FACEBOOK
GOOGLE
Interview: Judas Priest (Pt. 2)
Interview: Judas Priest (Pt. 2)
- Genre : More Music
- Type: News
- Author : Super Admin
- Date : Mon, 09 Jun 2008
Why would newer and younger heavy music fans gravitate towards the new album?
With Priest, I can only speak from my point of view, due to the fact that every album is different but unmistakably Judas Priest. We have always taken pride in our albums and have kept people interested by making sure they never know what to expect. Every album is a chapter in the book of Judas Priest. We have always evolved and kept our ear to the ground. We've also always looked at younger bands and what they were doing. We've learned from them, much in the same way that they've learned from us.
What keeps you interested in still playing the guitar and making music this deep into your life?
I actually put the guitar down for lengthy periods of time, and I only pick it up when I'm in love with my instrument and want to pick it up. I do love my instrument, and I only love it when I love it. If I play it every day, I won't be in love with it, if that makes sense.
It makes perfect sense.
I go into my studio, and I play when I want to. I know when I am ready to write, play and practice in intense bursts. Yes, it's strange, but it works for me.
It's odd that you say you play and love your instrument in intervals. Most people advise aspiring guitarists to do the opposite: Practice, play Guitar Hero, play some more and don't stop that repetitive cycle. But then again, you're certainly not at the aspiring level.
That's right! Most young kids have not been doing it for as long as I have.
How much longer will Judas Priest keep going?
We will have loads of energy and enthusiasm and we will carry on playing till we stop enjoying it. We thrive on it. We love to play heavy metal, and we want to end on a high note. We want to make the realization ourselves that we have to hang the hats up; we do not want to be told by other people that we've gone on too long. But at the end of the day, there is still a demand for the music. We enjoy it and still love metal.
How would you prefer Judas Priest to be remembered?
I'd like to think we've worked to inspire music and to help fans get through life when they needed it. If that is the case, then my job is done. That's all I want to remembered for.
There have been some traumatic things that have marked your career. The fan suicide and court case, Rob's exodus and the movie about his replacement, Ripper Owens. How have those shaped you and your career?
Those events are like chapters—just like the albums are like chapters in the Judas Priest story. The court case wasn't about the music, really. It was sad for the family. When Rob left, no one wanted him to leave or to stay and to not be able pursue his other form of music that he wanted to play. We were burnt out, and he was away longer than we anticipated and absence makes the heart grow fonder and we like to say that we enjoyed a break. It made me get off my backside and do two solo albums. I did those, because there was no Judas Priest at the time.
The movie Rock Star is loosely based on Ripper Owens and how he went from a Priest cover band to actually being your lead singer during Rob's absence. What's your take on the film?
I think it was a bunch of rubbish. People only associated it with Judas Priest, because they were told it was our story. If they went on the Hollywood trail, it was a good story. I don't think anyone took it seriously.
The album is your first full concept effort, and it's larger than life. The music feels like it could be adapted for a Broadway musical, because it's so epic. Do you think the bombast of the music is a direct result of the concept?
Yes. It's a good subject and that's a valid reason to do it and we knew we could produce a valued album. With the album, it's not the type where you can play one track. It's an hour and a half of a magical journey where we invite you to step into the world of Nostradamus. It's all fantasy and
With Priest, I can only speak from my point of view, due to the fact that every album is different but unmistakably Judas Priest. We have always taken pride in our albums and have kept people interested by making sure they never know what to expect. Every album is a chapter in the book of Judas Priest. We have always evolved and kept our ear to the ground. We've also always looked at younger bands and what they were doing. We've learned from them, much in the same way that they've learned from us.
What keeps you interested in still playing the guitar and making music this deep into your life?
I actually put the guitar down for lengthy periods of time, and I only pick it up when I'm in love with my instrument and want to pick it up. I do love my instrument, and I only love it when I love it. If I play it every day, I won't be in love with it, if that makes sense.
It makes perfect sense.
I go into my studio, and I play when I want to. I know when I am ready to write, play and practice in intense bursts. Yes, it's strange, but it works for me.
It's odd that you say you play and love your instrument in intervals. Most people advise aspiring guitarists to do the opposite: Practice, play Guitar Hero, play some more and don't stop that repetitive cycle. But then again, you're certainly not at the aspiring level.
That's right! Most young kids have not been doing it for as long as I have.
How much longer will Judas Priest keep going?
We will have loads of energy and enthusiasm and we will carry on playing till we stop enjoying it. We thrive on it. We love to play heavy metal, and we want to end on a high note. We want to make the realization ourselves that we have to hang the hats up; we do not want to be told by other people that we've gone on too long. But at the end of the day, there is still a demand for the music. We enjoy it and still love metal.
How would you prefer Judas Priest to be remembered?
I'd like to think we've worked to inspire music and to help fans get through life when they needed it. If that is the case, then my job is done. That's all I want to remembered for.
There have been some traumatic things that have marked your career. The fan suicide and court case, Rob's exodus and the movie about his replacement, Ripper Owens. How have those shaped you and your career?
Those events are like chapters—just like the albums are like chapters in the Judas Priest story. The court case wasn't about the music, really. It was sad for the family. When Rob left, no one wanted him to leave or to stay and to not be able pursue his other form of music that he wanted to play. We were burnt out, and he was away longer than we anticipated and absence makes the heart grow fonder and we like to say that we enjoyed a break. It made me get off my backside and do two solo albums. I did those, because there was no Judas Priest at the time.
The movie Rock Star is loosely based on Ripper Owens and how he went from a Priest cover band to actually being your lead singer during Rob's absence. What's your take on the film?
I think it was a bunch of rubbish. People only associated it with Judas Priest, because they were told it was our story. If they went on the Hollywood trail, it was a good story. I don't think anyone took it seriously.
The album is your first full concept effort, and it's larger than life. The music feels like it could be adapted for a Broadway musical, because it's so epic. Do you think the bombast of the music is a direct result of the concept?
Yes. It's a good subject and that's a valid reason to do it and we knew we could produce a valued album. With the album, it's not the type where you can play one track. It's an hour and a half of a magical journey where we invite you to step into the world of Nostradamus. It's all fantasy and
RELATED NEWS
Share
