Ready To Rock America and Taking No Lip
Steve Lee Of Gotthard Talks to All Access Magazine
By The Atomic Chaser & The Rocker
GOTTHARD, the highly successful Swiss rock band, formed in 1992 followed this route. Fast forward to 05.The band release their eighth studio album "Lip Service", and their gut-wrenching passion play, needs no explanation. Straight forward and skillful, the material served up satisfies every rock fan immediately. And it is this honesty, which has always been a defining quality of the band. After the sensational album self-titled rock classic, GOTTHARD finally returns to its roots. The odd thing about it is, while Gotthard has enjoyed tremendous success overseas in Europe and Japan. They have disapprovingly gone unnoticed here in America. Don't get us wrong, there are a few Gotthard fans here in the States, but not enough. The Rocker and I want to give a little background on one of the best true rock and roll bands whose music we've had the pleasure of listening to since their conception.
GOTTHARD is recognized as a first-class act world-wide - as famous as the mountain whose name they share. The band displays a musical personality equaled by no other act. Singer Steve Lee's exceptional voice puts him among the greatest vocalists of all time. But that's not all. More than 2 million albums sold world-wide, gold, platinum, double platinum and triple platinum awards, plus a golden single "Heaven" and the official Swiss Olympic song "One Team, One Spirit" to their credit and the band is still on top. The new album "Lip Service" bears witness to the fact that they can still take you by surprise, pure hard rock extremely good! and maybe our favorite album. The word "stagnation" isn't in the vocabulary of this tireless group. The main goal of the band is to move ever forward.
Singer Steve Lee, Marc Lynn on bass, Hena Habegger on drums and guitarist Leo Leoni perform as one. The dynamic writing duo Leoni/Lee is responsible for most of the tracks on "Lip Service". And new addition Freddy Scherer - familiar to Marc Lynn since the old "China" days - played his part in creating some of the new songs. With "Lip Service", Gotthard indeed gets to the point. In fact, it could not have been done better! The sheer talent of this group, which has worked its way to the top on a scale that other bands can only dream of, absolutely cannot be ignored.
Steve Lee graciously shared some time with The Rocker and I to share his thoughts about the band's new release and what will need to happen to make Gotthard a household name here in America. Here is what Steve shared with us...
AAM: Talk to us about your latest release, 'LIP SERVICE', how does it compare to your previous releases?
STEVE LEE: It’s a heavier and tougher album than the last couple of CD’s… More rock n’ roll songs with a touch of that live feeling (plug in and play) … And it’s fun to play those songs in concert…! The fact that Freddy joined the band (as a guitar player and songwriter), made Gotthard sound fresher and better than ever before…
AAM: How long did you spend in the studio? How many songs did you actually write for the album?
SL: 7 weeks of recordings and 2 weeks for the mix….We wrote 3 or 4 songs which didn’t made it on the album…but it’s always good to have “spare songs” to choose from!
AAM: Why do you suppose Gotthard hasn't made it big yet here in the States? (We think you guys are AWESOME!) What do you think needs to happen to break Gotthard here in America?
SL: Thanx for the great compliments!!!! I guess we need more journalists like you…Ha ha !There are different reasons why Gotthard hasn’t made it in the States so far! No help from the previous record company, being out of “fashion” or simply the missing person who can help further!!!
AAM: Have you shot any videos for any of the songs off 'LIP SERVICE'? If so, which ones. Will there be a DVD release?
SL: Yes, “Lift U up” and “Anytime, Anywhere” videos are available as bonus tracks on the CD singles. We’re going to release a live CD / DVD from our “lipservice” tour 2005 next April!
AAM: When, not IF, you guys come to America who would you like to tour with?
SL: Well, there’s too many great bands we’d like to play with ! But I guess “Aerosmith”, ”Whitesnake”, “Journey” would fit quite well regarding the music style of Gotthard…
AAM: In your opinion, how has Gotthard's sound evolved through the years? What is the secret to your longevity?
SL: We’re not trying to force ourselves into any “musical evolution”, cuz doing so you often change what makes you special!!! Songs happen in a very natural way and should come from the heart ! Personally I think that having fun, respect and friendship is the key to longevity!!
AAM: What are your thoughts on the music industry today?
SL: Sometimes it makes me feel bad! Music becomes ,more and more, just a product to sell. Often heartless and emotionless… Fortunately it’s not our case…
AAM: Which songs off 'LIP SERVICE' are being played on the radio in Europe and Japan?
SL: Most of the songs have been played…Certainly the singles “lift U up” and “Anytime,anywhere”.
AAM: One of your songs, "Fire & Ice", was written for your Country's Olympic team I believe. How did it feel to have your song chosen? How did that come about?
SL: ”Fire and Ice” was written for the national “Ice Hockey” season. The Olympic song was “One team one spirit” …The O.C. asked us to write a special song for the Swiss Team and it was a great honour to be part of the Olympic Family with it!!
AAM: What can we expect from Gotthard in 2006? (I am crossing my fingers that you guys make to America for some shows)
SL: First we’re gonna play some more shows for the second part of the “Lipservice” tour in Russia, and some more Concerts (open- air’s) in Mexico City and Brazil... Later on we’re going to Japan and probably Australia... Of course it would be great to play the U.S.A as well and believe me, we’re trying to do our best to make that happen!!!
AAM: Is there anything else you would like to add to this interview?
SL: No!!!! You see, I’d like to keep a few more answers for your next interview (hopefully)!!!!
AAM: Oh, you can bet on it Steve! Thanks so much for sharing your time with us! Cheers, Steve Lee
For more info on GOTTHARD, please check out: http://www.myspace.com/gotthardband
Story by The Atomic Chaser & The Rocker
