Marc Storace: The Heavy Metal Hog interview
Singer discusses Krokus past, present and future and all things Hoodoo-Nation
Singer discusses Krokus past, present and future and all things Hoodoo-Nation
Krokus' new album, Hoodoo, has already been certified platinum
in the band's native country, Switzerland.
in the band's native country, Switzerland.
to revisit that special disc and wonder: "What if?".
Twenty-eight years have come and gone. Every facet of the music industry has
evolved, but one thing has remained: You can't keep a great band down. For
Krokus, the time is prime for the classic lineup to reconvene and the result is the
hard-rockin' masterpiece Hoodoo. The disc features the band's familiar faces
Marc Storace (vocals), Fernando Von Arb (lead guitar) and Chris Von Rohr (bass)
reuniting with Mark "Koki" Kohler (rhythm guitar) and Freddy Steady (drums) and,
well, it seems like old times.
Hoodoo packs a wallop with eleven songs which don't let up. "Drive it In" sets
the stage for a bevy of balls-out rockers like "Rock N' Roll Handshake," "Too
Hot," "Firestar" and "In My Blood" while "Hoodoo Woman" establishes the album's
swampy "bayou" theme. Throw into the mix a very timely update of
Steppenwolf's "Born to be Wild" and, voila, Krokus has... after all these years...
aligned its stars and produced a classic disc which will easily be remembered in
the next 28 years.
I recently had the honor of conducting a Q&A with Krokus' legendary frontman,
Marc Storace, who sets the record straight on the band's past, the evils of
music trends, reuniting and all-things "Hoodoo Nation".
Twenty-eight years have come and gone. Every facet of the music industry has
evolved, but one thing has remained: You can't keep a great band down. For
Krokus, the time is prime for the classic lineup to reconvene and the result is the
hard-rockin' masterpiece Hoodoo. The disc features the band's familiar faces
Marc Storace (vocals), Fernando Von Arb (lead guitar) and Chris Von Rohr (bass)
reuniting with Mark "Koki" Kohler (rhythm guitar) and Freddy Steady (drums) and,
well, it seems like old times.
Hoodoo packs a wallop with eleven songs which don't let up. "Drive it In" sets
the stage for a bevy of balls-out rockers like "Rock N' Roll Handshake," "Too
Hot," "Firestar" and "In My Blood" while "Hoodoo Woman" establishes the album's
swampy "bayou" theme. Throw into the mix a very timely update of
Steppenwolf's "Born to be Wild" and, voila, Krokus has... after all these years...
aligned its stars and produced a classic disc which will easily be remembered in
the next 28 years.
I recently had the honor of conducting a Q&A with Krokus' legendary frontman,
Marc Storace, who sets the record straight on the band's past, the evils of
music trends, reuniting and all-things "Hoodoo Nation".
|
By Thom Copher
There is a special vibe between musicians when the right combination gets together and
creates music which defines the moment. For the Swiss rockin' juggernaut Krokus,
that moment was defined in 1982 with the signature album One Vice at a Time.
Containing such classics as "Long Stick Goes Boom," "Down the Drain," "Bad Boys, Rag
Dolls" and the monster cover of The Guess Who's "American Woman", One Vice
established itself as one of the year's dominating soundtracks.
Alas, times... as well as personnel... changed. Krokus, under various incarnations,
continued to crank out quality albums, but fans (myself included) always seemed to
There is a special vibe between musicians when the right combination gets together and
creates music which defines the moment. For the Swiss rockin' juggernaut Krokus,
that moment was defined in 1982 with the signature album One Vice at a Time.
Containing such classics as "Long Stick Goes Boom," "Down the Drain," "Bad Boys, Rag
Dolls" and the monster cover of The Guess Who's "American Woman", One Vice
established itself as one of the year's dominating soundtracks.
Alas, times... as well as personnel... changed. Krokus, under various incarnations,
continued to crank out quality albums, but fans (myself included) always seemed to
| *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** |
Chris, "Koki", Freddy, Fernando and Mark in 2010.
Hoodoo is "all killers and no fillers," says Marc.
Hoodoo is "all killers and no fillers," says Marc.
