Airforce

Tony Hatton is the bass player of the British heavy metal band Airforce, and were formed in 1989, by guitarist Chop Pitman, Doug Sampson ex-drummer of Iron Maiden, Doug’s brother Sam on vocals and Tony Hatton.

Q. - Hello Tony, did you, Chop, Sam and Doug were friends before forming Airforce? How and when did it all start?

Tony - Chop and I had been together in NWOBHM Band EL34 since circa 1980, Mick Dietz was our Drummer, with various vocalists coming and going. We regularly played at the Ruskin Arms amongst other East London and Essex venues, we did not really know Doug at that time, but Chop was good friends with Steve Harris. When we lost our EL-34 Drummer, Chop and I decided on a fresh start. Steve Harris was aware that we were looking for a New Drummer, and knowing Doug had recovered from his illness which had forced him to quit Iron Maiden introduced Doug to Chop. Doug was introduced to Chop via a Jam session between Doug Chop and Steve. I then met with Doug and Airforce was Born in 1987, the name Airforce was agreed by all 3 of us. Sam Sampson Joined a little later, Sam being Doug’s brother.

Q. - What other bands did you play before forming Airforce?

Tony - Chop and I had been together in EL-34 and of course Doug in Maiden.

Q. - Who would you cite as your main influences at the beginning of the band?

Tony - Chop, Doug and I had been influenced by many bands, as well as Maiden, Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, UFO, Scorpions, Can Halen and Accept to name but a few.

Q. - After some demo tapes recorded in the late 80's, and early 90's, did you try to approach a record deal? What did you think went wrong for Airforce didn't have a record deal?

Tony - We had Trouble finding a Long Haul vocalist, and finding a manager. We were also quite naïve back then.

Q. - Did you keep in touch with the ex Airforce band members?

Tony - We do keep in touch with former Airforce members, Rolf Prommel (our last vocalist before we Doug and I left Airforce), many years later is in touch and of course Sam Sampson is Doug’s brother.

Q. - In your opinion, were the 90's hard times for heavy metal bands?

Tony - Not particularly Metal has and is always around.

Q. - What made you feel like reuniting Airforce again?

Tony - Chop, Doug and I all met up for the release of Judgement Day. Chop and Doug had recently got together again but thought I wouldn’t be interested, but I was and we said shall we get together again and see what happens. We did and it was as though we hadn’t stopped, it felt so right, as if it were only yesterday even though it had been 25yrs since the original Airforce musical line-up had played together.

Q. - Around 2016 Fred Ball was the lead singer of the band, having recorded the songs, Just Say No, Get Me a Doctor and Judgement Day with you, why did he leave the band?

Tony - Fred had other interests including his other Band Slam. Chop also wanted a separate Vocalist and Bass player, as Fred was both.

Q. - How did you find Dilian Arnaudov? Did you know him before?

Tony - Dilian had stood in as Airforce vocalist, when asked by Chop, for one show when the then Airforce vocalist SEB had to step down to deal with a serious family illness. So we knew Dilian and what he could do.

Q. - Why did you choose Paul Di'anno for a duet with Dilian Arnaudov, for the song "Sniper"?

Tony - Paul is a long-time friend of Chop, and of course of Doug too, after being together in Iron Maiden. Paul knew Airforce had reunited and listened to what we were doing. When Paul heard Sniper he wanted to be a part of it. Airforce were more than happy to have Paul participate, being an old friend. As well as being a legend and an awesome vocalist. 

Q. - Airforce have been playing some big venues this summer, and getting bigger audiences, how did it go and what do you think of it?

Tony - 2018 has been a fantastic year for Airforce and it was a fantastic summer. The Hills of Rock was a tremendous experience.

Q. - Was it a special feeling to play on the same bill with Iron Maiden?

Tony - Of course this was very special to play on the same Stage as Maiden and of course Priest too. It was great to meet up with our old friend Steve Harris on Sunday before and after the Maiden show, as well as Adrian and Dave.

Q. - But unfortunately Dilian couldn't made it to American tour, and was replaced by Ivan Giannini, will he be a permanent replacement?

Tony - Dilian has serious family issues and is back in Bulgaria, which we hope he can overcome. Ivan stepped in to help Airforce earlier this year with our USA dates due to Dilian being refused a US Visa. Ivan has stepped in again and may become the permanent Airforce vocalist in the future.

Q. - Are you composing new material in order to record a new album? What plans do you have for the near future?

Tony - Airforce are working on new material for a new Album scheduled for release in the Spring of 2019. We have another USA tour being finalised for April 2019, an appearance at the Polish Radio Studios for a show on Friday March 29th  that will be broadcast live on Polish national Radio. Airforce are also appearing with a surprise, at a special Maiden linked event at The Cart and Horses in London on Jan 20th 2019.

Q. - Do you try to keep the eighties metal spirit alive?

Tony - Airforce just have our brand of old school metal, whatever that evokes, Eighties, seventies, Nineties.

