MUEN: How did you become a member of Metal Church?

RONNIE MUNROE: I was a fan of Metal Church since I was young so when I got a call to audition for Kurdt Vanderhoof for his other band, I was honored and very excited. We talked about bringing Metal Church back. I sang one song and he offered me the job and the rest is history.

MUEN: When did you first become involved with music?

RONNIE MUNROE: At a very early age. When I was very young I would set up pots and pans on the floor and go to town. I played sax as a kid for a short time then started drums. I played drums for many years before I heard "Man on the Silver Mountain." I was hooked and wanted to sing.

MUEN: Can you tell us a litttle about Dave Kyle and what he has meant to your music?

RONNIE MUNROE: The Maestro David Kyle showed me what I was capable of. He was a great influence.

MUEN: As bands break up and move on, sometimes we see the re-appearance of the band with only one or two originall members. Sometimes the sound is not as good as the original, such is not the case with Metal Church, as I feel you compliment the original style of David Wayne beautifully, as does the band, compliment the sound that Metal Church originally had with the music they bring to the table. Could you tell the fans what it is that Metal Church means to you? 'cause I recently read some negative comments on the Metal Church Web page that i didnt agree with.

RONNIE MUNROE: Kurdt Vanderhoof was the founding member and life force behind Metal Church. He has a vision and only surrounds himself with people that share that vision. Whenever the original lineup changes there will always be nay sayers. People can not embrace change as it is a part of our nature and that is ok. As long as the musical integrity remains and the live shows kick major ass then I do not have a problem with bands that have only a few members as long as they are the vision and driving force as is the case with Kurdt. Metal Church is Kurdt regardless of what has been said. He was the founder and he will always be as this is his mark on music. For the fans that prefer David Wayne or Mike Howe... that is fine with me and I can respect that. I realize that I will never please them regardless of my abilities so I tend to not take in the negative and only strive to do my best.

MUEN: How important is the internet to music? and has Myspace helped your band as well as your solo project?

RONNIE MUNROE: Metal Church and myself do not utilize Myspace to the extent that most bands do, but I do think it is a great tool to give your fans a taste of what is to come. I realize that we are in a different time and there will always be downloading, but I feel that the younger generations are really missing out on the excitement of waiting for the latest release to come out and the excitement of standing in line to get your hands on it the first moment it was available. I am old school and I prefer to have the cd in my hand and have the artwork and pictures and the quality of sound that mp3 does not have. I also support the bands I like by purchasing their music. I know that the argument is that the bands see little to nothing for their efforts, but so much goes into the sales figures such as tour placement, future contracts etc. The internet really makes the world such a small place. It is amazing to get emails from fans all over the world who otherwise would not have the opportunity to hear your stuff and it also gives the fans a way to communicate with their favorite artists. I try to email as many
people back as time allows. The internet keeps you directly connected to your fans.

MUEN: As many musicans branch out and do solo projects, whether it be Bruce Dickinson, Don Dokken, Rob Halford, or UDO.. Myself I feel it is just a chance to do new things or expand on certain areas where they may have been restricted before. What does your solo project mean to you?

RONNIE MUNROE: The solo project means that I can get the songs out of my head that have been there for years. It gives me the chance to branch off into different musical areas. Although metal is in my blood and always will be I like to explore the rest of what is inside of me and share it.

MUEN: Any tour plans on the solo stuff?

RONNIE MUNROE: I have already done a few solo shows but it is time to finish the Metal Church record so my attention is there. When my commitments are done with this next release there are plans being made for my solo tour. There are a few other projects I am working on as well and as soon as I can talk about them I will let you know.

MUEN: What can we expect from the upcoming 08 release by Metal Church?

RONNIE MUNROE: Another classic Metal Church record. The songs are sounding awesome and this being my third release with Metal Church I am expecting great things. Kurdt is on top of his game musically, which inspires me lyrically.

MUEN: Tell us who are some of the bands you currently listen too and who is in your cd player right now?

RONNIE MUNROE: I listen to everything. I listen to music hours each and every day. The new Blitz Krieg is on the ipod right now.

MUEN: How did you become involved with CliveAid? How sucessful has CliveAid been? and could you fill in those who don't know what exactly CliveAid is?

RONNIE MUNROE: I was asked to join the CliveAid cause by Sam Hill. I first met Sam in the UK when we played with Paul Di anno. CliveAid was started to help Clive Burr who was the original drummer for Iron Maiden. Clive suffers from MS. CliveAid has grown throughout Europe and is expanding into the US. It brings awareness to MS as well as helping raise money for childhood cancers and many worthwhile causes. CliveAid is growing into a worldwide charity where we can really make a difference. I am honored to be writing the theme song and to just be a part of such a great cause. I will let you know as soon as the US date and all information is available.

MUEN: As musical influences mold each and everyone of us in a unique way, I would like to ask you to expand on one of your influences, namely Bruce Dickinson, and I'm wondering which tour was your fav? Mine without a doubt, is the Seventh Son tour, I've seen it in Seattle and it was the only show with GNR that year as Axel had throat problems, but the lights.. the larger than life Eddie.. and of course the musical genius along with Bruce and his flamboyent stage presence.. well so what do you think?

RONNIE MUNROE: As far as Bruce Dickenson is concerned this is a man with an amazingly powerful voice. When you merge that voice with his stage presence you can not go wrong. I agree with you on the Seventh Son of the Seventh Son. I was at that same Seattle show. I have to say my favorite of all time has to be "Somewhere in Time."

MUEN: Lastly, who is Ronnie aside from music, and what are some of the things that have your attention right now?

RONNIE MUNROE: What has my attention other than music is my children. Doing what I do keeps me away from my kids and that is very hard. This is the career I have chosen and this is the pitfall that comes with it. I think that if you hear that call of music you have to answer it to be whole. When I am not on tour I am a home body. The last thing I want to do is go out unless it is to support a friends band.

Interview by Metal Mike