"Koki", Freddy, Marc, Fernando and Chris - promo
shot for One Vice at a Time (1982).
shot for One Vice at a Time (1982).
Heavy Metal Hog: First off, let me say on
behalf of myself as well as a global legion
of fans: Thank you for the remarkable
album which is Hoodoo. This album stands
out from many of its peers as a "complete
album." With that, I mean that it is not
fueled by a single or three/four decent
songs... this thing rocks from start to
finish. Was this the philosophy with the
Hoodoo project, to make a total kick-ass
record and not necessarily focus on what
might be "radio-ready"?
behalf of myself as well as a global legion
of fans: Thank you for the remarkable
album which is Hoodoo. This album stands
out from many of its peers as a "complete
album." With that, I mean that it is not
fueled by a single or three/four decent
songs... this thing rocks from start to
finish. Was this the philosophy with the
Hoodoo project, to make a total kick-ass
record and not necessarily focus on what
might be "radio-ready"?
Marc Storace: We were focused on writing songs similar to many of our own Classics from the early 80`s Krokus era. Our main goal was
to keep the whole album exciting from A to Z . It was a long process of trial and error which lasted a year and a half. We chose
carefully so Hoodoo contains all killers and no fillers!
HMH: What was the song-writing process for Hoodoo? To me, it sounds like there was a total band involvement. With that, what was
the influence of having Chris as the producer?
M.S.: The songwriting was done by Chris, Fern and myself. Of course Mark threw in a good idea on “Ride IntoThe Sun” and our new
manager threw in this song, out of which we only used the chorus, because it had the right vibe and a hook from hell! That song is
“Hoodoo Woman." Fern and I wanted Chris to produce. Besides founding Krokus way back there, he also achieved producer success
whilst not in Krokus. He has the knack to pursue and bring out those sides, from a musician`s spectrum, that fit into the goal.
to keep the whole album exciting from A to Z . It was a long process of trial and error which lasted a year and a half. We chose
carefully so Hoodoo contains all killers and no fillers!
HMH: What was the song-writing process for Hoodoo? To me, it sounds like there was a total band involvement. With that, what was
the influence of having Chris as the producer?
M.S.: The songwriting was done by Chris, Fern and myself. Of course Mark threw in a good idea on “Ride IntoThe Sun” and our new
manager threw in this song, out of which we only used the chorus, because it had the right vibe and a hook from hell! That song is
“Hoodoo Woman." Fern and I wanted Chris to produce. Besides founding Krokus way back there, he also achieved producer success
whilst not in Krokus. He has the knack to pursue and bring out those sides, from a musician`s spectrum, that fit into the goal.
| Marc Storace: vocals |
HMH: I must say that I feel a vibe between Fernando and "Koki" which is crucial to this
pub-rock, boogie type of music... they seem to play off one another. Freddy and Chris, too,
fit into the pocket like a machine... I just wanted to comment again that, as a fan of good,
tight rock and roll, this just had me grooving.
M.S.: Yes, the band gets me movin` and groovin` like there`s no tomorrow on stage, too!
HMH: This album, while it is very tight and well-crafted, still has a loose, almost
"fun-among-friends" feel. It must have been a joy to make... true?
M.S.: Right! Hoodoo is a work of passion accomplished with a light-hearted spirit. The positive
energy created by the success of the reunion helped us to overcome barriers that once stopped
pub-rock, boogie type of music... they seem to play off one another. Freddy and Chris, too,
fit into the pocket like a machine... I just wanted to comment again that, as a fan of good,
tight rock and roll, this just had me grooving.
M.S.: Yes, the band gets me movin` and groovin` like there`s no tomorrow on stage, too!
HMH: This album, while it is very tight and well-crafted, still has a loose, almost
"fun-among-friends" feel. It must have been a joy to make... true?
M.S.: Right! Hoodoo is a work of passion accomplished with a light-hearted spirit. The positive
energy created by the success of the reunion helped us to overcome barriers that once stopped
the flow between us. The old magic that once inspired our craftsmanship returned. Hoodoo
rocks hard yet emits a positive aura of a team enjoying their work.