Q. - How do you want to end up this interview? Anything more you want to say?

Tony - Airforce had unfinished business and are now seeing that through.

Thank you for your time, and wish you all the best for the future!

Craig Wells (Metal Church)

Craig Wells played in Metal Church for over a decade, and his legacy remains intact on the great albums that he recorded with the band. We had a chat with him about his golden days at the "Metal Church".

Q. - So tell me Craig, how did your interest in hard rock and heavy metal music start?

Craig - Personally, I was listening to a lot of fusion musicians while a student of the guitar...I liked Al Dimeola and Jeff Beck because they played lead with distortion. So I became interested in Zep and Sab because of the guitar sounds.

Q. - What other bands did you play before Metal Church?

Craig - I was in a band called Crystal Image with Kirk Arrington on drums and Jess n Us, and Shrapnel. This was while I was growing up in Aberdeen Washington.

Q. - What were your main influences at the beginning?

Craig - At the beginning of Metal Church, it was Zep, Purple, Scorpions, Sabbath, Motorhead, Priest, AC DC, Nugent, Black Oak Arkansas, Van Halen, UFO, Maiden, Saxon, Budgie, Pistols, GenX, Clash, Ramones!

Q. - When did you join Metal Church? Was it around 81/82? Was it when you released the Four Hymns demo, by the name of Shrapnel? What memories do you keep from these early days?

Craig - Yes I was in Shrapnel and played on the Four Hymns Demo, and we changed the name to Metal Church soon after because we decided to write our own songs instead of play cover songs.

Q. - Was it hard to find a label to release the first album?

Craig - No, Seattle at that time was filled with a great music scene. My friend Willie owned a record store called Penney Lane Records and said it was his dream to produce a band and create his own label. So Willie created Ground Zero Records and Metal Church was the first album on this label. Also Shrapnel records wanted to work with us and also Megaforce Records wanted to work with us as well. The Metal market in America was flourishing at this time so we were fortunate to have partners for our vision.

Q. - Is it true that Metallica helped you out with the deal with Elektra Records?

Craig - We met Michael Alago through Metallica because he was their A&R man at Elektra. I believe Lars may have said he liked us and that helped as Elektra was wanting to get many bands for the labels roster. Metallica were our friends and they helped us way beyond getting a record label. They shared song writing knowledge, recording knowledge and drinking knowledge with us and we knew we were fortunate to have their friendship. They were brothers to us first and most. I will always have a debt of gratitude for them.

Q. - Do you recall why David Wayne left the band in 1988, after two fantastic albums such as "Metal Church" and "The Dark"?

Craig - Yes, we kicked him out. We did this because he was partying too much and not taking care of his voice, he was not showing up to rehearsals. It was hard to do, especially because Kurdt Vanderhoof had left the touring band before our first tour on MC1 so we were afraid Elektra would drop us with the loss of two original members. At that point we should have worked it out instead of kicking him out and gave him the chance to correct the issues.

Q. - How would you describe the impact that Metal Church had with all those great albums that you recorded?

Craig - Well, I have never looked at that aspect of it. I just wanted to make good music and let it be songs that reach people. To me there is a relational part of a bands influence around sharing in the music and lyrics with the fans. I remember being on tour and one night hearing the audience sing every song, and that to me was the greatest accomplishment I thought a band could desire. It was the greatest honour to me and at that point I believed that we had given with our music something that was valuable to others. One night we were in Germany opening for Metallica and the entire arena was singing “Gods of Wrath” and David and I were stunned because they were ripping the stage out from our feet at the same time! But they liked the song and that to me was a sign of the fan's approval.

Q. - What lead to the break of Metal Church in 1994? Was it a label problem? Was Metal Church losing the impact that had once before?

Craig - We had kicked out David, we had fired our managers, we had fought to leave Elektra, we had made many wrong moves because we did not make good decisions. This led to the break up as well as our drummer Kirk being badly stricken with Diabetes and he could barely play, this was the worst part because Kirk was my closest brother and I was heartbroken...we then quit.

Q. - Why did you leave the band?

Craig - Changing creative direction...Kurdt was outside of the band and wanted to only be a writer. We used to write together, Kurdt Dave and Myself. Now we have a new singer and he only wants to write with Kurdt. So this to me was Metal Church becoming a whole different band and it closed the door for me to be involved in the creative part. I knew it was time to go as I had poured my life into this and now, I had foolishly allowed the door to close on me by choosing with the Kurdt and the band to kick Dave out. As I said, I left and I pursued a new life and raised my family and focused on a new ambition.

Q. - Was it hard to move your life on, without Metal Church, after so many years trying to keep the metal flame alive?

Craig - It was difficult leaving my dreams behind as the first two Metal Church albums were written and produced in my Grandparents garage. My family was behind us making it in music and it was all I knew to do. So after leaving I married Kim my wonderful wife and we had children and this purpose of being a father helped me to recreate my life. I could not have made it without them. I never had a desire to be in another band.

