Firewind and Former Ozzy guitarist Gus G recently spoke to The Metal Voice about his Greece tour with former Iron Maiden singer Paul Di’anno plus he gave an updated on the recording process on the new Firewind studio album.
When asked about the recent shows in Greece with Former Iron Maiden Singer Paul Di’anno ” I play here a lot obviously because it’s my country and we have really loyal following and people to support us and a lot of love. I played in Greece also with Ozzy but the Iron Maiden crowd is different thing, it’s almost like going to the World Cup final or something. I mean everybody’s just like wow, they’re amped up to 11. If you’ve seen that Flight 666 (Iron Maiden DVD) you know it’s very similar to that South America thing. Everybody came with a love that they were just pouring on for for Paul because obviously with the surgery and stuff. They just came there to see him and and honor him and it was it was touching man. The first gig he (Paul) felt a little bit out of it because he was in the wheelchair and he kept apologizing to the crowd. But he sounded great he did great and every night was better than the other, it was incredible. It was like a bit like a Beatle Mania in a small kind of level, like fans were waiting for him outside the hotel every night and every morning. They (fans) were waiting there to to get their stuff signed and to take photos with him and he was very very nice with everybody, it was really cool man. It was nice to experience.”
When asked about any updates on upcoming Firewind studio album “We actually just recorded the new album, we just did drums I haven’t started with the guitars yet but the drums are done and we did record one cover, so far. But I think we’re gonna go back in the studio after this tour and do a few more covers so I would be interested to collect more ideas and suggestions but we did do one song that I think it’s amazing it was a hit.”
When asked when the new Firewind Studio album will be released “I don’t know yet. I was talking to AFM records owner and actually we met over Christmas and we talked about it and now there’s like a new approach it seems like we’re just gonna be releasing singles. That was an interesting topic they brought on because they just want to keep on releasing singles and then eventually those singles will be part of an album. We still are worked on the album, I already wrote the songs, I wrote 10 songs. But they (Label) were like you know we’ll just drop singles as we go and see how much traction you get and see if we get playlist placements because you know Spotify playlists are like the new radio, that’s the new medium right now. “
When asked if the new album musical direction the new album and will be a continuation as last album or a different directions “I think it still sounds like Firewind, my goal was to make the songs a little bit more anthemic type of tracks this time around. I thought every song should be a single I didn’t write any kind of like obscure type of tracks or didn’t experiment in that type of area. Something (songs) that you can play in an arena, in a festival in front of a large crowd that that was like my philosophy behind this one this time. Which is good you know it’s not easy to write that type of songs. People think it’s easy, it’s not so easy to make that (type of song) and resonate with a bigger crowd.”
Jimmy Kay from Canada’s The Metal Voice spoke to Drummer Nigel Glockler from Saxon. In the interview Nigel Glockler gave an update on Saxon upcoming plans as well updates of his new band Six By Six.
Six by Six features the founder of SAGA, guitarist Ian Crichton, ‘The’ Nigel Glockler, powerhouse drummer for British metal masters SAXON, and vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Robert Berry from 3 and Alliance.
When asked about Six By Six Debut Album “Basically what happened, they’ve been writing for a while beforehand. Robert’s got a studio in in Northern California sent near San Jose and he said, you know we’ve got these tracks what do you think? I flew over there and put the drums on and that’s how it started. Basically it was great and we get on great. The music’s brilliant, we’ve already started working on the second (Six By Six) album and we’re trying to sort out doing some shows next year. It’s not a project, this is a band. People say to me, what’s it like? I just say imagine the three of us together that’s what it is. You know there was nothing set out, we’re gonna be like this we’re gonna be like this. ”
What has been the feedback on the current Saxon Album ‘Carpe Diem’ and did it make many top albums lists of 2022? “We’re very pleased, I think the songs on it are great, I think the production is great. We’ve been on a few (Top 2022 Metal Album lists) along with the Six by Six (Album) as well. We’re really pleased and personally for me it’s been great.”
When asked about Saxon updates? “What’s going to happen is we’re right in the middle of another album already. The songs are being sort of finalized as we talk. I think then we’re going to release it in 2024. and then that’ll be a big tour. We’ve done the writing it’s just a case of recording it all now but the writing is the process that takes the time because you’ve got so many ideas from everyone. We work on them and that’s what takes the time.”