HMH: Recording technology is, of course, a whole different ball-game today. What was the
process for recording Hoodoo? Were there any drastic differences from the last time that
this line-up was together?
M.S.: In spite of all the new toys that were invented in the meantime, we knew better than to
tread on thin ice. We steered away from the new dangers that make music sound like plastic
out of a tin can! Of course, both studios we worked in are equipped with analog desks feeding
into pro-tools, but the latter was only used for efficiency rather than taking “short-cuts”! I
sang each song a few times and we bounced the “best takes” down to one track. That`s normal
and hasn`t changed. I even used a hand-held microphone like I had done for “Screaming In
The Night” and “Eat The Rich” on the Headhunter album ages ago! My cable ran through a valve
rocks hard yet emits a positive aura of a team enjoying their work.
HMH: Recording technology is, of course, a whole different ball-game today. What was the
process for recording Hoodoo? Were there any drastic differences from the last time that
this line-up was together?
M.S.: In spite of all the new toys that were invented in the meantime, we knew better than to
tread on thin ice. We steered away from the new dangers that make music sound like plastic
out of a tin can! Of course, both studios we worked in are equipped with analog desks feeding
into pro-tools, but the latter was only used for efficiency rather than taking “short-cuts”! I
sang each song a few times and we bounced the “best takes” down to one track. That`s normal
and hasn`t changed. I even used a hand-held microphone like I had done for “Screaming In
The Night” and “Eat The Rich” on the Headhunter album ages ago! My cable ran through a valve
| Fernando Von Arb: lead guitar |
that (engineer) Dennis (Ward) rigged up for extra warmth, before connecting to pro-tools.
Except for the ballad. I sang without headphones, using the huge studio cabinets for a “live”
feel and extra power! My voice was recorded raw and natural. Dennis Ward mixed on pro-
tools. It`s great for that!
HMH: O.K., let's backtrack a bit: Hoodoo has been somewhat "marketed" as the logical follow-
up to Headhunter. To me, with its groove, it sounds more like the follow-up to One Vice at a
Time - especially given Freddy's involvement... it's got that back-beat-boogie swing. I, as a
music fan, parallel the heaviness of Headhunter with the growing thrash scene at the time
(circa 1983). Did that movement, citing bands like Metallica, Anthrax and others, have more
of an influence on Headhunter's heavier-edged sound than, say, the band's natural blues-based
boogie sound did? After all, as musicians, we all listen to what's out there.
Except for the ballad. I sang without headphones, using the huge studio cabinets for a “live”
feel and extra power! My voice was recorded raw and natural. Dennis Ward mixed on pro-
tools. It`s great for that!
HMH: O.K., let's backtrack a bit: Hoodoo has been somewhat "marketed" as the logical follow-
up to Headhunter. To me, with its groove, it sounds more like the follow-up to One Vice at a
Time - especially given Freddy's involvement... it's got that back-beat-boogie swing. I, as a
music fan, parallel the heaviness of Headhunter with the growing thrash scene at the time
(circa 1983). Did that movement, citing bands like Metallica, Anthrax and others, have more
of an influence on Headhunter's heavier-edged sound than, say, the band's natural blues-based
boogie sound did? After all, as musicians, we all listen to what's out there.
| Chris Von Rohr: bass guitar, producer |
M.S.: In the early days, the band went through an initial AC/DC-influenced phase but later
moved on to (a more) Judas Priest (type of sound). Taking Priest`s producer, Tom Allom, on
board really nailed it on Headhunter. Rob Halford even joined me on “Screaming In The
Night” and “Ready To Burn”. Lyrically we were slightly influenced by movies of the era like
“Road Warriors” and “Conan The Barbarian”. The album went platinum in the USA and the
ever popular ballad “Screaming In The Night” remained on our “live” repertoire till today!