Q. - A few years later, in 1998, two live albums were released, "Live in Japan" with the last formation, and "Live" with the classic 80's formation, how did you see those recordings?

Craig - I am not sure what albums those are..

Q. - The next year Metal Church did a comeback, but you were not in the line-up, why did that happen?

Craig - I was to be in it but I was not happy with the financial arrangements. I could not leave my job to be in the band when the band offered me no money to live on. I had small children to provide for so I chose to drop out.

Q. - But you recorded David Wayne's solo album called... Metal Church! What can you tell us about this record? Did you wrote those songs thinking about a Metal Church reunion?

Craig - No that is not me...David asked me to be a part and I was going to but he already had the music written and recorded and he put my name on it to convince me to join, but I did not join or perform on the recording. He did that because he was a brother to me but I had no desire to learn other people's songs and tour and make them mine. I think a guy named Roger Bell wrote those with Dave but I could be wrong.

Q. - Did you tour with David to promote that album?

Craig - No, never performed a song with Dave outside of Metal Church. 

Q. - What are your feelings on David Wayne's passing? Do you think a part of Metal Church died with him too?

Craig - Yes, he was our voice and he was one of Metals Great Vocalist, he was a central part of our sound to say the least.

Q. - Do you miss Metal Church? Would you like to tour with them at least one more time?

Craig - I miss being a musician, and touring is fun yet can be exhausting, would like to do this again but miss song writing and playin guitar the most.

Q. - Do you keep an eye in what they're doing these days?

Craig - A little bit...I know that Mike is in the band again and I think he is an awesome vocalist and I miss being friends with both him and Kurdt. But I haven't really listened to their music much, once in a while I hear a song of theirs, you know, somebody puts one on my FB page or something.

Q. - Did you stay in touch with the other former members of Metal Church over the years?

Craig - Not very much at all. I have spoken with Kurdt and Duke and Kirk maybe a couple times each in the past 10 years.

Q. - How do you want to end up this interview? Anything more you want to say?

Craig - Yes, my heart is for the fans who liked our songs, it was an honour to have met your approval! You deserve the best! Thank you very much.

Thank you for your time, and wish you all the best for the future!

Obscure Nwobhm Releases (ONR)

Obscure Nwobhm Releases, is a label based in Greece that concentrates their editions on underrated NWOBHM bands, having worked with Goldsmith, Overdrive, Chain Reaction, Dealer, Omen UK and Montreaux amongst others. We had a chat with mainman George Arvanitakis, about this label.

Q. - Hello, how did your interest in the N.W.O.B.H.M. movement start?

George - Since my early days in the metal scene in the 80’s I was always fascinated on this particular kind of music especially after hearing Killers for the first time and also the first 2 albums of Saxon. In the late 80’s and the beginning of 90’s it was very hard for the people in Greece to hear or even know any bands of the nwobhm era. As far as I remember it was only 2 record stores that brought some “commercial” nwobhm records especially from neat records and EMI. All this mystery for discovering bands with only a single release or a single lp was the main purpose to get to know more about this great music movement.

Q. - And what do you think about all the N.W.O.B.H.M. movement, and the repercussion it had around the world?

George - For me it is one of the best music genre ever happened to music. The uniqueness of the bands, the pure feeling of the music, the different kind of musical styles is what made nwobhm great. From the music of maiden to the music of saxon and angelwith, the mystery of Pagan Altar or dawnwatcher, the evil and satanic Venom or Witchfynde to the more melodic rhythm of Praying Mantis , Lionheart, Saracen. There is simply not another style of music that had such effect on bands. Metallica started by copying nwobhm bands so did thousands of other later bands. You are not a metalhead if you are not listen to nwobhm. Simple as that.

Q. - How did the idea to create a label about the N.W.O.B.H.M. came up? Did you have any label experience before ONR?

George - ONR was my first label experience and was an instant idea, not planned. As I have told you earlier I always tried to find more bands to hear (which is something I will continue to do as long as I like music) and had the chance to meet or find band members. After finding many bands I thought myself why don’t you try to release something for the bands. ONR was, is and always will be my hobby, my spare time work, something to do to enjoy myself. I try to release anything I like first, to do what is best for the bands and make ofc a small profit that makes my family have an extra income.

Q. - The first ONR release was Charlie 'Ungry, how did that happen? What memories does it bring to you?

George - Charlie Ungry was one of my first findings after I got in contact with Andy Demetriou and bought from him the bands only single. We were talking for a long time since Andy is a great person and asked him if he had more songs of the band. After searching he send me some unreleased tracks from old tapes. The uniqueness of the band that tried to mix early nwobhm and rock music along with the great vocals made me ask him if the band was interested to release a cd with all the songs the band made. The band was excited and so we preceed. I have spent a lot of time to remix the songs and the sound from the raw demos tapes and thanks to M.Baron (my friend who takes care of the remixes) the cd finally made it as my first release. I am very happy about it since all the copies are sold out and due to the great response Charlie Ungry did also release the “Chester Road” cd to an Lp format that is also sold out and a re-release of their debut 7’’ was also released from a usa label. This indicates that I choose correct and now Charlie Ungry is a lot more known to the underground circles.

