TOMMY THAYER – KISS INTERVIEWED FEB 2005

When you think of a group like Kiss you think of Blood, fire, massive
stage & lighting shows, pyro projecting from guitars, A powerful hard
rock group that has influenced more of today's bands than any other
artists, A band that has rocked the globe for more than thirty years
now and are still as strong now as they were the day they started. I
caught up with lead guitarist Tommy Thayer this week briefly to ask
him some questions about his time in eighties hard rock band Black `N
Blue, working behind the scenes for Kiss, to becoming a full-time
member of one of the greatest rock bands of all-time. Tommy also
spoke about the possibility of a new Kiss album & the soon to be
released "Rocks the Nation" 2 disc DVD set.
Being a Kiss fan for 25 years it was a total pleasure to have the
opportunity to speak with Tommy. I hope you all enjoy the interview.


INSIDE_OUT666: I'd like to start by talking a bit about "Black `N
Blue", Can you tell us how the band formed?

TOMMY THAYER: B `N B formed in Portland, OR in 1981. Myself, Jaime
St James and the other guys wanted to form a new heavy metal type
band because at the time the New Wave of British Heavy Metal was
starting to hit state-side as well as Motley Crue in LA, it was an
exciting time.

INSIDE_OUT666: Do you remember anything from the first performance
you guys did?

TOMMY THAYER: Jaime was originally the drummer of a band we had
previous to B `N B. One night at a Portland nightclub he jumped up
front and starting fronting the band and the rest is history.

INSIDE_OUT666: After almost ten years apart you guys got back
together for one night in your hometown of Portland, OR to record the
live album "One night only live" Did you guys ever consider doing a
whole tour or did you know that this would only be a one off event?

TOMMY THAYER: We knew it was clearly a one-off.

INSIDE_OUT666: Being a huge kiss fan yourself it must have been
surreal to have Gene Simmons produce two of Black `N Blue's
albums "Nasty Nasty" & "In Heat"?

TOMMY THAYER: It was great because we were fans.

INSIDE_OUT666: What comes to mind when you look back on those early
experiences with Gene?

TOMMY THAYER: He was very diligent and dedicated to doing a great
job. He put a lot of time into the production and we appreciated
working with someone like that.

INSIDE_OUT666: Can we expect to see a DVD release of old Black `N
Blue footage anytime soon?

TOMMY THAYER: I don't think so.

INSIDE_OUT666: When it comes to song writing particularly looking
back in the early days with Black `N Blue, Do you sit around
listening to your influences or do you shy away from them?

TOMMY THAYER: Neither. You just try to write something that sounds
great and rocks.

INSIDE_OUT666: You first met Gene & Paul in 1984. What do you recall
from the encounter?

TOMMY THAYER: Yes, it was at a KISS show in late 1984 in Long Beach,
CA. They came in for a meet/greet prior to the show and were very
gracious.

INSIDE_OUT666: As early as the late 80's you have been working behind
the scenes with Kiss. Co-writing on Betrayed & my personal favourite
song on "Hot in the shade" "The Street Giveth & The Street Taketh
Away". You have also worked on the Kisstory books, Detroit rock city
& The second coming dvd's just to name a few. Of all the behind the
scenes duties you have performed what have you enjoyed doing most?

TOMMY THAYER: I was fortunate to have a job doing something that I
really enjoyed doing, so any project I was involved in was gratifying.

INSIDE_OUT666: Working behind the scenes for so long did the thought
ever cross your mind that you would one day end up becoming a member
of one of the world's most influential bands?

TOMMY THAYER: Not at all. The ironic thing is that it wasn't
something I was looking for.

INSIDE_OUT666: As a long-time kiss fan myself I couldn't express the
emotions I would have working for them let alone becoming a member of
the band. How did you react to the proposal to join Kiss & who was
the first person you told?

TOMMY THAYER: Doc McGhee just said to be there and get into makeup,
you're going on!

INSIDE_OUT666: During the rehearsals for the 1996 reunion tour you
spent a lot of time with Ace showing him various guitar riffs he
played during the seventies. That must have been an awesome
experience. Was he an easy guy to work with?

TOMMY THAYER: Yes, we've always had an amiable relationship. We had
a lot of fun trading licks, it was a pleasure.

INSIDE_OUT666: Every Kiss fan around the world is dying to know if
there will be a new studio album recorded anytime soon. Can you tell
us if there is any writing in the works suggestions for an album name
being thrown around etc?

TOMMY THAYER: Just wait and see!

INSIDE_OUT666: You are currently working on the "Rock the nation" 2
disc DVD set. Can you tell us what to expect & if there has been a
release date set yet?

TOMMY THAYER: The shows were shot in Hi-Def and the DVD will include
many KISS songs that haven't seen the light of day in years. We had
cameras rolling behind-the-scenes every day on tour so that we can
show you what goes on beyond the stage door and travelling on the
road. There also will be a multi-angle interactive feature called
Select-A KISS, so that you can watch any one band member for an
entire song or switch around to different cameras as you please.

INSIDE_OUT666: In the past you have worked on various kiss projects
like "Kiss symphony", Vh1's special "Beyond the make-up" etc. I don't
know one kiss fan who wouldn't want to see the vintage shows
remastered & released on DVD. Can we expect to see more of the older
footage released on DVD anytime soon?

TOMMY THAYER: It's possible, but the KISS Rock The Nation Live! DVD
will be slamming video stores doors down by late spring or early
summer, it will be something to see!

INSIDE_OUT666: What was the 1st guitar you ever owned?

TOMMY THAYER: A Fender Mustang.

INSIDE_OUT666: Over the last few years hard rock and heavy metal
music has changed quiet a bit. What do you think of the direction the
music has taken?

TOMMY THAYER: Always good, new is good.

INSIDE_OUT666: Are you currently listening to any of the newer bands
if so who?

TOMMY THAYER: Jet, The Used, Adema, Pacifier, The Darkness, Puddle of
Mud and Evanescence

INSIDE_OUT666: Tommy thanks so much for taking the time out of your
very busy schedule to answer these questions for all our readers. Is
there anything else you would like to say?

TOMMY THAYER: Thanks everybody! It was good talking to you.

© http://groups.yahoo.com/group/INSIDE_OUT666 Feb 2005 used with
permission by Cameron Edney

Don't forget to check out the following websites to keep you up to
date with all the latest Kiss news & release dates for the soon to be
released new 2 disc DVD set.

www.tommythayer.com Tommy's Official Site
www.kissonline.com Official Kiss site
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/INSIDE_OUT666 Dedicated to 40 years of
Hard rock & Heavy Metal music