HMH: I’ll get back to Hoodoo, but let's revisit the post-Headhunter period for a bit. Quite a
change came on with The Blitz (1984) and Change of Address (1986)... a slicker sound and a
look which was more "mainstreamed" to the MTV generation. Was this the direction that you
(the band) felt had to be taken at the time or was it a case of Arista (Krokus’ mid-80s label)
being over-involved in the “artist development” department?
moved on to (a more) Judas Priest (type of sound). Taking Priest`s producer, Tom Allom, on
board really nailed it on Headhunter. Rob Halford even joined me on “Screaming In The
Night” and “Ready To Burn”. Lyrically we were slightly influenced by movies of the era like
“Road Warriors” and “Conan The Barbarian”. The album went platinum in the USA and the
ever popular ballad “Screaming In The Night” remained on our “live” repertoire till today!
HMH: I’ll get back to Hoodoo, but let's revisit the post-Headhunter period for a bit. Quite a
change came on with The Blitz (1984) and Change of Address (1986)... a slicker sound and a
look which was more "mainstreamed" to the MTV generation. Was this the direction that you
(the band) felt had to be taken at the time or was it a case of Arista (Krokus’ mid-80s label)
being over-involved in the “artist development” department?
| Mark "Koki" Kohler: rhythm guitar |
| Freddy Steady: drums |
M.S.: It was more a case of the latter! The record company, together with our manager,
advised us to smoothen our sound and sweeten our looks. They said I should lose the grit from
my voice and come up with lyrics and a singing style in favor of the girls. We were to lighten
up. Of course, we could have refused, but you also have to know that at that point in time,
the band was showing serious signs of wear and tear. No wonder! In 1979, we had entered
the professional treadmill of writing, recording and touring non-stop, year-in year-out. By the
time we had reached the Headhunter era, we had turned into a hardened bunch of rock
performers, hitting every stage with a tough charismatic punch and taking no prisoners. We
had proved it over and over from coast to coast and back again. We were all feeling happy
with our current Headhunter charting No.24 in “Billboard” and driving fans nuts as Special
Guests on the Def Leppard Pyromania tour. We went with the positive flow until the record
company wanted to “call the shots”. Chris put his foot down and this caused bad vibes with our
management. Suddenly the internal chaos turned into a nightmare and Chris was gone!
advised us to smoothen our sound and sweeten our looks. They said I should lose the grit from
my voice and come up with lyrics and a singing style in favor of the girls. We were to lighten
up. Of course, we could have refused, but you also have to know that at that point in time,
the band was showing serious signs of wear and tear. No wonder! In 1979, we had entered
the professional treadmill of writing, recording and touring non-stop, year-in year-out. By the
time we had reached the Headhunter era, we had turned into a hardened bunch of rock
performers, hitting every stage with a tough charismatic punch and taking no prisoners. We
had proved it over and over from coast to coast and back again. We were all feeling happy
with our current Headhunter charting No.24 in “Billboard” and driving fans nuts as Special
Guests on the Def Leppard Pyromania tour. We went with the positive flow until the record
company wanted to “call the shots”. Chris put his foot down and this caused bad vibes with our
management. Suddenly the internal chaos turned into a nightmare and Chris was gone!
HMH: Looking back, as we all do on the Excessive 80s, are there any regrets on the departure from the core approach of Krokus?
M.S.: Yes, we regret succumbing to the temptations we were surrounded by. We were really like kids let loose in a candy store,
blinded by success! That legendary long tour with Def Leppard, playing huge US arenas every night, with Headhunter gone platinum in
Billboard, was one of the greatest highs in our career. However, it gave business people around us the false idea to try to turn a wild
tiger into a circus zebra. We were exposed to thousands upon thousands of fans yelling for our encores every night! These kids loved
Krokus for what we were and for the songs we played and the attitude in which we delivered...and by that I mean the girls too! I
personally felt that the blood, sweat and tears invested in the previous tours were paying back big-time! So why should we lighten our
sound and brighten our looks in the first place? Eventually, The Blitz alienated our fan-base and Change Of Address fatally continued
the downward trend.
M.S.: Yes, we regret succumbing to the temptations we were surrounded by. We were really like kids let loose in a candy store,
blinded by success! That legendary long tour with Def Leppard, playing huge US arenas every night, with Headhunter gone platinum in
Billboard, was one of the greatest highs in our career. However, it gave business people around us the false idea to try to turn a wild
tiger into a circus zebra. We were exposed to thousands upon thousands of fans yelling for our encores every night! These kids loved
Krokus for what we were and for the songs we played and the attitude in which we delivered...and by that I mean the girls too! I
personally felt that the blood, sweat and tears invested in the previous tours were paying back big-time! So why should we lighten our
sound and brighten our looks in the first place? Eventually, The Blitz alienated our fan-base and Change Of Address fatally continued
the downward trend.
