Halford Says Maiden A Very Important Metal Band
The following quote is taken from a recent issue of Metal Hammer, from an interview with the newly re-united Judas Priest:KK laughs: "Absolutely! Remember, they were the third wave of heavy metal. Black Sabbath were the first wave of metal. Then there was us and the Scorpions in the second wave. Then Maiden and Accept and Dokken all came out, and then the whole thrash thing started. The 80's were great, you could see an amazing band every night."
Halford adds: "There's always an element of challenge and competition, which is important because it drives you forward. But Maiden are a very important heavy metal band - they're a part of the great British heavy metal tree. I would argue that Priest are the roots of that tree, holding it together. Motorhead are great too - I would love at some point to organise some kind of massive gig with Saxon, Venom, and all the different British metal bands of all the different styles - all the money could go to charity or whatever. You can put the word out - I'd be up for it - we could have a big summer show. These things are much easier to organise than people think..."
At a sidenote for anyone interested in Priest's own doings at the moment, they also spoke about UK dates and playing at Ozzfest:
Talking of mega-shows, Priest recently played the Ozzfest in America. Did they enjoy it?
"Oh yes," responds Rob. "It was a very important opportunity that we needed to grab to show everyone the reunited band. I was upset that we couldn't include some UK shows, and I'm sure some fans were a bit pissed off. I hope the spring 2005 tour will make it up to our British fans."
Did he check out the newer acts at this summer's Ozzfest?
"I caught everybody on our stage," he enthuses. "I'm a massive Slayer and Dimmu Borgir fan. There was a broad display of metal with Lacuna Coil, Hatebreed, Superjoint Ritual, Lamb Of God. The scene is healthy, I think. It's important to me to see British bands on the world stage. If you l;ook at how it all began, we're known for the influence we had around the world in the 70's and 80's... that sounds like a speech, I know, but it's very important that British bands are afforded the respect that they deserve because of the great things we've achieved."
(Many thanks to frou of the Maiden BB for posting the quotes)
2 Comments
I got that magazine today incidentally. A good read and a good free cd entitled 'battle metal'. Some great power metal tunes on there.
Rob is right about Maiden, and if he organised a great NWOBHM festival than I'd want travel to England for it.