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Interview with Cliff Evans (Guitarist and manager) - Tank
Please tell us about your latest album "War Machine" and why should people buy it?
'War Machine' is a combination of all our individual influences mixed into one album that features elements of the classic guitar riffs and harmonies from the 70's golden era but has the power and production of the latest cutting edge metal albums.. Whatever style of rock/metal you are into, you need to listen to this album .
Tank's new vocalist Doogie White is certainly a prominent name. Please tell us about the process of finding a new singer.
Mick was working with Doogie on some tracks for his solo album and suggested we try him out on some new Tank songs. I always thought Doogie was more of a melodic singer than metal but agreed to try him out. I'm glad we did because his performance on the 'War Machine' album is amazing. He is without doubt one of the best rock/metal vocalists around today. Doogie has really added a new dimension to the band both musically and visually and has added his own fanbase to the ever growing army of Tank fans.
How have the loyal fans that have followed you since 1980 reacted to the new reformation of Tank?
We've always had complaints from our fans saying that they never have the chance to see us play live because we never tour. This has always been very frustrating for me and Mick because we love being out on the road playing guitar. Algy would tend to disappear for several years at a time and have nothing to do with the band. Since 1984 we have only played about 30 shows worldwide and the fans were disappointed that they couldn't see us play. Last year we performed at several festivals around Europe to showcase the new lineup and the reaction from the fans was great. To our surprise nobody even asked why Algy wasn't there. They were just happy to see the band and hear their favourite songs. We now intend to tour as much as possible and give the fans what they deserve. Hopefully we can work with Algy again sometime in the future.
Polish label Metal Mind is releasing "War Machine". Metal Mind has re-released Tank's back catalogue. How did you end up with Metal Mind?
They did a great job with the box set and all the re-issues. The artwork and packaging was very good and it really helped to get people interested in Tank again and brought us in a whole new fanbase. We hope this album will be successful and we can continue to release great albums together.
"War Machine" is the first studio album from Tank in many years. How come?
Algy had a habit of disappearing for several years at a time. He also seemed to have lost interest in the band and had some health problems to deal with. We were constantly receiving emails from fans all over the world asking what was going on with the band. This became very frustrating for Mick and me so we made the decision to move Tank forwards into a new era with a great new lineup and record an album that we could be proud of and give the fans what they want.
Tank is to perform at Hard Rock Hell IV in December. Are there any other touring plans?
Unfortunately we've had to cancel our appearance at Hard Rock Hell but we will be touring extensively throughout 2011 if everything goes to plan.
Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?
It's very tuff to get anywhere in this business. We've been around for a long time and released many albums but we've never really reached the kind of level that we'd have liked. Hopefully the new album will give us the ammunition to elevate Tank to the forefront of British rock where it deserves to be.
Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?
Touring with Metallica back in 1984 on the 'Ride the Lightning' tour was fantastic and getting drunk with Cliff Burton on several occasions was a special memory. Also the recording of the new 'War Machine' album has been very satisfying.
Do you have any regrets looking back at your career? For example any songs or even full albums that you regret recording? If so, what made you regret it?
I'm reasonably proud of every album I've been involved in and don't regret releasing any of them. Several times when touring with Paul Dianno, when we were in Killers, I did regret ever meeting the guy. Looking back now though I can see the funny side of it and maybe we'll work together again someday.
Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?
Not really. I guess I must have the same taste in music as our fans. What a fortunate coincidence.
What do you think about the state of the music industry today?
I try not to think about it too much. I'm not really sure what the hell's going on anymore. Apparently you can download our new album from Tesco's. What's that all about.
What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?
Paul Dianno
Thanks for answering these questions. Now you are free to write a few lines to our readers.
No matter what kind of rock/metal you're into, have a listen to 'War Machine'. We guarantee you won't be disappointed with what you hear.
Hopefully we'll see you all somewhere on tour in 2011.
www.tankofficial.com
(Photo by Tony Mottram 658Creative)
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Written by Michael - 10/13/2010 |
This article has been shown 1586 times. Go to the complete list.
RevelationZ Comments
| Comment by Stuart (Staff) - Wednesday, October 13, 2010 | 
View Profile
Comments: 116 | | I've heard the track Judgement Day off Tank's new album and thought it was excellent. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the full album.
Posted by Stuart (Staff)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 |
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