INTERVIEW TO KELLY SIMONZ (KELLY SIMONZ' BLINDFAITH)
We've interviewed the Japanese axeman Kelly Simonz, whose band made support, togheter with the German band Domain, to the HTP band in the European 2002 tour. Kelly is also involved in the Chris Catena album, so let's read togheter what he said to us.
RC. We
knew you during the Hughes/Turner tour. Around you actually there's more interest
and curiosity. Could you explain us how this tour worked out and if you have
just had some past experiences with Glenn Hughes ?
KS. It became a very good experience for me. I've never thought
I could accompany with such splendid artists on my first European tour. I only
saw a concert in Japan two years ago, and it was great enough to be overwhelmed
by his enormous power.
RC. What
is now your relationship with Glenn ? Did you have time to exchange experiences
with him ? What do you think about him and what this experience left in your
heart and what have you learned.
KS. To be honest, because we were only a support band, we put a bit of distance with him. But he was very friendly to us. Doing sound check elaborately also, I saw professional consciousness in him very much. If I consider his age, it should have been a tough tour, but he had done preponderant performance every night.
RC. What is your musical background and your favourite guitar player or your prior ispiration.
KS. When I was a teenager, rock guitar heroes were very popular,
such as Eddie Van Halen, and Yngwie Malmsteen etc., so I was influenced by them.
Especially Yngwie gave me a huge influence about composing music. Also UK rock
too.
RC. What are your forthcoming projects ?
KS. As Blind Faith, I will appoint Carsten Schulz as a singer,
he's from a German rock band called Domain. In Japan I think I will do some
Solo project mainly.
RC. We knew about your cooperation with the italian rock singer Catena.
How it is going on ? Wht do you think about it?
KS. It is a great honor to be able to participate in this splendid
project, because everyone is very famous artists part from me! I would play
the guitar which can contribute to his music. Actually I feel confident on my
play, so I'm sure Chris will love it. He is a great singer with the great voice!
RC. When the next tour ?
KS. If I have a chance, I would like to come back to Europe this year too! Will be great even for any rock festivals! I guess it depends on the discussions with the organizers and our record company. I've got the passion and I'm full of drive for tours all the time, and I'm always ready for it!
At least I think Glenn has remembered my name. If there is an opportunity, I eagerly desire that either I would like him to sing my song or I would like to play the guitar on his work . Also I would like to be on the same stage with Glenn someday... I would like to play the guitar which is suitable for his trememdous voice!!!
LIVE PHOTOS (courtesy of kellysimonz.com)
Shots 1-2 taken from the Ancona HTP date, shot 3 taken from the Pontoglio HTP date.