Krokus played to over 10,000 at the band's "comeback" show in
Bern, Switzerland on August 2, 2008.
Bern, Switzerland on August 2, 2008.
HMH: Let's carry that on a bit. Krokus has existed since the mid-80s
under various line-ups, many of which may have left fans hard-pressed to
relate to as "Krokus". For good or ill, the band's name has stayed out
there and productive... how important has this been to the "perpetuation" of
Krokus?
M.S.: On the long run it`s always better to keep the music and band name
out there and alive! Even though original musicians are missing, there are
still loads of fans that turn up at concerts. If the current formation brings
out a worthy new album the band story continues and gets a new boost of
life! The thought of our music still being handed down long after we`re gone
is a pleasant one. It still works with classical music, and that is hundreds
of years old.
HMH: This line-up has seen "almost" regroupings with Heart Attack (1988)
under various line-ups, many of which may have left fans hard-pressed to
relate to as "Krokus". For good or ill, the band's name has stayed out
there and productive... how important has this been to the "perpetuation" of
Krokus?
M.S.: On the long run it`s always better to keep the music and band name
out there and alive! Even though original musicians are missing, there are
still loads of fans that turn up at concerts. If the current formation brings
out a worthy new album the band story continues and gets a new boost of
life! The thought of our music still being handed down long after we`re gone
is a pleasant one. It still works with classical music, and that is hundreds
of years old.
HMH: This line-up has seen "almost" regroupings with Heart Attack (1988)
and To Rock or Not to Be (1995)... what contributed to the coming and going of these line-ups? On that note, did you have the feeling
that the reunion as we know it today would eventually happen?
M.S.: Heart Attack saw us trying to save a sinking boat by taking Chris back on board, but we were still forced to call it a day. To
Rock Or Not To Be was an attempt to start the ball rolling with as many original musicians on board as possible. The album and tour
were a success in Switzerland, but not sufficient to jump borders. I was on the longest European tour by Krokus so far, promoting the
Hellraiser album when I first heard that the Swiss National TV Channel wanted Krokus to play a medley on a nationwide music show.
However, they insisted on having the early day originals!
that the reunion as we know it today would eventually happen?
M.S.: Heart Attack saw us trying to save a sinking boat by taking Chris back on board, but we were still forced to call it a day. To
Rock Or Not To Be was an attempt to start the ball rolling with as many original musicians on board as possible. The album and tour
were a success in Switzerland, but not sufficient to jump borders. I was on the longest European tour by Krokus so far, promoting the
Hellraiser album when I first heard that the Swiss National TV Channel wanted Krokus to play a medley on a nationwide music show.
However, they insisted on having the early day originals!
Sony Music (Switzerland) presents Krokus with a platinum award
for Hoodoo a mere four weeks after the album's release.
for Hoodoo a mere four weeks after the album's release.
HMH: A lot has changed with the music scene over the years, especially for
hard-rock/metal bands. On one hand, it seems that this music is being
mainstreamed (in the traditional sense) less but on the other it is being very
successfully marketed through selective outlets like specialized programming
other media forms. Of course, too, there is the internet which has opened up
a whole new strategy which we couldn't have imagined years ago. Does
Krokus see these changes as good?
M.S.: One has no choice but to stay flexible and adapt. It`s best to go with
the flow in order to stay within reach of the new consumer market.
HMH: Hard rock/metal enjoyed a boom in the mid-to-late-80s, which Krokus
was a big part of. I don't necessarily blame the grunge movement itself, or
any other for that matter, as the factor for metal's commercial fall-off;
personally, I blame an over-saturation brought on by greed of the record
hard-rock/metal bands. On one hand, it seems that this music is being
mainstreamed (in the traditional sense) less but on the other it is being very
successfully marketed through selective outlets like specialized programming
other media forms. Of course, too, there is the internet which has opened up
a whole new strategy which we couldn't have imagined years ago. Does
Krokus see these changes as good?