When asked about upcoming Saxon show or tours “We’re sort of lining up tour dates for next year, we’re doing the Monsters of Rock Cruise and we’re doing some shows in South America and then we hit Festival season again. Also we’re doing some more shows in Germany as well, I think it’s about another five or six shows in Germany and a couple in Poland.
I just want to say we’re incredibly grateful to all the fans that stuck with us and as I always say we wouldn’t be where we are without you.”
Reporting for Canada’s The Metal Voice on the East Coast Kenny Kessel spoke to Mr. Big Singer Eric Martin on Dec 15, 2022 at Daryl’s house in New York.
In the chat Martin talks about Mr. Big’s plans and also plays an answering machine message from late drummer Pat Torpey.
When asked about Mr. Big’s plans “I’m here to tell you, folks, I have been talking about it lately. I still can’t really say the drummer. Mr. Big it’s definitely gonna happen, there’s no question about it. It’s gonna happen in the middle of 2023 (summer). There are going to be multiple dates. We are working on the US. Paul Gilbert is involved, the original guitar player. Billy Sheehan (Bass) and the spirit Pat Torpey. There will be a phenomenal drummer, it won’t be Matt Starr, Matt is doing his own thing. We have this new drummer, I will tell you that he (Drummer) sends an audition video and I watched it and (he played), ‘Lucky this time’ which is a song that we’ve hardly ever done because mainly because it was really hard (for me) to sing it. It’s on the ‘Lean into it’ album. What he did was, he thought he would one up the audition, so he played drums on it and he sang the lead and the harmonies, on everything. It was phenomenal. I don’t want to mention the guy’s name until the press release comes out. But the guy really stepped up and everybody knows him and then one really really cool thing is that he was a big fan of Pat Torpey. I think Pat he’d approve of this new mystery man.”
The band was originally composed of Eric Martin (lead vocals), Paul Gilbert (guitar), Billy Sheehan (bass), and Pat Torpey (drums) R.I.P.
Their hits include “To Be with You” (a number-one single in 15 countries in 1992) and “Just Take My Heart”.
Torpey died at age 64 on February 7, 2018, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.
Jimmy Kay and Alan Dixon recently spoke to Tim Ripper Owens (KK’s Priest, Judas Priest) about his KK’s Priest upcoming tour and new studio album as well as his new E.P. Return to Death Row, which was produced by Jamey Jasta (HATEBREED) and Nick Bellmore (JASTA, DEE SNIDER), released on Dec 9, 2022.
When asked about his new E.P. Return to Death Row
“Jamey Jasta did those Dee Snider records and I said those are fantastic, those Dee Snider records were so good. I love Dee, I loved Twisted Sister in the 80’s. So I did his podcast (Jamey Jasta) probably to promote the KK’s Priest record and he said ok 25 year of Jugulator is coming up and he started sending me ideas. This record is great and it came together so fast like vocally I just sang these songs and flew through it. It’s heavy but it’s still melodic. I think with this E.P. we wanted to come out of the gate pretty brutal.”
When asked about the next studio album of 10 songs
“I am excited to work on the next ten songs. Those guys are writing songs now ( Jamey Jasta, Nick Bellmore Drum, Charlie Bellmore Guitars) I know for a fact they have songs written already. “
When asked if he finished his vocals for the new KK’s Priest studio album
“I just finished the last one (vocal) a couple of days ago. I’m sure I will have to go back and re-do a few things, maybe add some parts to them…”
When asked what stage they are at completing the new KK’s Priest album
“It’s really close now. It’s in the mixing process I think, producing and moving some stuff around. I actually really like it. It’s next level from the last one (Sermons of the Sinner). I think the last one was the perfect record. This next one though I think it’s that and beyond. I think vocally, it’s a little heavier, it’s got tons of highs still but it’s got edgier vocals. It’s got some melodic beautiful vocals but it’s just edgier I think. I enjoyed doing this one a lot.”
When asked about the touring plans for KK’s Priest
“Next year is going to be pretty swamped cause KK’s Priest is now finally going to put this record out and tour. The plan is just to tour non stop for a year or two. The plan is to hit the road, I don’t think (KK downing) wants to do just festivals. Hopefully it all comes together.”
Return to Death Row E.P.
Chris Taylor Bass Nick Bellmore Drums Dee Snider Charlie Bellmore Guitars Tim “Ripper” Owens Vocals
KK’S PRIEST’s debut album, “Sermons Of The Sinner”, was released in October 2021 via Explorer1 Music Group/EX1 Records.
