ERIC SINGER

ERIC SINGER - In Conversation

Drummer ERIC SINGER and the rest of the ALICE COOPER band arrived in Montreal, QC on October 15th for a little R&R before their gig on the 16th at Theatre St.Denis and their hour down the road show in Cornwall, ON on October 17th. Over the three days, BW&BK scribe Mitch Lafon had a chance to get Eric’s views on a variety topics...

On GENE SIMMONS’ reality show. Family Jewels:

“Gene’s show is very entertaining. It’s clean cut and soft. Gene’s a smart intelligent guy that’s got it together and his kids are smart and they’re nice kids. He comes off as a real doting father that’s proud of his kids and loves his family. It’s not like The Osbournes – Ozzy’s a character. He’s out there and that’s the way he is and that’s what made the show a success. It never would have been a success if he wasn’t the character he is. Same thing with Flavor Flav – he’s out to lunch and that’s the beauty of it.”

On the possibility of RONNIE JAMES DIO returning to BLACK SABBATH for a tour:

“Well, they’re calling the band ‘Heaven And Hell’ because they can’t call it Black Sabbath. I read that Bill Ward will be playing drums and if that’s true – that will be really cool. I think Heaven And Hell is a great record and I think the best Ronnie ever did was in Black Sabbath. I liked him in RAINBOW, but I prefer the Joe Lynn Turner version of Rainbow a wee bit better because the songs were... better songs, but I think in Sabbath was the best stuff he ever did. I like his first couple of solo records, but still that Sabbath stuff suits his voice. Tony Iommi writes heavy riffs like nobody else. He’s the king/the godfather of heavy metal or whatever you want to call it and there’s no doubt about it. A lot of people write great riffs like JUDAS PRIEST, but the kings are Sabbath and it’s Tony. He wrote those riffs. You can go through all the versions of Black Sabbath with all the different singers – the A, B, C versions of the band – the bottom line is that every record has some cool riffs and that’s Tony. I don’t know anybody better.”

The ESP (Eric Singer Project) Live in Japan CD (featuring former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick):

“It was recorded earlier this year. We did two shows in Japan and it’ll be a combination of both those shows. We had to go in and remix a lot of the stuff because it was recorded on the fly. We were using loaner gear and even though it was good gear; you don’t have a lot of control over how stuff is going to be recorded. So there was a lot of work to fix it up and make it the best we could, but it came out great and Bruce put the most time into it. Some stuff we decided not to use from both nights because we just weren’t happy with the performance.”

The ESP Live in Australia DVD (again with Bruce Kulick):

“It was recorded in Sydney and it should be out next month, but there’s some legal hang-ups going on with the DVD.”

Alice Cooper:

“Alice is planning on doing a new record. I know Keri (Kelli, guitar), Damon (Johnson, guitar) and Chuck (Garric, bass) have been working on new material. He has somewhat of a conceptual theme idea that’s he talking about, but that could change.”

Eric's relationship with Alice Cooper:

“I want to stay involved and working with Alice if at all possible. I started working with Alice on January 14th or 15th 1990. It was the day after he did the American Music Awards in January 1990. I’ve got a long standing relationship with him and this January, it will be 17 years on and off. I’ve probably played with him more than anybody in my career. I joined Kiss at the end of 1991, but Alice didn’t tour in ‘92’,’93,’94 or’95. He did one tour of South America (in 1994 with Jimmy Degrasso on drums) and the Wayne’s World thing. That was done while I was in the band, but I wasn’t in the movie because I was recording the (KISS) Revenge record. He didn’t start touring again until 1996 and Jimmy did that. In ’98, Jimmy started the tour, but then joined MEGADETH and I came back into the band and I pretty much played with him since ’98 except for 2004 because I did the Kiss Rock The Nation tour, nor did I do Australia 2001, but I did Europe and all the US stuff for 2001. I couldn’t do Australia because I was doing the Kiss tour and one date over-lapped. The day Kiss was finishing was the same day Alice was starting and we were both in Australia. We wanted to move one of Alice’s dates, so that I could just stay there and kept on doing the tour because I went right back to playing with him anyways. I’m glad I’ve always kept a good relationship with Alice because the Kiss situation has always been musical drum chairs. Sometimes I’m in and sometimes I’m not. I used to get pissed off about it, but now I take it with a grain of salt because it’s just business. I have a good relationship with Gene and Paul. I like them and I get along really well with them and I realize it’s their band and it’s their business and they’re going to do what works best for their business. They’re making business decisions and a lot of people hate hearing that, but that’s just the truth and anybody that had their own company would do what’s best for their company.”

