Rock drummer Nunenmacher likes eating on road

Sorry ladies, but hunky drummer for the rock band Black Label Society, Craig “Louisiana Lightning” Nunenmacher, is happily married. He’s in the studio now working on a greatest hits album, and the band will tour Europe again this fall. When at home in Mississippi, the Louisiana native enjoys hitting the weights in the gym, cooking and spending time with his young son. On days away from the drums, you can also find him perfecting his golf game, which he hopes to play professionally when his life in music tones down.

Nunenmacher and Black Label Society have been regulars at Ozzfest, sharing stages worldwide with top artists like Ozzy Osbourne and Korn. The band’s music will be featured in an upcoming version of the super popular video game Guitar Hero.

For more info: www.myspace.com/blacklabelsociety/.

The show is ready to begin and there isn’t a drumstick to be found. Which foods could be good substitutes?

“A very interesting question in the sense that, as a drummer, as long as I have the drums and my limbs intact, I have options. I would quickly look for a couple of whole, raw carrots from catering. They’re dense and hard, and could probably withstand the impact of a grown man pounding them on some drums.”

Wildest food/drink story from the road:

“A few years back we were playing in small town in Switzerland, right outside of Geneva. I had the time to take a walking tour of the beautiful local scenery. I noticed a large bird coop that seemed to have over a hundred pigeons in it. It seemed odd, but not really, considering I was in a foreign country. Dinnertime is typically a bit too close to show time, so I often have the cooks prepare a plate for me and have it wrapped up until after the show. After two hours of banging drums I made my way back to the bus and tore into my food. After a few minutes I realized that this chicken I was eating was a little different … somewhat boney and the meat was very dark. As I was about to take another forkful, two crewmembers yelled out, ‘You’re eating pigeon!’ I swallowed the piece in my mouth with lots of water and as many positive thoughts as possible.”

You spend a lot of time in the gym to stay in shape. How is your diet when traveling?

“I work extremely hard in the gym when I’m home to remain in top playing and touring shape. At my age of 37, it’s even harder. But at home I am very careful to eat healthy foods, and on the road we try our best to keep the buses stocked with turkey, cereals, raw veggies, nuts and plenty of water. These days, room-service menus offer healthier choices, but you can be sure I occasionally treat myself with a pizza or cheeseburger!”

Who plays lead in the kitchen at home?

“It’s me, more than my wife. We eat a lot of cereal, turkey sandwiches and healthy snacks. We feed my son the same foods. I’m blessed to have a not-so-picky 4-year-old who loves his daddy’s cooking. My faves are slow-cooked red beans and rice, and grilled chicken and veggies with baked sweet potatoes. Those are staples in our home. Healthy and delicious.”

Rocker’s Red Beans and Rice

1 pound package of dry red kidney beans

1 medium-sized onion (red or white), chopped

4 cloves of garlic, chopped

4 bay leaves

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 pound smoked sausage or spiced ham (your choice), cut into bite-sized pieces

Chicken stock or water

Salt and pepper

Rinse beans and cover with water in a large bowl for one hour. Drain beans and place in a slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, bay leaves, olive oil and sausage. Add enough stock or water to cover the beans, about an inch above them. Add salt and pepper to taste. (Reduce amount of salt if using stock.) Cook at low for 6 to 8 hours. During last hour of cooking, prepare 2 cups white or brown rice according to directions. Top rice with mixture. Makes 4-6 servings.