Canada’s The Metal Voice spoke to Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee for Judas Priest Drummer Les Binks.
In the chat Les Binks spoke about his current tour plans with Les Binks’ Priesthood, getting inducted in the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame and the extent of his participation in KK’s Priest potential tour.
When asked his future touring plans “I’m waiting to see about KK’s band might (tour) and there might be some guest spots for me, I haven’t had any tour dates yet but I’m waiting to see what develops. ”
When asked if he was part of the upcoming KK’s Priest Studio album “I chatted to him (K.K. Downing ) about this and I think there was problems regarding getting (KK’s) management sorted out and getting tour dates set up so he just decided to press on with (KK’s Priest) album Number Two. Now the thing is that there’s another drummer involved in the band. So I presume he’s played on this album as well. The only time that I would be involved (KK’s Priest) would be through a live situation as a guest performer. So as I say until there’s some dates that are like actually confirmed I’ll have to wait and see what develops there.”
Binks joined the up-and-coming Judas Priest in March 1977 for their world tour. Binks remained with the band for two and a half years, until July 1979, recording the studio albums Stained Class and Killing Machine and the live album Unleashed in the East. Binks received a writing credit for the song “Beyond the Realms of Death” from the album Stained Class.
In 2022, Binks was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Judas Priest via the Award for Musical Excellence.
Jimmy Kay and Alan Dixon from Canada’s The Metal Voice recently spoke with Former Black Sabbath singer Tony Martin on his upcoming Vinyl re-release of his 2022 ‘Thorns’ Solo album as well as his time with Black Sabbath. As well his time assisting the launching of Reggae boy band Musical Youth in the 80’s.
Tony Martin, former Black Sabbath singer, solo album “THORNS”, was released worldwide on January 14, 2022. The album is licensed in all of North and South America by Dark Star Records, and will be available to all other countries via Battlegod Productions.
The new album features Danny Needham (Venom), Magnus Rosen (HammerFall), Scott McClellan (who helped co-write the album) and Greg Smith who performed with Alice Cooper, Rainbow, Blue Öyster Cult, Pamala Moore and many more!
When asked about the ‘Thorns’ vinyl re-issue “Believe it or not we’re still working on it sounds strange but we were asked to do some more tracks for a vinyl version of the album. I’m hoping for the anniversary or maybe just a little bit after that we’ll have the vinyl version and then other stuff you know to go with it. Also we didn’t manage to get any videos created yet which sort of we got held back with that people were so tied up so it all sort of got a step back but yeah we’re still on it. I’ve had some ear infections and stuff which took me out of action for a little while. Just stuff you know things that you don’t even think are around the corner and just pop up and you go oh crap you have to deal with that first and then sort of move on. It’s great still working with Scott (McClellan). He is sending me so much material it’s mad I can’t keep up with him to be honest. We’ve got some extra songs, they (label) wanted to take some songs off the album to get them to fit on a vinyl and I didn’t want to do that and so they said well there’s only one other choice and that’s to write more songs and then we’ll do a double vinyl release, with extra tracks and stuff like that, so okay that works for me. So I got in touch with Scott and sure enough he just started sending songs riffs and riffs unbelievable how prolific he is. Then it was Choice which one do we choose, so it just got like a little bit draggy like you know it was sort of dragging behind our own sort of tails if you know what I mean.”