Paul Stanley’s new solo album, Live To Win:

“I like it. It’s really good – the bottom line is Paul is a songwriter and he tries to write songs that are going to be catchy and potentially get airplay. That’s what he’s all about. When people expect him to write another solo record from 1978 that’s not only unfair, but ludicrous. How can you expect anybody to be the same person they were 28 years ago? I’m not the same person, the listeners aren’t the same person... none of us are. You don’t just cryogenically freeze your life and stay that same person forever. Fans want everyone to be Peter Pan and stay young forever. They pick the pinnacle time of a band’s career and want them to stay like that forever. If they like Dressed To Kill – they want Kiss to stay Dressed To Kill – that look, that sound, that songwriting, that era – forever, but that’s like treading water. If they made the same record, after a while, people would get bored and go ‘They keep doing the same thing. They never do anything new. Why don’t they take any chances? This is boring.’ You really can’t win.”

A new Kiss record?

“I can’t tell you what they will or won’t want to do. I don’t make any business decisions on what Kiss does.”

Would Eric like to play on a new Kiss record?

“Of course, I would absolutely love to and I wish they would do one.”

Alice’s new material:

“I give Alice credit because he still wants to go out and make records and he still has ideas... I think Eyes Of Alice Cooper was really good. ‘Dirty Diamonds’ and ‘Woman Of Mass Distraction’ are good songs and I really like ‘Pretty Ballerina’ – to me that song and it’s all personal opinion – sounds like something that would have been on an old Alice Cooper record kind of like ‘Mary Ann’ from Billion Dollar Babies.”

For more visit: www.eric-singer.de

ERIC SINGER - All Access To Drumming DVD Available


According to Livetojam.com, KISS drummer Eric Singer has released All Access To Drumming on DVD. A description of the DVD is as follows: "For the past two decades, Eric Singer has remained at the top of the list for "First Call” Rock drummers. In “All Access To Drumming,” Eric shares his experience, techniques and many other aspects that are essential to survive as a professional drummer in today’s world. From his dad’s society band to [b]LITA FORD, GARY MOORE, BLACK SABBATH, BADLANDS, ALICE COOPER, BRIAN MAY [/b]and KISS, Eric has mastered the playing techniques and tricks to persevere in the real world of rock drumming. Originally recorded in 1996, now available with bonus footage and features, All Access to Drumming features easy-to-follow instructions helpful tips on warming up, utilizing triplets, gaining independence, playing double bass and enhancing your performance skills. In addition, Eric gives his own heartfelt advice on the “business” side of the music business."

Features include: Multiple Camera Angles; Rare KISS Footage; Additional Solos; Drum Lesson Chart; Photo Gallery.

Drummer Eric Singer Reports From Cleveland KISS Expo


KISS/ALICE COOPER drummer Eric Singer has issued the following update:

"This past weekend I made it back to my hometown of Cleveland for some family, friends, basketball & KISS! I started the weekend off by watching the CAVS destroy the Miami HEAT !

Saturday I arrived at the Holiday Inn for the planned KISS Expo. There has not been an expo in Cleveland in a few years but the fans turned out strong and flowed in and out throughout the day. Great turnout anbd I want to thank Keith Leroux and Steve Stierwalt Jr. for putting on another great event. These guys are top notch and really know how to deliver the best events for KISS fans period.