Q. - A year later you release Goldsmith, was it easy to convince them to release the compilation "Life Is Killing Me"?

George - Not at all. Pez liked the idea and had the honour of doing the cd with all the great tracks of Goldsmith. I know he liked the whole concept I did with the cd and the nwobhm fans loved the result. It was one of the best selling cds of the label. I am also happy that later was re-released from HRR as an Lp format and did well.

Q. - After four years of absence, ONR returns with the edition of Omen (UK) - Dragon Flight, was it hard to find NWOBHM to release?

George - Well I did made some great releases since I decided to do a small brake due to personal reasons. I have always kept in contact with bands people in my absence, when I returned I think Omen was the perfect band to sign and make a comeback. Thanks to my friend Zygmunt I got in contact with Phil and he was kind enough to agree on the release and send me anything he had about Omen. Since there was no logo and only a couple of old photos we decided to make the layout of the cd as an old medieval book. The result is excellent, the people like it, the reviews are great. If you do not own a copy act fast cause we are down to last copies.

Q. - How did you get in touch with Montreaux? And what expectations do you have for this new release "Night of the Hunter"?

George - When I heard the song “Flashlights” I knew I had to release it, I got in contact with Rob, which is one of the greatest persons I ever had the chance to talk and helped me make the first digital release of Montreaux. The band unfortunately only had 3 studio songs but a great live recording performance which features many songs filed with epic solos, excellent rhythm and the great vocals of Rob Byrne. All these along with the artwork and the cover will definitely make a great cd.

Q. - Is there any band that you saw a lot of potential to release, but in the end failed the agreement?

George - I was in contact with many bands from the era and offered them a deal but due to different reasons never had the chance to do it. The most known example was Random Black which we came to an agreement to release their cd (it was the ONR005) but I really cannot remember why it never happened that time. I have contact them again but I think that ONR was not the kind of label they want atm. I hope they make the cd cause it was a really good band and they have great songs that need to be released to the fans. Another example was the release of High Treason on a cd format, I even had typed the covers of the cd but suddenly nothing. Also I was one of the first ppl that found Traitor’s Gate but it was on the wrong time they were not interested. Fortunately they signed to HRR and now to No Remorse so their great musical work can be heard.

Q. - How do you see the heavy metal scene nowadays? Do you feel there's still interest about buying heavy metal records?

George - Heavy metal scene is always strong, I see the last years the return to the roots which means more re-releases, revival of the Lp format and the tape format, revival of old bands we always wanted to see (Cirith Ungol, Witchfynde, Heavy Load) and what is great for me is that a lot of new great bands release their stuff more easily, I personally love bandcamp and small labels and always buy everything I can from new bands or from great re-releases. As long as there is the underground there always be interest in buying stuff and not bootlegging or making music collection of youtube mp3’s.

Q. - Was there any time when thought about stop editing albums?

George - The 4 years I have stopped making music due to personal reasons though to stop the label but since there is no day pass without hearing music I think I will stop only if I do not have any money to make a release, or the people will stop hearing cds and lps.

Q. - Are some ONR releases out of print now? Will you try to re-release them?

George - Fortunatelly all the past releases are sold out. The only available cd for the moment is the Omen and the Montreaux (which I am expecting in 1 week). There are no plans to rerelease any of my past releases. My label does only one print that is why I call all my releases limited.

Q. - Do you feel there's still many "N.W.O.B.H.M. treasures" to be found out there?

George - There are countless nwobhm bands that are undiscovered or wait to be release their work on cd / lp. There are only 3 problems to be solved, the first one is the band to accept to give you their songs to hear and release them, the second one is the bands that they do not want to release their songs because they think it is not good or because the singer thinks it does not sing well, or the guitarist thinks it is not good and the third one been the one member is not agreeing with the others or they are not “good” friends anymore.

Q. - And what can you tell us about future releases?

George - As far as my future releases I have plans for the release of cd of Medusa Touch and also the beginning of the “Obscure Nwobhm Demo Series” that will feature bands that only had very few songs recorded. Expect some surprises also there J

Q. - Tell us a little bit about you, what's your background in heavy metal?

George - I started listening to music in 1987 when I first heard Live After Death of Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath from Black Sabbath. Since then I always tried to discover new songs music and bands. When I heard Killers from Iron Maiden I stucked with the band and for couple of years I only collected Iron Maiden stuff. Then I made my first band, I released my first fanzine, I made some appearances in rock / metal radio shows amongst others. I think I will never stop listening to metal and music till the day I die. All these years I have met a lot of great people from around the globe and I am pretty happy about it.

Q. - Is the project Vorphalack still active? What plans do you have for Vorphalack? Are you recording new tracks?

George - The band is active, we have done some tracks for a future release but there is no release date or something specific.

