Eric Singer and Bruce Kulick exclusive interview!
Par Fred Vehert le lundi, août 6 2007, 09:43 - General (English) - Lien permanent
On last March, Philippe Saintes had the pleasure to meet Eric Singer and Bruce Kulick, who were then touring Europe with ESP, for a TV report. A big thank you to him for providing me with this great transcript of his interview and these beautiful photos!
Eric Singer and Bruce Kulick Interview by Philippe Saintes
(translated by Balish)
The European audiences were able to witness how much fun ESP is having onstage last March. Those who missed the opportunity can catch « Live at the Marquee » a 100% serious rock and roll DVD. Hotter than...
KISS has been absent from Europe for 10 years, but ESP was on a 2-week visit here. This band is sort of getting together as needed?
Eric Singer: Thats right. We play once or twice a year when Bruce, Chuck (Garric), John (Corabi) and I can get together, because we all have different commitments. It is a great opportunity to play songs from our respective former bands or classic songs that we like from bands that we respect or influenced us.
Bruce Kulick: There was one new element this year, though. We had two projects to support: a live CD recorded in Japan and a DVD from a show filmed in Sydney. We looked almost like a real band, even though we only play together for a few shows, like Eric said.
This is the second time you tour Europe. You also played in Mexico, in Japan and Australia, but never in the States. Why?
BK: We just try to adjust our respective diaries to play and celebrate our music with the fans. So far, this was only possible in the regions you mentioned, but not in the States, thats true. Its a little ironic.
ES: In the States, youre constantly surrounded by music. Finding out about another country in just great. In Europe, theres not always the opportunity to see certain bands for some reason. The audience is even more passionate and appreciative of a project like ours.
So how did this mini-European tour go for you?
BK: It was great. The clubs were all sold-out, and we sold all the merchandising that we brought. We visited some really nice cities like Copenhagen, in Denmark. There arent many rock concerts there. There was also what seemed a never-ending autograph session in the Netherlands, for a KISS Expo, before the show. Overall, the fans were just great. And its a total change of atmosphere, compared to the United States: in Europe, you drive for 2 hours, and youre in a different culture. Its amazing.
You both attend KISS expos a lot. Do you enjoy contact and feedback from fans?
ES: Yes, we love the concept of KISS expos. KISS is a big family, and were lucky to be part of it. Meeting all the fans is never a drag. How could we refuse to sign an autograph or shake hands with someone who waited hours in line? We need to be giving interest as much as the interest we get from fans. It goes both ways.
It is important to point out that ESP is not a KISS cover band...
BK: Absolutely! Many fans would like us to play 15 or 16 songs from the band, we have to be honest to us and to KISS. The original idea was not to create a tribute band, but trying to find the right musical genre for ESP. We do not play exlusively for KISS fans, however they are very happy to hear us play some classics and, of course, songs from the Revenge era and Carnival of souls. We also play live some classics from Black Sabbath, Deep Purple or Led Zeppelin. We also play some Union songs, the band John Corabi and I founded.
What I enjoy the most out of this concept in the end, is that I can play with Eric again.
You have recorded a studio album, a live CD and a DVD. Whats next?
ES: Our band does not record albums. Were more of a live band. We played 9 shows in 9 countries in March. We could have played in many other cities, but we just couldnt for time reasons. We hope to come back next year and see everyone again if were all available, but its not that easy.
BK: Yes, its hard to plan things in the long term, this is a very fluctuating business. Many bands rely on lawyers and managers in order to get as much money as possible thats the music business. We dont Our goal is simply to have a good time on stage.
Bruce, you are recording a third studio album?
BK: Thats right. Itll be titled « BK3 ». It is far from finished though, because it is just one of my projects. After ESP I played in Brazil and Argentina, and I am also often on tour with Grand Funk Railroad.
I am really excited about this album. I spent a lot of time writing and recording. The solos are great. Eric and John Corabi also helped.
ES: Gene Simmons is supposed to play one track.
Really?
