A former San Lorenzo teacher, spurred by his recent fight with breast cancer, is returning to his rock ‘n’ roll roots.
Elliot Schneider, 65, was featured Monday in the Oakland Tribune for his inspiring story.
According to the Tribune, Schneider, who taught at San Lorenzo high school for 15 years starting in 1990, got “chemo brain” — post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment — after extensive treatment for breast cancer, forcing him to quit his job as a philosophy and history teacher.
A former New York rocker, Schneider took once again to writing songs.
Schneider recently released his new album, “If Looks Could Kill, I’d Wear Mirror Sunglasses,” his second since his 1986 debut, “Surreal Survivor.” The title track is a throw back to the era before his teaching stint — late 70s/early 80s pop-punk full of twangy guitars and an electrifying solo.
The singer-songwriter, who was once close to signing a deal with a major record label, admitted to the Tribune that he’s had a history of sabotaging his career. Now he’s getting a second chance.
According to the Tribune, Schneider’s new album has received positive reviews and spins on more than 100 college radio stations. One station named it one of the best records of 2012.
Watch the music video for “If Looks Could Kill, I’d Wear Mirror Sunglasses” above.