Q. - What leads a black metal singer to release N.W.O.B.H.M. albums?

George - A good question but I have no answer for that. Being a BM singer and in a BM band is something personal which I do not like to discuss or to spread, it is only for me. Black metal is a movement specific for black metal fans. NWOBHM is a movement which you can see a variety of music and people thoughts. With nwobhm and generally with heavy metal you can spread you love of the music to people it is more open minded. Black metal is a statement for yourself not for the public.

Q. - What do you think of this recent revival of the N.W.O.B.H.M., and all these bands reforming?

George - It was about time don’t you think? Now with internet it is easier to make your band known and more easy to do what you never manage to do in the 80’s. I personally like any new nwobhm cd / lp I see that comes from bands that never made it on time. It is never too late to hear the music these bands made. I support 100% these bands and the labels that are doing it.

Q. - Any last words to end up this interview?

George - Thank you very much for the chance to speak about the label. We need more bands to release in the near future. Anyone who knows any member of a nwobhm band get in contact to make more great nwobhm releases.

Thank you for your time, and wish you all the best for the future!

Trial By Fire

Trial by Fire is an obscure band from Essex, England, they recorded two demo tapes in 79/81, and are bout to release a compilation on Sonic Age records, we had a chat with Neil Freeman to know a little bit more about them.

Q. - Hello Neil, tell us a bit about the origins of Trial by Fire, how and when did it all start? Who were the first members of the band?

Neil - Trial by Fire were formed in 1979 when school friends Terry Wilson (Guitar) and Neil Freeman (Bass) joined forces with Gary Dawson (Lead Guitar) and Paul Harris (Drums), Neil had bought a Bass Amp from Paul’s brother and Paul persuaded Gary to join. Paul and Gary had been in a band called Scorched Earth that rehearsed together for fun – no gigs.

Q. - Who would you cite as your major influences at that time?

Neil - Gary was heavily influenced by UFO and they were a firm favourite of all the band members.

Other influences were Judas Priest, Girl and Scorpions amongst others.

Q. - Did you play in any other bands before Trial by Fire?

Neil - The four went through various names before settling on Trial By Fire and they auditioned Nick Hodges as lead singer after Nick replied to an advert in Melody Maker and Nick complete the original line up.

The band rehearsed every week at Alan Gordon’s Studios in Leyton which was a dim and grimy disused Railway arch under the London tube line.

Q. - The first demo tape were recorded at Alan Gordon’s Studios, in 79, and the second demo tape came up in 81, did you sell these tapes at shows, or send it to fanzines?

Neil - The demo tapes were recorded at Alan Gordon’s Studios and Blackwing Studios in London. These were not made available for sale but were picked up by Bernard Doe – Editor of Metal Forces magazine who then distributed these tapes around Europe and the USA as part of a tape exchange network.

Q. - How about shows? Did you play regularly in Essex back then? Or was it hard for a heavy metal band to be booked in the area at that time?

Neil - Trial By Fire played around Essex and East London – most notably at the legendary Ruskin Arms in East Ham where Iron Maiden had previously built up such a following. After one show the landlord at the Ruskins told the band that they were the loudest band they’d ever had on the premises. :-)

Q. - At that time did you play some covers too, or was it only your own songs?

Neil - TBF were keen to write original material and only ever played a couple of covers; “Shout It Out Loud” by Kiss and “She’s No Angel” by Heavy Metal Kids.

At this time Terry Wilson was the main originator of musical ideas with Gary Dawson chipping in, and Neil Freeman and Nick Hodges would supply the lyrical content.

Trial By Fire were proud of their song writing ability and generally eschewed covers although they did flirt with “Shout It Out Loud” by Kiss and “She’s No Angel” by Heavy Metal Kids although these were never played live.

“Jeepster” by T Rex and “American Girl” by Tom Petty were trundled out for extended plays in the very early days at rehearsals before they had enough material for a set.

Q. - When did "Trial by Fire" split up exactly? What happened that lead to the split?

Neil - The final gig was at Oscar’s Newbury Park in Essex in 1982 on the night of an FA Cup Final replay between Spurs and QPR. As Gary Dawson and Nick Hodges were both Spurs fans this led to some serious inebriation.

TBF were turned down by Rough Trade records who were more interested in Punk / New Wave and the band tried to get a manager. Jayne Revell who looked after Sledgehammer was approached but she didn’t have the inclination to take them on.

None of the band really had the drive or acumen to push the band to the next level and it all finally petered out after the Newbury Park gig.

There was no acrimony between the members they just kind of lost impetus and the will to carry on.

Q. - Did you remain in touch all over the years?

Neil - Guitarist Jim Reid joined Airrace and the others just stopped playing for a good few years.

Original guitarist Terry Wilson had a number of projects. “The Toothbrush Clan” , “Slag Sisters” and “Monsters”

Gary Dawson played briefly with punk band Anti Establishment and a number of metal cover bands.

Neil Freeman still plays Bass with a punk band called “Storm The Gates” around the North East London area. STG play original material. It’s really punk/power pop – simple catchy songs in the mode of Kiss or The Boys.

