MATT THOMPSON (A presentation of...  February  2001)

First, how does that feel  to be a member of KING DIAMOND?

MATT THOMPSON (new KING DIAMOND's drummer) : I don't think it has really hit me yet! I'm very excited though!

Could you let us know how you have come to be involved in KING DIAMOND universe?

M.T. : Sure! It happened this way (if my information is correct!)..I was fortunate enough to have played on some cds by Michael Harris that made their way into King's hands by way of a mutual recording studio.

Were you a King Diamond & Mercyful Fate fan?

M.T. : Yeah! Still am. 

Was there an audition to select the new drummer? Were there many  candidates?

I think there were some other drummers they were looking at.

You are the successor of important drummers as Mikkey Dee & Snowy Shaw.  Were they something like references for you? Have you already met them? 

M.T. : As of yet I haven't met them, but I hope I get the oppurtunity!

What do you think about their present projects : Motorhead & Notre Dame? 

M.T. : I think they totally kick ass.

I have heard you began to learn percussions when you were 9. Why so young? 

M.T. : I started playing drums because I thought they were cool. I was right.

Could you name your 5 all-time favorite albums & 5 songs?

M.T. : I always try to avoid these questions because there are just way too many influences. I have always done a LOT of listening. Here are 5 albums I have always loved, although I can't classify them as "favorites"...
Rush 2112
Van Halen II
Queen News of the World
Judas Priest Sad Wings of Destiny
Black Sabbath Black Sabbath
...that was painful. Naming one group makes me think of a million others.
Here are five songs that changed my life as far as rock is concerned...
War Pigs (Sabbath)
The Spirit of Radio (Rush)
Shout at the Devil (Motley Crue)
Metal Militia (Metallica)
Angel of Death (Slayer)
...O.K., six.

Are you used to composing some music for yourself and/or for other groups?  Would you like to write some stuff for future KING DIAMOND releases?

M.T. : I've written lots of stuff, but I'm a drummer, not a musician. :)

Do you consider your participation in the band as a permanent job or like  an opportunity to play with a major metal project? 

M.T. : When we are on tour, it will definately be a full time job, although I really don't see it quite so much as a "job". It's absolutely what I want to do!

How do you approach this very close European tour? 

M.T. : Well, I've been practicing a lot, but I always do that anyway! I can't wait for the tour ; as far as I'm concerned it can't happen soon enough.

Except music, what do you like to do during your free time? 

M.T. : Sleep! I have about 30 students a week, and I usually play 3 - 4 nights a week, so I don't get much free time.

Something else you'd like to tell to the KING DIAMOND fans? 

M.T. : See you on tour!