Cpit: So tell us, what have you been up to recently?
BG: Well, Fozzy has toured Canada since the last time we were over in the UK, and we were lucky enough to play the Golden Gods show over in LA, which was very awesome. I also play in another band called ‘Dangerous New Machine’ – so my time is split with touring and playing with them a lot.
Cpit: How do you manage your time equally between each band?
BG: Well both bands being very understanding… and trying to schedule things around each other – praying to god it all works out properly! It can be quite hectic, but I’ve managed it so far.
Cpit: Are you working on any new material with Fozzy?
BG: Yes, we’re looking to maybe record something towards the end of the summer hopefully – unless there’s more touring involved. Nothing is official just yet, they’re just loose plans right now. There’s been so many tour and show offers, so it could be late Fall before we make further plans.
Cpit: Do you help out with the song writing process?
BG: No, with Fozzy I haven’t, Rich and Chris tend to oversee the writing process – I’m more of a touring partner. However, this time I have a few ideas I want to throw at them and we’ll see if they make the cut!
Cpit: Tell us more about your other band?
BG: Well ‘Dangerous New Machine’ includes me and another guy who used to be the singer in a band called ‘Stereomud’, who were very popular in the States. We also have a fellow Brit in the band called Jack Slade, who comes from a band called ‘Symphony Cult’ – his Dad is Chris Slade the drummer that used to be in AC/DC – he’s played with a lot of people. Jack joined in Spring and he’s been touring with us over in the States and we also now have a record out which you must check out. It’s online and can be downloaded via iTunes… I’d describe it as modern hard rock – not too far off from Fozzy – just different vocalists! I’d love to get Dangerous New Machine over here to play in the UK…
Cpit: How natural was the transition for Fozzy to go from playing covers to producing your own material?
BG: It was a very natural transition because Rich is an excellent writer, producer and engineer – his influence has been great, which made the process rather smooth.
Cpit: Where would you say your second home is – where do you love to play the most?
BG: Right here…
Cpit: Yeah, but all the bands say that!
BG: Yes, of course… no doubt. The last time we played over in the UK was last October – it was amazing, absolutely awesome. I mean we’ve played Australia, Canada… they’re good places too but the fans over here are freakin’ awesome – very good people.
Cpit: Where do you see the band in five years time?
BG: Headlining stadiums, baby! That would be awesome, a dream come true! Personally, I want to become a better guitarist, maybe study a little more classical and flamenco music – because I love that style. I’d love to learn to produce a little more, as far as being able to engineer – as well as producing and composing.
Cpit: You’re playing Sonisphere this year – are you looking forward to it?
BG: Excited, very excited… it’s going to be awesome. I love the festivals – I mean, it’s run and gun, you’ve got to be on your game.
Cpit: Are you going to get much time to kick back and relax?
BG: Maybe. Sometimes after the shows we have time to hang out, but as you know, it purely depends on timescales, bus call etc. Of course, it can be tough on family commitments back home but I always find the time. In fact, I had a new Niece born today – which makes me look forward to getting home even more on July 18th. I’ll be able to have a decent break for 10 days then it’s back on the road with my other band.
Cpit: Can you recommend any bands you’re currently listening to?
BG: Well, I’m loving the new Breaking Benjamin album right now… as well as the Deftones new material. I also love Sick Puppies, Linkin Park and a whole lot of hard rock… oh and not forgetting Bullet For My Valentine – I can’t forget those boys.
Cpit: What’s next for Fozzy?
BG: We have a festival in Canada to look forward to… and maybe we’ll return to the UK and Ireland in November, possibly. Fozzy fans have a lot to look forward to over the coming months. It’s going to be very exciting!
Thanks very much to Gemma Louise Harris of Deaf By Dawn for this interview and also a big thanks to Toad (TM) and Chris at Laney too!