Gary and Neil remain good friends and meet up from time to time as do Terry and Neil.

We lost touch with the singer Nick Hodges and guitarist Jim Reid after the band split.

Q. - Sonic Age records are working on a Trial By Fire compilation, what do you think of this?

Neil - TBF were delighted to be contacted by Sonic Records as it all came out of the blue.

It’s going to be great for a few old fans to finally have a product that they can own. We’ve been contacted by fans in USA, Poland and Iran all interested.

We never knew that we had that kind of interest!

Q. - What do you think about all the N.W.O.B.H.M. movement, and the repercussion it had around the world?

Neil - It’s difficult to explain to people who weren’t there just what an explosion NWOBHM was at the time and it seems the interest has never really waned.

There was a lot of dross at the time as well as there is in any movement. But there were so many gems in that catalogue and it seemed that most of the bands had at least one!

Q. - Anything more you want to say, to end up this interview?

Neil - It’s very strange for me to have this interest in TBF after all these years and when one fan said he had been checking You Tube for as long as it had been around searching for “Eclipse” which he heard as a worker in a warehouse in NY it really reminded me of the power of music and metal in particular to touch people’s hearts.

I hope people enjoy the record when it finally sees the light of day.

Thank you for your time, and wish you all the best for the future!

NZZN

Formados em Cascais no ano de 1979, o nome NZZN surge como um acrónimo dos seus três elementos fundadores: Necas (guitarra), Zica (bateria) e Zé Nuno (baixo).

Inicialmente como banda de covers, onde tocavam temas de Van Halen ou AC/DC, os NZZN pronto se dedicaram a tocar material original com a chegada do famoso “boom do rock”, onde surgiu um grande número de novas bandas a tocar rock em Português.

Ficamos com o testemunho do Zica e do Zé Nuno sobre os seus anos nos NZZN.

P. - Zé Nuno, fala-nos um pouco de como nasceu o teu interesse pela música, assim como do teu percurso até chegar aos Aranha.

Zé Nuno – Para mim tudo começou com o entusiasmo pela música que o meu pai me incutiu, ele próprio com um historial musical na sua juventude como saxofonista da banda do Alandroal e que paralelamente à mesma havia também formado, com outros elementos da mesma banda, o conjunto local a que deram o nome de “Os Independentes”. Lembro-me de me marcar tarefas diárias de solfejo, a que eu me tentava esquivar pois achava entediante sem o acompanhamento a partir de um instrumento. Por volta dos meus 13-14 anos comprou-me uma guitarra acústica na Custódio Cardoso Pereira, na altura na Rua do Carmo, onde já trabalhava o nosso amigo Franjas, muito magrinho na altura como, de resto, todos nós.

Por volta dos meus 15 anos, fui alvo do interesse de um vizinho mais velho, que tinha feito parte do Conjunto Mistério (se bem me recordo era este o nome, actuavam todos de mascarilha), o Emanuel, que me pôs a tocar baixo numa guitarra de 5 cordas naquele que viria a ser o meu primeiro concerto: foi no Liceu Charles Le Pierre, perante um público convidado, com temas de Beatles e outras bandas dos anos 60.

Na altura havia um conjunto na Buraca, onde eu morei desde os 5 até cerca dos meus 20 anos, chamado “Os Átomos”, onde tocava o Zé Carrapa (guitarra) e o Falé (baterista). Como eles tiveram de sair do conjunto para cumprir o serviço militar, o manager e dono da banda, Sr. Faia (já falecido), também da Buraca, lançou mão dos jovens teenager que na altura tinham adquirido uma guitarra e lutavam com o instrumento na tentativa de aprender alguma coisa. O baterista era o genro do Faia, o Henrique Knoblick, dono de um irrepreensível rufo de tarola, do qual muito se orgulhava. O reportório era constituído por canções dos Beatles, Joe Cocker, Santana e muitos outros mas tudo em inglês. E, apesar de tocarmos em salas de baile e para baile, tínhamos muito orgulho em não tocarmos nada em brasileiro, espanhol ou outras línguas latinas, canções que considerávamos “foleiras”. Eu era o guitarra solo na altura.

Pelos meus 17 anos surgiu o convite para entrar no “Aranha” como baixista, precisamente por recomendação do baixista deles, o Armando, dado que este iria para Angola por tempo indeterminado.

P. – Os Aranha eram uma banda de covers, que musicas costumavam tocar?

Zé Nuno - Na sua maioria eram covers de grandes bandas de hard-rock da década de 70, designadamente, Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Black Sabbath, etc.

P. - Zica, fala-nos também um pouco do teu percurso musical antes dos NZZN.

Zica - Formei a minha primeira banda "OS Contrastes" em Campo de OURIQUE nos anos 60 E tocámos covers desse tempo por Lisboa inteira durante cerca de 2 anos. Mais tarde toquei noutras bandas com músicos como o Luís Pedro Fonseca, por exemplo até surgirem a terceira ou quarta formação do Aranha onde vim a conhecer o Zé Nuno, o Necas e o Armindo. Daí nasceram os NZZN.

