From: Sledgehammer Press 5/84
Author: Unknown
Maybe
more than any other band in the U.S. right now, SAVATAGE have the best
chance of grabbing onto international success VERY soon. After a very successful
EP entitled City Beneath the Surface (at which time they were called
AVATAR), they unleashed one hell of a monster album very appropriatly
named SIRENS. I mean, this album SCREAMS! (I swear there are still
huge dents in my walls created from the hellish sounds of this massive
twelve inch!)
And now SAVATAGE have parlayed the success of those two very impressive releases into a chance at a major deal with Atlantic records. They are presently in the studio, with Rick Derringer as mixer, preparing a demo for Atlantic.
Not only does it look imminent for an Atlantic vinyl release, a deal would also assure SAVATAGE of a tour. After that, it's just a matter of time before the day comes where SAVATAGE, Judas Priest, and Scorpions are all mentioned in the same breath.
For now, check out our exclusive interview with the guys. After that if you don't have it, RUN out and get SIRENS for your metal collection. Without SIRENS, no assemblage of albums can be complete. (In fact, SIRENS ranks as one of only two releases to make our play list EVERY time! YES, it's that good!!)
FIRST, LET ME CONGRATULATE YOU ON THE INCREDIBLE SIRENS LP. ANYBODY
WHO CHECKS OUR PLAYLISTS KNOWS I'M SINCERE WHEN I SAY IT IS ONE OF THE
BEST ALBUMS I'VE EVER HEARD. SO LET ME ASK YOU, ARE YOU PLEASED WITH HOW
EVERYTHING TURNED OUT?
Jon: It was definitely low budget. I think the songs are good, and we're
really glad everyone likes it.
Keith: I love listenin' to it. But it has it's ups and downs. Some little
things were overlooked due to the funds.
WHY THE NAME CHANGE FROM AVATAR TO SAVATAGE?
Jon: Me and Criss had the name Avatar in 1977, but we never tried to copyright
the name. That was a major fuck up. When we were recording City,
we found out that there were about a hundred Avatars all trying to lock
up the name. So we said fuck it, better change the name. I like Savatage
much better, it sort of fits our music better.
OKAY, THE ALBUM'S OUT. SALES ARE STRONG. WHAT'S NEXT?
Keith: Our contract with Par Records has expired and now we are working
on our major deal with Atlantic Records. Within the next two or three months
that should be locked up. Then, well, who knows. They think we will do
really good. In the meantime we just play and write new songs.
LOOKING BACK, IS THERE ANY GIG THAT STANDS OUT AS "MOST MEMORABLE"
SINCE THE BAND'S BEEN TOGETHER? WHAT MADE IT THAT WAY?
Keith: We've had lots of "Most Memorable" gigs that stand out.
Most of 'em we'd like to forget!! But one does come to mind. We opened
for Zebra in St. Petersburg. It was a real smooth show. Another in St.
Pete, an outdoor show we were headlining to about ten bands. By the time
we got on, all the metal heads rushed the stage. It was great. Eight cops,
us, and six hundred crazed, fuckin' metal lovers! And then of course the
Brandon Pub. No words can describe that place. May it rest in peace!
ANY PLANS TO TOUR EUROPE SOON?
Keith: We really want to get over there. We have gotten lots of fan mail.
I guess there's one or two metal heads in Europe! Hopefully now with our
new management team we will be able to assault the world, the universe,
and whatever else is fuckin' out there.
HAVE ANY OF THE NEWER METAL BANDS IMPRESSED YOU?
Jon: I like lots of bands, not just metal. I really don't listen to metal
that much because I want to keep my style of writing original. But we all,
all of us, are into and have been into Sabbath from day one. I like Venom's
music, but I don't care for the words or the vocals. Metallica is real
good. Other than that, it's whatever. I mean, all metal music is number
one.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU DON'T THINK ABOUT MUSIC?
Steve: I don't think about anything else. Is there anything else?! Well.
almost forgot, girls too. Especially the young ones!!
Criss: I always think about music. My guitar is always in my hands. I like
to feel the strings melt!
IS PUSSY BETTER THAN METAL?
Keith: Most definitely!! Metal has it's highs too!
Steve: Well, at least it doesn't give you blisters!...On the hands anyway!!
WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A ROCK STAR?
Keith: The day before.
Jon: The people are killer!
Criss: Life is much better.
Steve: The fringe benefits are fine.
WHAT'S THE WORST THING ABOUT BEING A ROCK STAR?
Keith: The day after!
Jon: Not being able to get to know the people better.
Steve: Recupperating from the fringe benefits.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO THE METAL CRAZED READERS
OF SLEDGEHAMMER PRESS?
Keith: Yeah! If it's not heavy, it ain't shit!
Steve: Please send me your broom handles and thirty inch baseball bats.
I'm running low on sticks!
Jon: Please send me anything you want. Life is boring, and I'm washed out!
The dungeons are calling!
Criss: The support is great from you crazed ANIMALS.
ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
Steve: Heavy Metal greetings to all your readers from the ONE and the ONLY
Doctor Killdrums, M.D. Mad Drummer!!!
Jon: Metal will live forever!
Keith: We wish you all the best for you, your rag, and your readers. We
all may be crazy, but ALL OF YOU INSANE FUCKERS TAKE ONE STEP FORWARD!!!!!!
THANKS GUYS!
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