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T: Very
happy and proud. Of course I felt that way before I read the reviews but
I do enjoy it! “My
Religion” was a back to the roots album. Was it something that came up
naturally or did you schedule along with Ronni to do it that way? T: We
discussed it of course, but we followed our hearts as always. Do you believe
that your fans were waiting for such an album? T:
Yes, I think so. I mean
it’s still a tad too modern for some of the fans, but you can’t
please everyone, can you? I think we hit the right balance. Most think
it’s the best one yet. Judging by the
E.P. that was released almost a year ago, I was pretty sure that your
new album was going to be something really special… and I was totally
right. Did you felt that now was the time to approach your “old”
sound in order to go forward? T:
Yes, but as I said I don’t
think it’s actually the old sound completely. I think we managed to be
ourselves and sound updated at the same time. Not an easy
accomplishment. Well tell me
please what is “My Religion”? What’s the deeper meaning behind the
title of the album? T:
Music as a religion. Being an
artist as a lifestyle and a job. It’s my religion, the music is the
fan’s religion. Lyrically does
it have any connection with the religions that many times force their
people to do violent things? T:
No, not at all. Do you believe
that if our world was free of religions, things would have been better
for humanity? T:
Yes and no. I think people
need something to believe in, I think the ideas behind most religions
are usually good, but there are some bad people who twist meanings for
evil purposes or to control people. So, let’s go
back to the album again. I must also tell you that I like very much the
artwork. What do you think that someone will feel by looking at it
especially if he hasn’t listened to it? T:
I’m not sure, but hopefully
they will want to buy it and be curious. Which are your
beloved songs of the album? T:
Invisible Noise - A good
rocker and I love the lyrics, kind of angry and aggressive. My Religion
- just a great song. Song 4 Dianne - a special one. Perfectly - personal
for me and I am proud of the vocal track. I like very
much “Song 4 Dianne” and I’m referring to that track cause it is
something that TNT have never done before in the past. Also I think that
your wife’s voice is excellent! Can you tell me what inspired you in
order to compose that song? T:
It’s a tribute to her
mother who passed away last year. I wrote it to my wife to make her feel
better. Now allow me to
ask you some personal questions. The fact you are singing in three bands
(TNT, Westworld, and Morning Wood), means that you are not satisfy 100%
with any of those bands or that you are like to sing different kind of
stuff? T:
I like to sing different things
sometimes yes. I enjoy experimenting very much and using my voice in
different ways. Please tell me,
in which of the three bands that you are participating do you prefer to
sing and why? T:
Well I love all three for
different reasons. Morning Wood was a fun project and is a taste of what
might come from me in the future on another project. In a previous
interview with you about Westworld, you told me that Westworld is a real
band and that you will continue making music despite the obstacles. Do
you think that is very easy to go on pararell ways in both succeeded
bands like TNT and Westworld? T:
I am not sure. We will continue
to try and make it work the best we can. I love Westworld and am very
proud of that music and I am also proud of TNT. Do you know
when the new album of Westworld will be ready and when it’s going to
be released? T:
Not sure yet, sorry! Is it a chance
to release a personal album under you name? And if yes, what kind of
music will it contain? T:
I really hope so. I would love
it to be something very special, unique and original. Very different
from what people have heard from me but hopefully so well done that they
will love it as much or more than my other work. By the way, do
you feel better now that you are also giving vocal instructions to new
people? Do you think that there is a chance to find the new Tony
Harnell?! T:
I am always finding the new
TH. I find him every year or so. I am lucky to be able to do this and
look forward to growing and getting better album by album. Well let’s go
back to TNT again. As far as I know you are already booked for Sweden
Rock Festival. Are there any offers for other Festivals in Europe for
this summer? What about Greece? That matter is always driving me nuts!
Promoters here are totally unaware with rock music! Please do something
to see you at least one time here! T:
We are working on
Greece my friend! I promise. And Spain, England, Germany and the rest if
possible. Well, I’m not
trying to flatter you but TNT are one of my all-time favorite bands and
it’s like a childhood’s dream to see you on stage and to have an
interview with you face to face! T:
Thank you!! Anyway, what
can we wait from TNT in the future to come? Maybe an album even better
than this one? T:
I hope so. I always think I can
do better. Can you also
tell me which album of TNT do you consider as the best… T:
In total order my beloved albums are: 1.My
Religion And some Weird
Questions now, to relax somehow!!! What are the biggest life lessons
you've learned over the course of your career? T:
To try and live a life full of
love, fantasy and faith. To live life as you dream. To surround yourself
with good, strong and good intentioned people. If you were
living in Middle Earth which character would you choose to be and why? T:
Gandalf of course! Do you believe
that hard rock music it’s on its rise again? T:
It’s never gone away, just
changes its look and sound from time to time. If you were a
God’s messenger what would you tell Him to do for the good of
humanity? T:
Help people in power to wake up!
Money will destroy the world if they let it. We need to be one world and
find a common goal. Pipe dream I know, but you asked. How do you
imagine that the music world could be, one thousand years from now? And
why? T:
If the world survives, which I
doubt it will in this condition, music will probably be nothing like it
is now. Who knows! Ok Tony, I wish
you the best for that album, cause you truly deserve it. The last words
of this interview belong to you. Thank you again for taking the time to
answer my questions! If there is anything else that you would like to
tell to Grande Rock readers, just do it!! T: I can’t wait to come to Greece!! I want to play for all the great fans and see the history of the country. by Thanos Aggelakis |
Hi
Tony, so nice talking with you again.