, including Cakeboy, the last band he worked with in Los Angeles, which recorded with Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer Chad Smith at the legendary NRG Studios. In 1999, Schallau moved to Austin, Texas, seeking a fresh start, and the following year he joined the popular band Soak and played shows all over Texas. Schallau carried on as a bassist in bands until August 2013, when his last band broke up after playing Houston's House of Blues with Courtney Love as the headliner.One month after his final gig, Schallau became a staff reporter at AlternativeNation from September 2013 to February 2015. In December 2014, Schallau became the Rock Music Expert Writer for ThoughtCo, and he has interviewed many prominent rock musicians including Joe Perry (Aerosmith), Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots, Velvet Revolver), Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns N' Roses, Art of Anarchy, solo artist), Justin Hawkins (The Darkness), Richard Fortus (Guns N' Roses) and many others. Education Schallau received a Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing with a Minor in Music from California State University, Long Beach. During his last year at CSULB, he won first place in the "Rolling Stone Rock 'N' Roll Bowl" music trivia contest.Awards and PublicationsOperates a personal blog dedicated to rock music, guitar news, and entertainment journalism"The Top 5 Most Outrageous Car Smashes" for ThoughCo"Interview: Joe Perry Discusses Aerosmith's Longevity and Future" for Bob Schallau Blog A Message from Bob Schallau LiveAbout and Dotdash Meredith LiveAbout, a Dotdash Meredith brand, is a reference site focused on entertainment, activities, and hobbies. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.