BK: He promised me! You can check all the info about « BK3 » on my blog: http://www.kulick.net/blog/
How about you Eric? What are your plans for the rest of the year?
ES: Ill be touring with Alice Cooper and KISS. Ill have a busy summer!
Eric Singer and Bruce Kulick Interview by Philippe Saintes
(translated by Balish)
The European audiences were able to witness how much fun ESP is having onstage last March. Those who missed the opportunity can catch « Live at the Marquee » a 100% serious rock and roll DVD. Hotter than...
KISS has been absent from Europe for 10 years, but ESP was on a 2-week visit here. This band is sort of getting together as needed?
Eric Singer: Thats right. We play once or twice a year when Bruce, Chuck (Garric), John (Corabi) and I can get together, because we all have different commitments. It is a great opportunity to play songs from our respective former bands or classic songs that we like from bands that we respect or influenced us.
Bruce Kulick: There was one new element this year, though. We had two projects to support: a live CD recorded in Japan and a DVD from a show filmed in Sydney. We looked almost like a real band, even though we only play together for a few shows, like Eric said.
This is the second time you tour Europe. You also played in Mexico, in Japan and Australia, but never in the States. Why?
BK: We just try to adjust our respective diaries to play and celebrate our music with the fans. So far, this was only possible in the regions you mentioned, but not in the States, thats true. Its a little ironic.
ES: In the States, youre constantly surrounded by music. Finding out about another country in just great. In Europe, theres not always the opportunity to see certain bands for some reason. The audience is even more passionate and appreciative of a project like ours.
So how did this mini-European tour go for you?
BK: It was great. The clubs were all sold-out, and we sold all the merchandising that we brought. We visited some really nice cities like Copenhagen, in Denmark. There arent many rock concerts there. There was also what seemed a never-ending autograph session in the Netherlands, for a KISS Expo, before the show. Overall, the fans were just great. And its a total change of atmosphere, compared to the United States: in Europe, you drive for 2 hours, and youre in a different culture. Its amazing.
You both attend KISS expos a lot. Do you enjoy contact and feedback from fans?
ES: Yes, we love the concept of KISS expos. KISS is a big family, and were lucky to be part of it. Meeting all the fans is never a drag. How could we refuse to sign an autograph or shake hands with someone who waited hours in line? We need to be giving interest as much as the interest we get from fans. It goes both ways.
It is important to point out that ESP is not a KISS cover band...
BK: Absolutely! Many fans would like us to play 15 or 16 songs from the band, we have to be honest to us and to KISS. The original idea was not to create a tribute band, but trying to find the right musical genre for ESP. We do not play exlusively for KISS fans, however they are very happy to hear us play some classics and, of course, songs from the Revenge era and Carnival of souls. We also play live some classics from Black Sabbath, Deep Purple or Led Zeppelin. We also play some Union songs, the band John Corabi and I founded.
What I enjoy the most out of this concept in the end, is that I can play with Eric again.
You have recorded a studio album, a live CD and a DVD. Whats next?
ES: Our band does not record albums. Were more of a live band. We played 9 shows in 9 countries in March. We could have played in many other cities, but we just couldnt for time reasons. We hope to come back next year and see everyone again if were all available, but its not that easy.
BK: Yes, its hard to plan things in the long term, this is a very fluctuating business. Many bands rely on lawyers and managers in order to get as much money as possible thats the music business. We dont Our goal is simply to have a good time on stage.
Bruce, you are recording a third studio album?
BK: Thats right. Itll be titled « BK3 ». It is far from finished though, because it is just one of my projects. After ESP I played in Brazil and Argentina, and I am also often on tour with Grand Funk Railroad.
I am really excited about this album. I spent a lot of time writing and recording. The solos are great. Eric and John Corabi also helped.
ES: Gene Simmons is supposed to play one track.
Really?
BK: He promised me! You can check all the info about « BK3 » on my blog: http://www.kulick.net/blog/
How about you Eric? What are your plans for the rest of the year?
ES: Ill be touring with Alice Cooper and KISS. Ill have a busy summer!