M.S.: One has no choice but to stay flexible and adapt. It`s best to go with
the flow in order to stay within reach of the new consumer market.
HMH: Hard rock/metal enjoyed a boom in the mid-to-late-80s, which Krokus
was a big part of. I don't necessarily blame the grunge movement itself, or
any other for that matter, as the factor for metal's commercial fall-off;
personally, I blame an over-saturation brought on by greed of the record
companies. Let's face it, there were plenty of half-rate bands which cropped
up. Do you see it that way?
M.S.: Well yes, there were quite a few metal and glam-rock bands that
churned out pretty cheap music. The accent was on the look more than the
music and changed from being weird to becoming bizarre! All was exploited and
nothing left sacred!
HMH: On the flip-side, hard rock/metal has enjoyed a resurgence over the
past decade. The way I see it, you can't ignore or hold down good, honest
music. What do you see as the elements for metal's "rebirth," so to say?
With that, who do you see, band/artist-wise, as important for keeping the
vibe alive during the "dark days" as well as contributing to the growing
momentum in the new millennium?
up. Do you see it that way?
M.S.: Well yes, there were quite a few metal and glam-rock bands that
churned out pretty cheap music. The accent was on the look more than the
music and changed from being weird to becoming bizarre! All was exploited and
nothing left sacred!
HMH: On the flip-side, hard rock/metal has enjoyed a resurgence over the
past decade. The way I see it, you can't ignore or hold down good, honest
music. What do you see as the elements for metal's "rebirth," so to say?
With that, who do you see, band/artist-wise, as important for keeping the
vibe alive during the "dark days" as well as contributing to the growing
momentum in the new millennium?
Marc, Chris, Fernando and "Koki" on the One Vice tour (ca. 1982).
M.S.: From the top of my head, Guns n' Roses seemed to carry the flag together with Aerosmith when the going became bad.
Metallica in a harder way, and Bon Jovi on the soft-rock front.
HMH: There are so many identifiable forms and sub-genres of what is referred to as "hard rock" or "heavy metal" these days. Do you
see this as a healthy thing or are we, once again, in danger of over-saturating the market?
M.S.: I personally do not care for the many sub-genres and hang on to what inspired me to become a rock singer in the first place. I
believe the market is again dangerously saturated with cheap sounding bands. I`m fully for youth venting their emotions but hey…gimme
a break, where does it stop? In my younger days we had the punk-rockers who were the extremists and the anarchists but some noise
you hear today makes the Sex-Pistols sound like Abba (smile)!
Metallica in a harder way, and Bon Jovi on the soft-rock front.
HMH: There are so many identifiable forms and sub-genres of what is referred to as "hard rock" or "heavy metal" these days. Do you
see this as a healthy thing or are we, once again, in danger of over-saturating the market?
M.S.: I personally do not care for the many sub-genres and hang on to what inspired me to become a rock singer in the first place. I
believe the market is again dangerously saturated with cheap sounding bands. I`m fully for youth venting their emotions but hey…gimme
a break, where does it stop? In my younger days we had the punk-rockers who were the extremists and the anarchists but some noise
you hear today makes the Sex-Pistols sound like Abba (smile)!
The band heats up the set while filming the "Hoodoo Woman" video
under nearly-freezing weather conditions.
under nearly-freezing weather conditions.
HMH: Given that, how is Krokus classified in present-day as well as
historically?
M.S.: Although Krokus arrived on the international-scene with Metal-
Rendezvous on the New Wave Of Heavy Metal, there was nothing very
“metallic” about our sound. The closest we ever came to real heavy metal was
with songs like the title track "Headhunter" from the album of the same
name, and “Spirit Of The Night” from the Hellraiser album. Everything else
Krokus I personally still class as Hard Rock. I`ve recently read articles
which classified Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin as Heavy Metal … I beg your
pardon?!?
HMH: Deep Purple pulled off a “reunion” back in 1984, but prior to the "big-
historically?
