Mark Kendall - Part 4 (Rock, Rhythm & the Road to the Table)
In this powerful conclusion to our four-part Legends of the Cue series with Mark Kendall, guitarist and founding member of the platinum-selling rock band Great White, we dive deep into the stories that shaped his life both on stage and at the pool table. From the adrenaline rush of performing for hundreds of thousands of fans to the quiet intensity of a one-on-one pool match, Kendall reflects on the parallels between music and cue sports — focus, rhythm, and that elusive flow state where everything just clicks.
Joined by co-hosts Allison Fisher, Mark Wilson, and Mike Gonzalez, Kendall shares how decades in the rock world forged his resilience, taught him humility, and kept him grounded through life’s toughest moments — including personal loss and rediscovery. Listeners will hear hilarious behind-the-scenes tales from the road, late-night jam sessions that turned into lifelong lessons, and his encounters with legendary pool players like Nick Varner, CJ Wiley, and Mike Massey.
But this final chapter also takes a more reflective turn. Mark opens up about what he’s learned after a lifetime of chasing perfection — in music, in pool, and in himself. His answers to our signature three closing questions reveal the wisdom of a man who has lived fully, loved deeply, and still finds joy in the simple act of hitting a clean shot or nailing the perfect riff.
Filled with laughter, insight, and inspiration, this episode celebrates the artistry of a true original — a rock star with a cue in his hand and gratitude in his heart.
🎧 “Mark Kendall: Rock, Rhythm & the Road to the Table” — the unforgettable finale of a story that hits every note.
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Music by Lyrium.
About
"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”
Kendall, Mark
Founder and Lead Guitarist - Great White Band
The phrase back in the day calls to mind images of someone hitting their peak; someone’s career’s at its apex. For GREAT WHITE founder, Mark Kendall, the man behind the dark classes and bluesy guitar hooks for one of the most successful bands born on the Sunset Strip during the decadent early 80s, his stride might be on its second wind, but he’s riding the wave one riff at a time.
Born into a musically gifted family, Kendall grew up in Huntington Beach, California. His father played jazz trumpet; his mother sang her heart out to jazz tunes before adoring audiences. His grandfather, too, was a virtuoso on the piano. Citing Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and The Doors as early influences, Kendall’s passion and natural abilities got him hooked on guitar.
“The thing I love about the guitar is it’s an instrument that allows me to express myself in how I’m feeling at any given time,” Kendall said. “All the musicians that made me want to play guitar, played straight from their heart with a lot of feeling in their playing. They pour their very soul into every note. My feeling is no matter what instrument you play, do it with passion and feeling. When music is delivered in that way it creates emotions, which can even make a person cry at times. That to me is real music with a human feel that no machine could ever duplicate.”
Kendall’s band Dante Fox had two singers before settling with Jack Russell. The band’s 1982 performance at The Whisky (Hollywood) caught the eye of record executive Alan Niven. Niven suggested the band change it’s name to reflect upon the strik…
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