I also want to thank ALL the fans who made it out in freezing cold weather from near and far (there were fans from Canada, West Virginia, Michigan etc.) YOU really made me feel special and gave me energy to sign from 12 - 6 PM. You rocked my world, needless to say !

I then went to dinner with family and friends and had a great evening visiting some old friends from my Euclid school days. Nice to see Colleen, Maryann and Carol!! You girls made me laugh with such kool memories. We were crazy kids huh?

On Sunday I went to another great CAVS game against my beloved LAKERS... I sat right courtside under the basket and heard every word the players said during the game. Super kool experience and I gotta thank Tommy and Frank Amato for hooking me up with the seats. These guys are old band mates from my Cleveland days BEAU COUP.

I will post some pics from the Expo as I recieve them. Thanx again to everyone who made the weekend a success!!"

KISS Drummer Eric Singer - "It Really Is Very Humbling To Be So Appreciated By The Best Fans In The World"




KISS drummer Eric Singer has issued the following update:
I attended the Annual New York KISS Expo this past Saturday. It was the 21st edition and was a great turnout of KISS fans from all over the country/world! I met people from Montreal, South America, Greece, Belarus and so on. I spent over seven hours signing and taking pictures with so many kool people. It really is very humbling to be so appreciated by the best fans in the world. For this I thank you. The band LORDI from Finland stopped by on their way to a local show and said hi to all the fans. I will see them later next month when we share the stage at a festival in Europe on the ALICE COOPER tour. Again a special thanx to all of the great KISS fans who made it out this past weekend!! Also, honorable mention to Keith Leroux, Steve Steirwalt Jr. and Lisa Sevier for their help at the merch tables. You guys always come thru in a big way!"

KISS' Eric Singer - Q&A/Interview With KISS Army Australia Available

KISS drummer Eric Singer's site has been updated with the following:

"While in Athens, Greece Eric Singer took time out to do a Q & A with Felice Vaiani, interviewer/writer for KISS Army Australia."

Check out the interview with Eric at this location.

As previously reported, on Monday, July 9th, Eric Singer will be hosting an event at The Gershwin Room at the Espy in Melbourne, Australia. Eric will conduct a Q&A with the fans, sign autographs and be available for photos as well as jamming on a set of 70’s rock classics with some members of the ALICE COOPER band including Alice’s daughter Calico.

The night will also feature Melbourne’s long-time famed KISS tribute act, DYNISSTY and merchandise for sale.

Tickets are on sale from The Gershwin Room at the Faster Louder website online at www.fasterlouder.com .au au or at the door if available.

Drummer Eric Singer Posts Pics From Recent Trip to Moscow




KISS / ALICE COOPER drummer Eric Singer has posted a set of new photos taken on his recent trip to Moscow. The photos were taken in Red Square by a member of the Kiss Army Russia. Head to this location to view

Drummer Eric Singer - "When METALLICA Came Along And MEGADETH Or PANTERA, It's All Still Copying BLACK SABBATH In My Opinion"

Legendary drummer Eric Singer first rose to fame playing drums on LITA FORD's Dancin' On The Edge tour back in 1984. Subsequently he joined up with Tony Iommi and played on two classic BLACK SABBATH albums, Seventh Star in 1986 and The Eternal Idol the following year. Thereupon he toured the world with GARY MOORE before reuniting with his old Black Sabbath colleague Ray Gillen in BADLANDS. In quick succession he hooked up with ALICE COOPER for some touring before stepping in to replace the ailing Eric Carr in KISS and proceeding to record the classic Revenge album in 1992 and the follow up Carnival Of Souls in 1997 as well as the live albums Alive III in 1993 and MTV Unplugged in 1996. More recently he has, in addition to touring with both KISS and ALICE COOPER, appeared on Alice's Brutal Planet album in 2000 and The Eyes Of Alice Cooper album in 2003. He has also toured and put out albums with ESP (Eric Singer Project) and worked with Tobias Sammet’s AVANTASIA, Gilby Clarke and that's not all. Excerpts from this new interview with Metal-rules.com follow:

Q: Wasn't this current tour with ALICE COOPER originally supposed to be one to promote a new album, the release of which was delayed for some reason?

