| Archive for diamondhead.myfastforum.org Forum for British Rock band Diamond Head |
| Lloydie Lloyd |
Italian Webzine InterviewHere you are all, it's an Italian webzine who did an Interview with Brian.You can find it at.... http://www.slamrocks.com/dh.htm You probably notice that its all in Italian but seeings as I am a nice bloke....this is what it says in English for you all to enjoy 
Slam Rocks: You’ve been one of the most influent bands for hard‘n’heavy, the inspiration for many bands playing that kind of music, even though you released only a few albums. Why didn’t you reach the big exposure you deserved? Brian Tatler: It was partly small time management and partly our failure to tour the states,while Iron Maiden were managed by Rod Smallwood who everybody knows has done a brilliant job with Iron Maiden and Sanctuary Music,and Def Leppard managed by Peter Mensch at Leiber Krebs and then moved onto Q Prime,Diamond Head had Reg Fellows ( a local business man and Sean`s mom) also we never played a single gig in the US until 2002. SlamRocks: We can find Metallica among your fans, they also played 3 cover songs in “"Garage Inc.". How does it feel to listen to those songs played by them? Brian Tatler: They actually covered 4 Diamond Head songs Am I Evil,The Prince,Helpless and Its Electric which financially has been of great benefit to Sean and myself,I like Metallica`s versions they are very tight and powerful,Metallica probably had a bigger budget to spend on recording covers than we had on our originals.Our first album Lightning to the nations was recorded and mixed in a week.. SlamRocks: You were part of the legendary NWOBHM, but differently from the “top” bands such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Saxon, etc....you belonged to the more “elegant” wing of the movement . Who did you get your inspiration from? Brian Tatler: our inspiration came from Led Zeppelin,Black Sabbath,Deep Purple,AC/DC and Free,but I listened to tons of other bands and albums my older brother Dave played guitar and had a lot of weird and wonderful records that I was able to listen to,I also like Punk rock when it appeared in 1977 I would listen to the John Peel radio show to hear all the newest bands, SlamRocks: What are the musicians that you think deserve to be kept an eye on nowadays? Brian Tatler: Muse,Wildhearts,Porcupine Tree,Kings of leon, SlamRocks: Ten years after you split, you decided to reunite in 1993 and you released "Death and Progress". What went on before your reunion and why did you decide to get back together? Brian Tatler: we split up in 1985 and Sean and I got back together in 1990 so it was only 5 years apart really,I had my own band called Radio Moscow and Sean had been doing a project called Notorious but I was offered a publishing deal and Sean and I thought if we can get on and write songs together we may have some more mileage in Diamond Head so we started writing and making demo`s in 1990 but the album took a while to finish and was not released until 1993 so nearly 3 years was spent on Death & Progress. SlamRocks: The latest album features a new singer. What happened to Sean Harris? Brian Tatler: The 3 remaining members of Diamond Head decided things had become unworkable with Sean partly because of Seans refusal to release the album we had recorded in 2002/03 under the name Diamond Head and partly after he refused gigs that had been offered,it was not an easy decision but unfortunately a necessary one. SlamRocks: With regards to the new singer: how did you get to know him and why did you choose him? Brian Tatler: Karl saw Nick rehearsing with a local band and thought I should call him,so I did and went to see his band play in Wolverhampton and after that I offered him the job,I thought he would be perfect,its been a very good decision. SlamRocks: Can you tell us something about the new album? Brian Tatler: We are very pleased with the new album What`s In Your Head? It’s a very strong collection of songs that stands up against many of the Diamond Head classics, There is more info about it on www.diamond-head.net we hope to get a release date as soon as possible. My favourite track is Reign Supreme. SlamRocks: You’ve been on tour with Megadeth, have you got any comment or funny story to tell us? Brian Tatler: The tour was a fantasic experience for all of us and one that we shall never forget, Nick got lost a few times in Europe he often tried to see a bit of the local city and would jump on a train or bus and head off into the city, Then he would forget where the gig was and could not find his way back (he did eventually though).he can laugh about it now. SlamRocks: Your about to come to Italy, where are you playing and what do you know about our Country? Brian Tatler: We are playing at the Sottosopra Rock Club in Padova.in 2006 Diamond Head came over to Italy to play at the Anomalia Club in Prato,and had a great time, Also we were in Milan in 2005 with Megadeth.so we are getting to know Italy a little and its a great country for Rock music. SlamRocks: back to your entire career, could you pick the 3 best and the 3 worst things you experienced? Brian Tatler: That a hard one ooer!!!!,3 best, 1 Reading Festival 1982,2 the release of the Borrowed Time album and the following UK tour,3,realsing how much money would be generated from Metallica covering Diamond Head songs. 3 worst,1 having shingles and pneumonia at Milton Keynes Bowl which went from bad to worst,2,thefrustration of dealing with Sean after the 2002/03 album finished but never released.3,having to sack Duncan Scott in 1983 - he was my best friend. SlamRocks: If you could, what would you change in your past? Brian Tatler: I would have tried to get a better manager and not let everything stop in 1985,I would not have got married 1st time around. SlamRocks: What are your plans for 2007? Brian Tatler: Get the new album out,get as much press as possible, tour and tour. |
| HiFi |
Great interview! There's always something new and interesting to find out about Diamond Head. Thanks for sharing that, Lloyd!
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| sleeper |
Awesome interview there. Nice to see some areas have had some light shed on them.
It seems you Italians get all the interviews! |
| Lloydie Lloyd |
We get all the good interviews cos I am a hammer that does not stop until webzines and magazines listen to me and say OOOOkkkkk!!!! Mr Lloydie! Stop emailing us!!!! We shall get in touch with the band and send them some questions!
You guys should do it in the UK and out there in the States  Nothing like a bit of good publicity 
Remember a great statue is made by chipping slowly away a piece at a time...that can be reflected in anything in life and thats what we all need to be doing with Diamond Head
Must be off now, got some e-mails to send to Classic Rock!!! 
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