Juan Alderete

Juan Alderete (born September 5, 1963) is an American bassist known for his work with the band Racer X, where he is credited as John Alderete. Although he still is with Racer X, Juan currently dedicates most of his time to the band, The Mars Volta, which also brings him much recognition.

Forming Racer X in 1985

Juan and Paul Gilbert, who were two students of Musicians Institute, started their musical relationship during an audition that Paul held to find a drummer. Juan showed up at the audition, bringing a drum-playing friend named Bill. Although Bill was turned down for the part, Paul was impressed with Juan's bass playing; the two quickly sought to form a speed metal band that would incorperate Paul's guitar shredding techniques with Juan's solid bass lines. To complete the band, Harry Gschoesser joined to fill the drummer position, and Jeff Martin became the vocalist; the group named themselves Racer X (a title that Bill had suggested). With this lineup, the band released their debut album, Street Lethal, in 1986. Juan has been recording with Racer X ever since (note: there was a ten-year hiatus starting from 1989), and their latest album was released in 2002, titled Getting Heavier. Juan is credited as John Alderete on all Racer X albums.

Related Topics:
Paul Gilbert - Drummer - Speed metal - Shredding - Harry Gschoesser - Jeff Martin - Racer X - 1986 - 1989 - 2002

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