From his iconic drum work with The Rods to producing classic thrash records for Anthrax, Carl Canedy is a name that resonates with fans of classic heavy metal. With The Rods’ latest album, Rattle the Cage, out now via Massacre Records, we caught up with Carl to talk about the evolution of the metal scene, the lasting influence of Ronnie James Dio, and why—after decades in the business—he’s still as passionate as ever.
"We Played Everywhere Because You Could Play Everywhere."
When asked what separates bands of today from those who came up in the '70s and '80s, Carl reflects on a very different landscape:
“Back then, you just played everywhere—and you could,” he explains. “In the Northeast, the drinking age was 18, so college towns had bars everywhere. You could play six nights a week. Now? It’s hard for bands to even find venues.”
That experience—night after night on the road—is something newer bands rarely get.
“It’s one of the biggest differences. We had time to sharpen our skills live. That’s not as easy today unless you already have a following.”
Passion and the "Drummer’s High"
Despite the changing scene, Carl hasn’t lost an ounce of enthusiasm. Asked what keeps him going after all these years, his answer is simple:
“It’s just in me. I’ve had this drive since I was four. I saw red sparkle drums at a wedding, and that was it.”
When he’s not playing, he feels out of sync.
“It’s like a runner’s high. Playing gives me that euphoric feeling. One of my bandmates once said, ‘You’re a drummer. That’s what you do.’ And it’s true.”
Music as a Blessing—and a Bit of a Curse
Carl’s love for music isn’t something he switches off.
“If I leave the studio, I turn on the radio. I’m always analyzing. Even sneakers in the washing machine—I’m hearing rhythm in everything. It’s constant. It’s beautiful... but kind of torturous too.”
Even so, it’s a passion he passed on—though unintentionally—to his daughter, now a public school music teacher and a classically trained musician.
Inside Rattle the Cage: Writing and Recording Remotely
Rattle the Cage was written mostly over the course of a year and recorded remotely—something the band has adapted to in recent years.
“We still rehearse together—I’m about an hour and 20 minutes from our rehearsal space—but remote recording works. David [Feinstein] was writing nonstop. He’d call me with a new song every other day. He’s really been on a roll.”
Carl and bassist Freddy Villano also contributed riffs and lyrics, and the band’s chemistry continues to shine.
Freddy Villano: The Rods’ Secret Weapon
Speaking of Freddy, Carl is full of praise for the band’s newest member.
“I call us the Thunder Twins. We lock in perfectly. His bass tone? We’ve never had anything like it. It’s heavy, with a top-end like Geezer Butler or Bob Daisley. Plus, he brings great energy.”
Their tour manager once compared the lineup change to bringing a kitten into a house with two old cats.
“At first, I was insulted,” Carl laughs. “But it’s true. Freddy’s got us acting like kids again.”
The Dio Connection and the Band That Could’ve Been
Carl also opened up about The Rods’ ties to the late Ronnie James Dio, who was David Feinstein’s cousin.
“Ronnie was a bass player, but David actually played drums for him back in the day. They were incredibly talented together.”
At one point, there were discussions about a new Elf album with Ronnie before his passing.
“That would’ve been amazing. Such a tragic loss. Ronnie was such a great guy.”
Carl also reminisces about seeing Elf play high school dances where no one danced—they just sat and watched, captivated.
“They even played the horn parts live from Sgt. Pepper. Who was doing that back then? Nobody.”
Money, Missed Opportunities, and Staying Grounded
Despite being signed to Arista Records in the early ‘80s, Carl says The Rods never saw the lavish budgets some of their peers enjoyed.
“We got some tour support, but not much. No money for a tour bus. We were living on five bucks a day. It would've been nice to blow some money, but it never happened!”
That scrappy, DIY ethic has stayed with them throughout their career.
Anthrax and Production Pride
Outside of The Rods, Carl is known for producing early Anthrax records, which he looks back on with pride.
“We had great camaraderie. Each album, the band got tighter. I admired their work ethic—they had the same attitude I did. I’m proud of those records.”
On Tour: Sweden, Australia, and Hopefully California
With the new record out, The Rods are hitting the road again.
“We’ve got Time to Rock in Sweden coming up. We’re working on Australian dates for October, and we’ve got some regional shows lined up—including one in Ithaca, New York with Jim Florentine.”
And for fans on the West Coast?
“We’d love to make it out to California. It’s definitely on the radar.”
Final Thoughts
Carl Canedy remains the beating heart of The Rods—a musician as passionate and driven today as he was when he first sat behind a drum kit. With Rattle the Cage, the band is tighter than ever, fueled by new blood, old-school grit, and an undying love for heavy metal.
📀 Listen to Rattle the Cage by The Rods — Out Now on Massacre Records
Stream it, buy it, and follow the band:
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