Interviews :                                                                                                                                          

Band : Paul Dianno
Interviewed :Paul Dianno
Interviewer : Alorchi Samir                                                                                                                                          Date:29/10/2006                                                                                                                                                     Website:  http://www.pauldianno.com

 

 

Samir: Hi Paul! How are you doing?

I'm fine thank you. Getting ready to go to India for two shows Monday morning. Have my fantastic Swedish band with me. It's gonna be awesome!

Samir: What can you tell us about "The Living Dead”? And What's the idea behind the title of the album? How was the reaction of the fans after the release?

 

It's basically some songs earlier released in some parts of the world as "Nomad", but with better audio, artwork and some extra's thrown in. It's a much better product , and a good collection of songs.

Samir: What are your touring plans?

Well, as I said I'm going to India, then off for a couple of shows in Scandinavia, and then Poland. I finish off with a tour of Mexico. Next year I hope to return to Russia again, and maybe some shows in the Baltic states. Id also loves to go back to Japan and the far east. We'll have to wait and see.

Samir: What happened after the release of "As Hard As Iron"?

I toured, toured, toured.

Samir: What’s the next step for your band?

Right now I'm working with some really talented swedish guys. Mad as fuck, but they really get the crowd going. I'd like to record with them sometime, and we plan on writing something together soon.

Samir: Who were your main influences?

I'm basically an old rocker who turned punk at a late period in my life. I love old school rock, but I'm totally in love with Ramones.

Samir: You're always working with different musicians, Can you tell us a few things about the musicians that you've played with?

It's basically due to finances really. It's very difficult, moneywise, to tour every part of the world like I do, with the same band. I've made alot of quite successful tours with the swedish band, and they are really loyal to me. That's why I try to use them as much as I can and will continue to do so.

Samir: What can you tell us about Islam as a religion?

Well, I think nowdays Islam gets to be the scapegoat for all sorts of things (for reasons well known). Islam is a religion like any other, but genuine Islam is about taking care of your fellow human beings - not blast them to pieces. But that's what years of opression and injustice from the western world does to some people...There's a reason for everything. By that I in NO WAY say terrorism is ok. Terrorists can go fuck themselves. Terrorism has nothing to do with Islam.

Samir: There had been some rumors that you tend to favor islamic principles and basics, is that true???

 

I do think Islam has a much clearer view on some topics, yes. But I prefer to be my own. I don't want to identify totally with any religion. I'm a rock singer. Period.

Samir: Could you talk more about your book "The Beast”?

 

After living my life in the fast lane for so long, experiencing extreme highs as well as lows, I talked to my manager about writing this book. It's been quite successful. It's the complete story. Warts and all. You may hate me for being brutally honest, but I don't care. I've been a complete bastard sometimes , and I still am. But that's what you get.

Samir: What do you think about the Early Days DVD ? Did you say that Bruce is the best singer?

Well he's the best for Maiden as they became after i was gone, if you mean by Iron Maiden, the band recording concept albums and having lighting rigs visible from Mars... Maiden then became a very different band after I left the picture. But I still think I do the early material more justice than anyone else would ever be able to do.

Samir: If Bruce ever decided to leave Iron maiden again, would you return?

No.

Samir: Let's talk about your early stuff . How were you invited to iron maiden ?

First I didn't want to join...I was asked, and they were already quite well known around London. A bit too pretentious for my taste, but I was convinced I'd get to be myself and add my part. I grew to like it, and Steve is a really talented guy.

Samir: Before Maiden, legend holds you were into punk ?

I was and still am.

Samir: What's the difference between playing live with Iron maiden and playing live with Battle zone and Killers ?

First of all, I got to be the boss after being in charge of my own band and then I decided what songs to play, and so on.

Samir: What were your first impressions about the Iron Maiden Members?

Bruce Dickinson: Public schoolboy. Great voice. I went too see Maiden at Hammersmith on his first tour, and I thought: Blimey, this is gonna be Huge!
Steve Harris : Talented and stubborn.
Dave Murray : Shy, funny and a good mate.
Paul Sampson : He was a Great guy and Great guitar player.

 

Samir: How long did it take to record the first album with Maiden? Any fond memories in the studio?

 

The first album was recorded quite fast. It was quite an easy process. We'd been playing those songs for so long, and we were really tight musically. The production ended up pretty lame though. That's one of the reasons I decided to re-record some of these songs for and album just released called "The Classics".

 

Samir: Which album would you chose if you were a fan: Iron Maiden or Killers?

 

Both of them. I'm still in love with those 2 records, and very proud of the material.

Samir: Are there any other things you'd like to say to your fans?

Thank you for sticking around.

Samir: Thank you for your time, Paul.

Thanks, mate and please mention my website address below:
www.myspace.com/diannothebeast 
 

Links :
http://www.myspace.com/diannothebeast
http://www.pauldianno.com