M.S.: Although Krokus arrived on the international-scene with Metal-
Rendezvous on the New Wave Of Heavy Metal, there was nothing very
“metallic” about our sound. The closest we ever came to real heavy metal was
with songs like the title track "Headhunter" from the album of the same
name, and “Spirit Of The Night” from the Hellraiser album. Everything else
Krokus I personally still class as Hard Rock. I`ve recently read articles
which classified Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin as Heavy Metal … I beg your
pardon?!?
HMH: Deep Purple pulled off a “reunion” back in 1984, but prior to the "big-
band" reformations of recent times - Iron Maiden and Judas Priest in particular - the whole reunion thing wasn't necessarily
"fashionable." I know that this line-up has been together for a while now... what thing or course of events prompted Krokus' "fab-five"
to get back together?
M.S.: Swiss National Television did a series of Shows portraying Swiss-Music-Acts of every genre, from the past. Some acts
reformed especially for this one-off performance, including “The Original KROKUS”. I came off the Hellraiser tour especially for the
event, in order to pay respect to our glorious past.
HMH: Now that the seed has been planted, do you see this as the line-up which will see Krokus into the sunset?
M.S.: Hopefully so. At least, that is my heart`s desire.
"fashionable." I know that this line-up has been together for a while now... what thing or course of events prompted Krokus' "fab-five"
to get back together?
M.S.: Swiss National Television did a series of Shows portraying Swiss-Music-Acts of every genre, from the past. Some acts
reformed especially for this one-off performance, including “The Original KROKUS”. I came off the Hellraiser tour especially for the
event, in order to pay respect to our glorious past.
HMH: Now that the seed has been planted, do you see this as the line-up which will see Krokus into the sunset?
M.S.: Hopefully so. At least, that is my heart`s desire.
Marc, "Koki", Chris, Fernando and Freddy - bad as they wanna be!
HMH: Krokus, along with many of the great ones who are still out there
and kicking, is not trying to hide the fact that you are getting older. Are
you (the band) comfortable with this realization & how does this impact the
music that you make - both new and revisiting the older stuff?
M.S.: We older musicians can deliver with the power and energy that most
young rascals still dream of, so that`s really a compliment to our age! We
might need a longer time to sleep off hangovers but the positive studio
experience and new success of Hoodoo, followed by our energized “live”
performances prove that Krokus is still a force to reckon with.
and kicking, is not trying to hide the fact that you are getting older. Are
you (the band) comfortable with this realization & how does this impact the
music that you make - both new and revisiting the older stuff?
M.S.: We older musicians can deliver with the power and energy that most
young rascals still dream of, so that`s really a compliment to our age! We
might need a longer time to sleep off hangovers but the positive studio
experience and new success of Hoodoo, followed by our energized “live”
performances prove that Krokus is still a force to reckon with.
HMH: Along those lines, what was your inspiration, going into the Hoodoo sessions?
M.S.: I stayed in a small hotel close to the studio. I was inspired by nature and focused on being fit to deliver. Both Chris as
producer, and Dennis as engineer, gave me the well-balanced mixture of vibes and impulses needed for energetic performances. Chris,
because we go far back, and so have a deep understanding that requires few words, whilst Dennis continued the light-hearted harmony
we once established in this very same control-room during the Hellraiser sessions.
HMH: Do you or any of the other guys have a particular favorite track from Hoodoo? Krokus has always done covers so selectively
well... you seem to take ownership rather than just rehashing the chosen song. What was the inspiration behind "Born to be Wild"?
M.S.: Right now my fave is the bluesy “Dirty Street” but that can change to “Too Hot” or “Firestar." “Keep Me Rolling” is one of my
top favorite tracks for driving down the highway together with “Drive It In." “Born To Be Wild” is one of the best rock anthems from
the Woodstock era. It says it all in a nutshell. We wanted a new classic cover to play as an encore for our big reunion-concert. This
song had the right message. Eventually, it stuck and we immortalized it on Hoodoo.
HMH: What Krokus song would you like to see redone and who would be good to do it?
M.S.: Our good friend Alice Cooper recently said he might one day cover a Krokus song, so why not give “Bad Boys Rag Dolls” off our
One Vice At A Time album a try Alice?