Is there a release date fore the re-issue? “I’m just discussing that with the record labels now. I’m not sure at the moment how quick or how slow they can get a vinyl pressed and into circulation so as soon as I know that then I’ll be able to sort of tell you what we’re looking at as a timeline um but all I can do really is do my bit. I was just gonna say once we get some videos completed that will sort of start to tell the story better you know um uh at the moment we’ve been concentrating on the audio part and because of the band or band the guys on the album are so spread out it’s really difficult to get them all in one place. As well we have to try and work out how we do it. We’ve been toying with green screen things and uh that’s got a certain success about it but um nothing quite like having all the guys in the same room together. “
When you were in Black Sabbath do you have any regrets for not speaking out at the time “It comes under the band politics heading, well band politics are a really weird thing to begin with, it wasn’t my band Black Sabbath. I was hired to carry the Black Sabbath legacy forward which I felt honored and privileged to do. So I didn’t have and I still don’t have any say in what goes on you know. They’re re-releasing the Tony Martin’s (Era Albums). I have no idea what’s happening with it. I know it’s going to be next year but that’s all I know and it was the same back then that I never really knew anything. I had my own personal manager Tony (Iommi) had a manager, Geezer Butler had a manager, it was a bit like Spinal Tap everybody’s got their own manager. You’d speak to your manager, then he’d phone up somebody else’s manager to go down to them and then he’d come back up to me. So it was a bit mad you know being in the band and a lot of the time it was reading between the lines to try and get an idea of what was happening because direct questions didn’t really work. I used to say to myself I don’t understand, that the bloke stood like you know 10 feet away from me and they won’t speak, so oh just uh speak to my manager about it. Ah okay so there you go up to your manager across there managing down and back up again it’s just a nightmare. So speaking out as you asked it didn’t really happen like that. You sort of posed the question. It went round and round and round. I was on pretty good terms with the guys. I mean I could speak reasonably freely but I was told in no uncertain terms from time to time not all not always but from time to time there’s nothing to do with you and my manager. He (Martin’s Manager) used to get so frustrated and in fact he kind of did himself out of a job really because Sabbath was managed by Iommi’s guys and so my manager was just sat there twiddling his thumbs mostly for most of the time.”
Do you have any recollections if you or the Black Sabbath members at the time had issues getting paid “I never had any real issues like that but Sabbath as a name band as an entity when I first joined they were very short of money but slowly we sort of built it up and we got it into a position where it was really working quite well and money was sort of starting to come in.”
When asked about how he felt when Rapper Ice-T was brought in for the Black Sabbath ‘Forbidden’ album ” I didn’t like it, Cozy Powell didn’t like it, Jeff Nichols was really uncertain about it. (Tony) Iommi was into it and his manager was into it but we were totally bemused in the beginning. So imagine somebody coming into the writing studio and trying to tell Cozy Powell how to play drums and Cozy looking at him going, are you sure about this? Yeah it’s gonna be great, well I don’t see it myself but I’ll give it a try. So it was just bizarre, just really bizarre you know and nobody was really getting it. I mean the thing for me was like when they sort of mentioned that IceT was coming and I was just lost because they never told me for what? They didn’t know what he was going to do, like a track or two tracks or the whole album but they didn’t say, so I kept trying to find out. Like I was telling you earlier on to find out information I’ll speak to my manager and so on. In the end I just couldn’t concentrate. In the end I didn’t know if I was singing on the album at all? When I was in the studio I said is this actually going out with my voice on it or is he just coming in to replace my vocals and like you know then sing it? I was very lost really and so I really don’t like the album because it brings back all of those memories. I never felt happy with it, not ever and yet there were some good songs on there and when we were in rehearsals putting the songs together. “
When asked about his involvement with the band Musical Youth in the 80’s “Back in those days in the early 80s I mean I was a gigging musician grabbing any kind of work that I could at the time. Birmingham and England were famous for musicians. We’ve had everything from Reggae to Rock come out of this city. Well I’m a guitarist originally I started playing guitar when I was seven then and my name was put forward to help out with the kids in Musical Youth. The setup was the kids went to school, then their father Freddie Waite had a rehearsal studio in Birmingham. He picked out some really quite good musicians to take the role of each one of the kids, mine was the guitar. And then when the kids came home from school it was our job then to teach the kids what their father had written that day. So I was there for about a year or something you know with the kids um and we got on okay. Kelvin Grant was a bit of a monster you know, he’d come around from school like, oh man I don’t need one no white man teaching me to play no guitar. Actually look, your father has told me that you’ve got to learn this now. They were doing all right. They got really big. “
Tony Martin ‘Thorns’ Track Listing: As The World Burns Black Widow Angel Book Of Shadows Crying Wolf Damned By You No Shame At All No Where To Fly Passion Killer Run Like The Devil This Is Your Damnation Thorns
Black Sabbath released six albums with Martin on vocals: “The Eternal Idol” (1987),”Headless Cross” (1989),”Tyr” (1990),”Cross Purposes” (1994),”Cross Purposes Live” (1995) and “Forbidden” (1995).
THE ROCK ALCHEMIST – Italian Rock Band from Turin with a strong sonic identity that blends modern rock with progressive, hard, alternative, and pop elements!
Kimmo Kuusniemi’s SARCOFAGUS return with a Historic 2010 Concert Video Premiere on YouTube! Click image to watch the video