P. – Em 1979 surgiram os NZZN, como surgiu a ideia de formar a banda, já se conheciam anteriormente?

Zica - Como referi anteriormente conhecemo-nos no Aranha.

P. – Tenho entendido que o vocalista original de NZZN (Tozé), tinha um registo mais “Bon Scott”, tendo o Armindo um registo mais “Ian Gillan”, isto levou a alguma alteração na estruturação das musicas?

Zica - Infelizmente não o fizémos por dificuldade de alteração de tons e sua execução sobretudo na guitarra solo e eu vim seriamente a arrepender-me disso porque, sobretudo no álbum Forte e Feio, alguns temas foram cantados uma oitava abaixo pelo Armindo, coisa que não teria acontecido com o Tozé (que cantava no Abismo e ainda canta no Ténis Bar)

P. – Quais eram as vossas principais influências musicais no início da banda?

Zica - Deep Purple, Scorpions, AC/DC e Van Halen, sobretudo.

P. – Quais as principais dificuldades com que se deparavam naquela altura? Salas de ensaio? Disponibilidade para ensaiar? Falta de material? Ou outras?

Zica - Tínhamos tudo, inclusivamente uma sala de ensaios cedida gratuitamente em Paço d´Arcos.

P. – Para além das músicas dos singles, incluíam covers no vosso reportório? Quais essas covers?

Zica - Não. A partir do momento em que nos assumimos como NZZN, nunca mais tocamos covers.

P. – Sendo o “Shuy de Shock” um tema de autoria do Zica, porque não o incluíam no vosso reportório?

Zica - Já me perguntei várias vezes e talvez tenha sido porque a banda se desmembrou antes de o termos incluído.

P. – Algumas memórias sobre a festa de aniversário do Rock em Stock que queiras partilhar connosco?

Zica - Grande adrenalina, responsabilidade e emoção.

P. – Como era a aderência do público aos vossos shows? Tinham uma base de fãs grande?

Zica - Era muito boa e suponho que tínhamos fãs q.b.

P. – Como foi a vossa tournée como banda de abertura dos UHF durante 1981?

Zica - Ótima. Deu grande projeção à banda.

P. – Chegaram a compartir palco com os Ferro e Fogo ou os Xeque Mate?

Zica - Não calhou.

P. – As vossas letras mantêm-se actuais passados todos estes anos, de onde vos vinha a inspiração?

Zica - De estarmos permanentemente atentos aos acontecimentos quotidianos.

P. – Zé Nuno, o que te levou a abandonar o projecto NZZN mesmo antes de entrarem em estúdio para gravarem o álbum Forte e Feio? Não sentiste necessidade de gravar o álbum?

Zé Nuno - O Necas bebia muito nos concertos e, quando isso acontecia, transformava-se numa pessoa difícil de aturar. Cansei-me dessa situação e, sob o pretexto de recomeçar a minha formação académica, anunciei a saída da banda após um concerto em Vila Franca de Xira (e mais uma dessas penosas bebedeiras do Necas). O facto é que, graças a essas circunstâncias, pude retomar os meus estudos académicos e, na sequência, concluir a licenciatura em engenharia civil, podendo-se dizer ironicamente que o devo ao Necas, pois doutra forma não teria saído da banda e, claro, não teria havido licenciatura.

Não me importei com o álbum porque considerei que tinha atingido o limite máximo admissível da minha paciência, apesar de, na altura em que saí, segundo me recordo, todos os temas do álbum já estarem estruturados, trabalhados e prontos para gravar.

P. – O que acham que correu mal naquela altura para que o projecto não tivesse tido continuidade?

Zica - Problemas internos que ficaram apenas no seio da banda.

P. – Mantêm o contacto entre os antigos elementos da banda hoje em dia?

Zica - Sim mas não tão frequentemente como quando tocávamos, obviamente.

P. – De todas as músicas que gravaram há alguma que considerem a vossa preferida?

Zica - Falo por mim "Brigada Rock".

Zé Nuno – Para mim foram “Vem Daí”, “Trip Fixe”, isto é, basicamente os temas dos dois singles. São também aqueles que gravei e que ficaram com melhor som. O som final do álbum, segundo a minha opinião, não foi muito bem conseguido.

P. – Existe algum concerto que se recordem por alguma razão especial?

Zica - Em Braga com os UHF e os Táxi. Abrimos o concerto, fizemos encore e sentimos grande feedback do público.

P. – Há algumas situações divertidas que tenham vivido e queiram partilhar connosco?

Zica - O Armindo, sempre que íamos jantar antes dos concertos, implicava sempre com as mousses dos restaurantes, afirmando que não eram caseiras.

P. – Passados tantos anos a ideia de ressuscitar os NZZN ainda pairou no ar, o que faltou para que se voltassem a reunir?

Zica - Faltou essencialmente o guitarrista (Necas) e a sua identidade própria.