HMH: Now a glimpse into the future... what is on the horizon for Krokus, short- and/or long-term?
M.S.: First we have some Swiss concerts, then we kick-off the festival season with "Bang Your Head" in Germany. For all “LIVE”
dates information, please check: www.krokusonline.com (see "TOUR").
HMH: You are one of rock/metal's most renowned and celebrated vocalists. What was your training/influence?
M.S.: I loved singing since I was very young and grew up in a family that was pretty musical. At school I discovered that I must be
especially talented when teacher told me to sing for the class. Aged 14 I joined my first band. My main influences range from The
Beatles to Led Zeppelin. I developed an insight into various vocal techniques by hours of listening and learning covers. It was my
biggest hobby. The rest I accomplished through long singing hours and many gigs.
HMH: If you weren't the vocalist for one of the mightiest bands in the world... what would you be doing? Did you ever think about
having to do something else?
M.S.: Yeah..I`d most probably be running a cool “blues & rock” club.
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Wow!! What can I say except that was a most excellent and very insightful discussion. I'd like to thank my rock and roll brother
Marc Storace for taking the time to answer my questions - dude, YOU ROCK!!! I'd also like to thank Dana Gordon of Independent
Music Media and the head of Krokus' U.S. Management, Peter Waelti, for making this interview possible. Don't forget to check out
the additional audio interview here. Until next time... keep on rockin'!!!
M.S.: I stayed in a small hotel close to the studio. I was inspired by nature and focused on being fit to deliver. Both Chris as
producer, and Dennis as engineer, gave me the well-balanced mixture of vibes and impulses needed for energetic performances. Chris,
because we go far back, and so have a deep understanding that requires few words, whilst Dennis continued the light-hearted harmony
we once established in this very same control-room during the Hellraiser sessions.
HMH: Do you or any of the other guys have a particular favorite track from Hoodoo? Krokus has always done covers so selectively
well... you seem to take ownership rather than just rehashing the chosen song. What was the inspiration behind "Born to be Wild"?
M.S.: Right now my fave is the bluesy “Dirty Street” but that can change to “Too Hot” or “Firestar." “Keep Me Rolling” is one of my
top favorite tracks for driving down the highway together with “Drive It In." “Born To Be Wild” is one of the best rock anthems from
the Woodstock era. It says it all in a nutshell. We wanted a new classic cover to play as an encore for our big reunion-concert. This
song had the right message. Eventually, it stuck and we immortalized it on Hoodoo.
HMH: What Krokus song would you like to see redone and who would be good to do it?
M.S.: Our good friend Alice Cooper recently said he might one day cover a Krokus song, so why not give “Bad Boys Rag Dolls” off our
One Vice At A Time album a try Alice?
HMH: Now a glimpse into the future... what is on the horizon for Krokus, short- and/or long-term?
M.S.: First we have some Swiss concerts, then we kick-off the festival season with "Bang Your Head" in Germany. For all “LIVE”
dates information, please check: www.krokusonline.com (see "TOUR").
HMH: You are one of rock/metal's most renowned and celebrated vocalists. What was your training/influence?
M.S.: I loved singing since I was very young and grew up in a family that was pretty musical. At school I discovered that I must be
especially talented when teacher told me to sing for the class. Aged 14 I joined my first band. My main influences range from The
Beatles to Led Zeppelin. I developed an insight into various vocal techniques by hours of listening and learning covers. It was my
biggest hobby. The rest I accomplished through long singing hours and many gigs.
HMH: If you weren't the vocalist for one of the mightiest bands in the world... what would you be doing? Did you ever think about
having to do something else?
M.S.: Yeah..I`d most probably be running a cool “blues & rock” club.
*** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Wow!! What can I say except that was a most excellent and very insightful discussion. I'd like to thank my rock and roll brother
Marc Storace for taking the time to answer my questions - dude, YOU ROCK!!! I'd also like to thank Dana Gordon of Independent
Music Media and the head of Krokus' U.S. Management, Peter Waelti, for making this interview possible. Don't forget to check out
the additional audio interview here. Until next time... keep on rockin'!!!