artists » Hank Williams III

Known as Hank III, Shelton Hank Williams has been involved in a number of bands including Superjoint Ritual, Arson Anthem, Assjack, and his own band, Hank III. The grandson of Hank Williams and the son of Hank Williams Jr., Hank III not only keeps a musical legacy going, but also breaks away from the mold, incorporating metal, punk, and hellbilly - a genre which he has defined. VOX was fortunate enough to catch up to Hank III during his current recording sessions to find out what he’s been up to and what he likes about his VOX 55.

VOX: So let’s take it back to the beginning. With your dad and granddad being country icons, is it safe to say they were the biggest influences on why you got into music?

Hank III: No, they weren’t the biggest influences on me. I got my first Kiss records, Walt Disney records, Black Sabbath records, and a drum set at age 5 and that got me on my way. I didn’t realize how important my bloodline was until maybe 10 or 11.

VOX: You meld several genres into your music…what inspired you to create metal and punk, as well?

Hank III: I’d say what made me get into different genres, and being the founder/originator of the hellbilly genre, is because I had to do something different. No other Hank Williams head banged or screamed or did blast beats.

VOX: How does the writing process typically work for you?

Hank III: With the country stuff, I always just hit record and let it flow, singing at the top of my lungs with an acoustic. Then, I go back with a pen and get more serious. If it’s the rock or hellbilly, I always do the lick first, then lay down drums, etc., and then vocals.

VOX: You’ve been involved with a number of bands including your own. What are you currently working on?

Hank III: Right now, I am making my new country record that has 22 songs on it, covering all kinds of ground. I am also working on my cattle calling record. It is some of the world’s best cattle auctioneers having their way with my cattle core style behind it. Then, I am also putting out my doom record -Attention Deficit Domination. I just started Hank3 Records so I have been swamped with work, for sure.

VOX: Are there any recent studio sessions or live performances that stick out in your mind?

Hank III: Let’s see…When Mike Patton walked into one of my recording sessions, it made me feel like a second-grader with my guitar and my bar chords. As far as live performances, having Dimebag (Darryl) and David Allen Coe on the side of my stage was a highlight…Or playing drums for Lynyrd Skynyrd when I was 12 was a highlight…Or getting busted by Ozzy, smoking something with Geezer Butler’s son is always one of my claims to fame (laughs). Or maybe it was the fact that I’m the only guy who has ever had a mosh pit at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas ((laughs).

VOX: Shifting gears now, what drew you to the VOX 55?

Hank III: The main thing that drew me to 55 was the look of the horns on the guitar and those super hot pickups in that beast. It gives you tons of options for so many different styles.

VOX: What are your favorite features? What separates it from other guitars you’ve played?

Hank III: I would say the pickups and the toggle switch options set it apart to give you the twang or the warmth you’re looking for.

VOX: Is there a general quote about the 55 or VOX in general you’d like to leave us with?

Hank III: My little VOX Pathfinder has been on the road with me almost 20 years. It’s got so much mojo on it, it’s scary. Everyone from Billy F. Gibbons to Matt Pike has played it. I love the versatility of the VOX amps for an old school sound or the new sounds that some of the new VOX amps offer. VOX has been with me and on my records my whole career. This company will keep me pumping out the music for years to come!

VOX: That’s great to hear…thanks a lot, Hank! Best wishes with your recording.

For more info including tour dates, visit www.hank3.com