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| The Exclusive Interview With Eric Singer! |
| From his humble roots growing up in Cleveland, Ohio up to his recent 2nd run with hard rock icons KISS in full makeup and costumes, Eric Singer was always destined to make an impact in the music business. Ironically, it was bands like KISS that motivated Eric to pick up the drumsticks in the first place. He soon carved out his own blistering style on the drum kit, and people took notice. Eric would soon find himself on stage with not only KISS, but other legendary acts such as Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper. The mid 90's found Eric looking for a new direction and he would soon find happiness with his own band, ESP (The Eric Singer project) as well as playing with former Guns N' Roses member Gilby Clarke. Eric rejoined KISS in early 2001 in place of the departed Peter Criss and provided KISS with their "thunder down under" in Australia as well as Japan. Eric continues to be involved not only with KISS but also frequents fan-organized KISS conventions around the world. Eric took a few moments out of his hectic schedule to join Me for this great interview. I hope You will all enjoy it! |
| Q: Eric, thank You so much for taking the time to join me here on my site! So what is new with You? Congratulations by the way on your 44th birthday party in Sweden. How did you enjoy the festivities? A: Thanks for the birthday wish! Sweden was cool, another KISS expo, lots of cool KISS fans and merchandise, etc... I have been keeping busy with the odd KISS appearance here and there (The Winter Olympics finale/That 70's Show/Lane Bryant Fashion Show/American Bandstand 50th Anniversary show) , Demos for a new Alice Cooper concept project, a show in Amsterdam with Queen in front of 130,000 people, as well as KISS expos in New Jersey, Puerto Rico, Sweden, and Norway. Plus I do the odd session here and there! Q: As You mentioned, you have returned as the drummer for KISS once again recently and to your credit, you managed to light a spark under the guys during the Japanese and Australlian tours last year. How was it to finally make your first appearance in KISS makeup? A: Well, I am sure You can imagine that it was very special to don the warpaint! I was a very big KISS fan since the early days, and I had always wanted to play in a version of KISS wearing makeup, and with Ace Frehley on guitar! Q: Did you try to persuade the band to let you create your own persona (the hawk)? How much trepadation was there on your part to walk out on stage in Peter Criss' makeup? A: It was discussed, but they decided to stay with the makeup that people identify with KISS ( The Demon, the Starchild, the Space Ace, and the Cat). Q: KISS is really taking a lot of heat over the few appearances that have been made lately such as the fashion show and the American Bandstand show, so unfortunately You have been caught in the middle of it as well. A lot of fans have felt mislead by the "farewell tour" that just keeps going and going. What are your thoughts on KISS' current situation? A: It ain't over until it's over. KISS has only gone to America, Japan, and Australia so far on the farewell tour. It's a big world out there! Q: Gene Simmons' new autobiography certainly omits nearly all references to your period of time in the band with Bruce Kulick during the Revenge tour days. Bruce told Me in so many words that the book seems to be based only on what Gene wants to remember. Have You read the book, and what is your take on it? A: I have not read Gene's book, so I cannot offer an opinion on that. But I realize that we see life from our own perspective. We can all agree to disagree, etc... Q: Is the Eric Singer Project (ESP) still going, or is that on the backburner right now? A: That CD was done for shits and giggles, and everybody had a lot of fun making it, so... maybe another one with different people is possible! Q: What are your touring plans like for the rest of the year? A: I am waiting to see what KISS does first and foremost. I may do some more with Alice Cooper as well! Q: I did want to ask You about your current gear. You have been an endorser of Pearl drums for quite some time now, and they are receiving loads of praise lately for their new Custom and Masterworks series of drums. What series are You using right now? A: I am very lucky and fortunate to have many sets and gear from Pearl. They came out with an Eric Singer signature model snare this year as well! 10 ply maple/silver sparkle finish 6.5/14". I mainly use maple shells with the kits, but I have birch and mahogany shells as well. I even have a custom clear/plexiglass shell kit that Pearl made for the "Brutal Planet" tour with Alice Cooper. Q: How long have You been endorsing Pearl drums, and what keeps You coming back to them? A: Over 16 years! I really like the drums and hardware, and they have always taken really great care of Me along the way too. They can make anything that a drummer wants or needs! Q: Eric, I want to thank You so much for taking the time to join me here once again, and I'd like to wrap up things by asking you this: After all of the great accomplishments you have achieved in your career, what is the main thing left on your list that you would still hope to achieve? A: I hope to continue playing for as long as possible and be involved in music in some shape or form for many years after that. Thanks for the support! Peace out! |
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