Interview
Artist: Gus G. (Firewind, Ozzy Osbourne)
Published on (In Spanish): Metalcry.com
Hi Gus, first of all, thanks so much for the interview, I hope you are enjoying your tour with Ozzy, but, let’s talk about your band, Firewind.
Sure!
How did Firewind's idea arise? Did you ever think to manage the actual status of the band?
The idea started back in 1998 when I made my first demo recordings with some friends of mine and I liked the name “Firewind”. I got it from Uli Roth’s Electric Sun album, since I’m a big fan of his. So, Firewind was always my baby and originally it was just me with various friends helping out.
Which are your touring plans with Firewind nowadays?
We got a Japan headline tour in March and a couple of summer festivals in Europe lined up.
In view for the future, what are the plans for Firewind?
We’re planning on a world tour which is starting in September. We’ll tour all over Europe, North America, and we also hope to visit countries we’ve never been to before. Countries like Russia and Poland.
How do you consider “Days of defiance” in comparison with your previous albums?
I don’t think it differs much style wise. I think it combines the best elements from “Allegiance” and “Premonition” but with a more raw and stripped down sound.
After released several albums and a live DVD, has Firewind ever thought about about to release an acoustic album?
I don’t think so. Not in the plans. We’re an electric band and we love to play loud!
Which was your most unforgetable concert with Firewind?
We’ve had many great moments on stage. Definitely our shows in Greece are always fantastic and especially the night we filmed “Live Premonition” in our home town where we sold out a 1.500 capacity theater. Our shows in Japan are always leave us nice memories, since we have such a loyal fanbase there for years.
Tell us about Spain, when we will see Firewind is our country?
We hope to be back in Spain this year, sometime this Fall. We’re currently working on our touring schedule for the 2nd half of the year. Be patient and soon we’ll have some tourdates for you.
Is it difficult for you sharing your time between Firewind and Ozzy?
I wouldn’t say it’s difficult, but tricky. You gotta be careful not to double book and step on each other’s toes. The people in Ozzy’s camp have been very nice to me and have been cool with me doing both bands. And on the other hand, my Firewind guys and our label have all been very supportive while I’m out there Rocking with the Prince of Darkness!
How do you feel after been on tour with Ozzy?
I feel great!! The last 2 years I’ve achieved everything and more I could ever want. I couldn’t be more grateful for the way things have turned out for me.
Do you have a different point of view about Ozzy since you’re a member of his band?
No. I will always worship Ozzy like a fan and always love him for who he is, what his music has meant to me and also for taking me under his wing and giving me such a big career opportunity. The amazing thing is, that while I look at Ozzy like a fan and have the outmost respect, we’ve become close friends but he’s also been there for me like a father figure to advise me and help me wherever needed.
What were you doing the day you recived the call to replace Zakk? What did you do after that call?
My heart was beating so fast after I got the invitation to audition. Although I’m not a drinker, I had to drink 3 shots of whiskey to calm down a bit. I didn’t sleep that night nor the following 2 nights, I just stayed up all night playing guitar and feeling super excited.
About your past…Tell us about your past with Dream Evil? You was so young, to travel around the whole world with bands like Blind Guardian, was it a big influence for you?
Dream Evil was a great start for me. The band had success in Japan and Europe almost immediately. My first tour ever was a headline tour in japan, so it was a bit hard to handle at first but I got into the role pretty quickly. I learned a lot playing with those guys and especially next to Fredrik Nordstrom who’s a fantastic producer. I did my first bus tour also, when we supported HammerFall and that’s one of the most memorable experiences ever.
What about Nightrage? The style of this band has nothing in common with your actual groups…
I know! I’m not a big fan of death metal these days, but Marios Iliopoulos is an amazing guitar player and he is like my mentor and the big brother I never had. He helped me out in the early days and took me with him to Sweden and introduced me to Fredrik Nordstrom. When Marios needed my help, I was there and together we made 2 Nightrage albums which I’m very proud of. He’s such an underated musician and guitar player, more people should check out his work.
About other things…Actually how do you see musical culture in Greece? Bands like Suicidal Angels, Witchcurse, Concrete force and much more bands make the greek scene a great deal for Metalheads.
I think Suidical Angels have a bright future as they’re a hard working band and talented, down to earth guys. I don’t know the other bands you mentioned, but Greece seems to have a healthy Metal scene these days. I’m glad for that, cause I know we got some great musicians there.
Which reasons do you think had put Greece into a second division in European Metal in the last 30 years? Do you see similarities with the Spanish scene?
I guess we just never had the culture for Rock, Metal or western music. We got stuck with our own folk music and I feel the music industry in Greece never really bloomed. Some extreme metal bands have been out there playing for years, but on an underground level. I’m not familiar with the Spanish scene, but maybe it’s similar there?
Is there any band that have influenced you? Any from Greece?
My influences are the great bands from the 70s and 80s. Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Scorpions, MSG, Metallica, Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden, etc.
The only Greek band that has influenced me is Exhumation, which is Marios (of Nightrage) old band. I think they could have been Greece’s Sepultura, but they quit too early unfortunately. I always loved Marios’ riffs and melodies and when I was a teenager that had an impact on me.
Is there any special band you would like to share stage or doing any collaboration?
If there would ever be another Black Sabbath reunion, it’d be my dream if Firewind opened for a few shows. Of course the same for Iron Maiden. I’m open to share the stage with any band really. And we do that whenever we play summer festivals. It would have been cool to also play with Accept, I love their new singer and album.
Would you dare to play other kind of music different from heavy music?
If the music led me there, then yes. However, right now I don’t feel the need to leave heavy metal for another style of music.
Normally when you write songs and compose, which are you inspirations?
I try to let the music flow thru me, without thinking if I’m sounding like somebody else. My goal is to sound like myself.
One curiosity, have you any aneadote with a crazy fan (girl)?
I’ve had a couple :P One time this crazy girl, found my home number and kept calling me for weeks and insisted to chat over the phone and meet. Very uncomfortable situation. I’ve had a few stalkers as well (both online and in real life).
Will we ever know what does that "G." in your name mean?
I’ve already revealed the secret to other people haha! G. Is just a stage name. A friend of mine used to call me like that, short for Gus I guess. Or actually even shorter!
And finally... I've seen the last video from OzTV in Las Vegas... Why do you like snakes so much? Haha
Oh don’t even go there! Haha…. I guess everyone has their phobias and own hangups and reptiles is one of mine.
Gus, again, thank you very much for the interview, if you want to tell something to your spanish fans it’s your time.
Thanx a lot for your support! We’ve missed our fans in Spain and we promise to come back and rock you even harder this time!!!