A: "We were working on new material before the tour started and were originally planning to record a new record so we could tour for it. We did a bunch of demos, they wrote a bunch of songs and the producer that Alice was thinking about using at the time was busy with AEROSMITH, so he kept waiting. And before you know it he had this book coming out called "The Golf Monster" and he had to do the promotion for the book and all of a sudden we had to start rehearsals, so it just never got made. So he's going to do a new record at the beginning of the year."

Q: Does the new album have a title yet?
A: "I'm not sure what he's going to call it because he's got a general concept or an idea that he's talking about, what he'd like to do, but now it's been almost another year, so as we all know, life changes. I'd imagine some of the same ideas he'd liked to do will still be explored, but you never know. It depends on who produces it and what kind of material comes up because now there are different people in the band."

Q: Right now, however, you've got some gigs lined up with KISS in Australia and New Zealand, right?
A: "I'd heard there was supposed to be three Australian shows and one New Zealand show. I hear all kinds of things just like you do, but you've got to remember I'm out on tour. I don't handle any business to do with KISS, I don't do any business or musical decisions. Anything they do decision wise, I don't have any involvement with, so I don't always know what's going on. To be honest, many times I hear it from the fans or read it on the internet myself. That's how I find out what's going on because I'm here in Helsinki, Finland, on the other side of the world, and I don't pick up the phone and go "What's going on?" I find out when they tell me, its better this way sometimes. I don't always appreciate... I mean honestly I would like to know so I can make plans for my life. Sometimes it's a little difficult, but I don't need to know everything every single day, that's what my point is."

Q: How was it like to be in the recording studio with Black Sabbath for the first time?
A: "Well, it was Tony Iommi, you have to remember. It was great, look, Tony writes great guitar riffs for that style that he does heavy D-tuned guitar stuff, there's nobody better. A lot of people write some cool riffs, but I'm sorry, his riffs are the best. Anytime you hear any heavy band, even in the '80s when METALLICA came along and MEGADETH or PANTERA, it's all still copying Black Sabbath in my opinion. Black Sabbath, nobody sounded like that before them. I mean I have heard bands that were heavy, but nobody sounded like them. So for me, not only was it a great experience, it was an honour. Anytime you get to play with, to work with someone who's been an influence on you musically, that's a great experience."

Read more here.

Eric Singer: "KISS Is Americana Personified, Period"

On January 30th, 1973, KISS performed their very first concert at Popcorn (The Coventry) in Queens, NY. The band performed 2 sets at the club that night for a crowd of under 10 people."

KISS members PAUL STANLEY and Eric Singer have issued the following comments on the band's anniversary:

"KISS started out as a belief in the power of what rock n roll could be and a refusal to take any crap from anyone, any time. For me, nothing has changed and this year I'll prove it again." - Paul Stanley

"Who would have thought that first 35 minute show would turn into a 35+ year career that's still going strong! KISS is "AMERICANA" personified, period. The best band and brand in the land." - Eric Singer
(thanks: KISSOnline.com)

ERIC SINGER: "I Haven’t Seen Anyone That Could Replace PAUL STANLEY"

Greek Web Magazine Rockpages.gr have posted a new interview with KISS drummer Eric Singer. Here is an excerpt where he talks about Paul Stanley.

Rockpages.gr: Do you see yourself in a few years in KISS and at the same time being the oldest of the line-up?
Eric Singer: "I would like that…why not? But, despite of what Paul says about KISS carrying on without him, the truth is that I haven’t seen anyone that could replace Paul! I have seen many tribute bands and the problem was always the fact that nobody, and I mean nobody, could immitate Paul’s voice or moves. There’s only one Paul Stanley!"

The link for the full interview is here.