P. – Zé Nuno, recentemente tens estado envolvido em vários novos projectos tais como os Comandos e os 4Rock, fala-nos um pouco destes novos projectos e ideias para o futuro.

Zé Nuno – Os Comandos surgiram essencialmente como um tributo aos V12, uma excelente banda de metal dos anos 80, com temas fortes e algo complexos. O mentor e cantor da banda é o Rafael Maia, fundador dos V12. A minha continuidade no projecto requeria uma disponibilidade e dedicação que, em determinado momento, considerei que não iria conseguir garantir por muito mais tempo, por razões várias.

Os 4Rock são uma banda de covers de bandas internacionais de rock abrangente de vários estilos e décadas. Recentemente, deparámo-nos com a saída do nosso cantor, o Pedro Silva, pelo que estamos neste momento em fase de audições para preenchimento dessa vaga.

Além de outras iniciativas de projectos inacabados vários, participei também temporariamente num projecto de blues, The Blues Route Band, a convite do Raúl Anjos (ex-baterista dos Go Graal Blues Band). Acabei também por abandonar esse projecto por razões idênticas às que me levaram à saída dos Comandos.

Actualmente estou fortemente empenhado num projecto de tributo às bandas históricas do rock português, os Salada Lusa, estando neste momento na fase de preparação do setlist para arranque previsto em Novembro.

P. – Que principais diferenças encontram entre o panorama actual e os tempos dos NZZN?

Zica - Acabou a abertura e o apetite de gravar novas bandas. De resto está tudo ma mesma.

Zé Nuno - Em primeiro lugar, hoje em dia não é raro encontrarem-se músicos que participam em 4 e 5 bandas em simultâneo (eu próprio já me vi nessa situação e acabei por concluir que é pura perda de tempo). Se por um lado pode ser enriquecedor individualmente pela troca de experiências com músicos variados, por outro é castrante nas possibilidades de sucesso de cada uma dessas bandas pela dispersão de tempo e foco que doutra forma, concentrados numa só banda, possibilitariam atingir os objectivos pretendidos duma forma garantidamente mais célere e segura.

Em segundo lugar, com o desenvolvimento permanente da internet e consequente globalização do conhecimento, os níveis técnicos dos músicos são agora maiores e mais facilmente superáveis, o que por um lado é positivo mas, por outro lado, o que se verifica na realidade é que esse superior nível técnico é geralmente acompanhado, inexplicavelmente, por uma menor criatividade musical.

Em terceiro lugar, e como consequência em parte do que referi no primeiro parágrafo, a dispersão de tempo e foco inibe facilmente duas das condições essenciais para conseguir que qualquer projecto tenha sucesso: ambição e determinação.

Como conclusão e ainda em minha opinião, considero serem cinco as condições essenciais para se alcançar o sucesso com uma banda, quer nos dias de hoje quer na época dos NZZN: sentido de responsabilidade, competência, foco, ambição e determinação.

P. – Existe alguma ideia para efectuar uma compilação que inclua os singles e o LP em CD no futuro, ou por ventura, alguma gravação ao vivo?

Zica - Não.

P. – Sentem que foram pioneiros do heavy metal em Portugal?

Zica - Sinceramente não sei. Mas posso dizer que contribuímos como pudemos.

P. – Como vêm a cena heavy metal actual? Tanto em Portugal como no estrangeiro?

Zica - Em Portugal, sinceramente não acompanho. No estrangeiro se há bandas que insistem a tocar no mesmo padrão, outras continuam a evoluir favoravelmente sobretudo no aspecto técnico.

Zé Nuno – Um dos factores que prejudicam o heavy metal é a ausência frequente de sentido melódico e de dinâmica nas composições do género. As bandas que se preocuparem em superar esse facto com a inclusão de refrões fortes e dinâmicas variadas, e, não menos importante, trabalharem no sentido de conseguirem um bloco coeso, são as que mais facilmente obterão o reconhecimento do público e, portanto, o sucesso.

P. – Algumas palavras que gostassem de acrescentar para terminar esta entrevista?

Zica - Lamento profundamente que em Portugal, apesar da idade, não existam apoios para que possamos continuar a fazer a música que gostaríamos de fazer o que leva muita gente da nossa geração a deixar de tocar.

Zé Nuno - Seria muito importante que os músicos das gerações mais recentes (e não só) se consciencializassem que a música não deve ser encarada de forma leviana ou como um simples hobby que lhes dá o direito de actuarem gratuitamente em bares ou outros palcos públicos só para conseguirem tocar nalgum lado, porque, com isso, estão a viciar o mercado e a “tirar o pão da boca” aos músicos profissionais para quem a música é o seu único sustento. A esse respeito, gostaria de ver a implementação de medidas de fiscalização e penalização adequadas como forma de dissuasão dessas situações aberrantes mas, infelizmente, demasiado frequentes.

Restam-me agradecer desde já o vosso tempo dispensado para esta entrevista e votos de sucesso nos projectos futuros.