Vortex: Who starts off as a bass player? No, I was a guitar player. I also played piano, flute, and God knows what. I started in the school band, and Manheim, the original drummer from Mayhem, played in that band as well. I only played in it for a year, because it wasn’t really my style. That’s when I picked up the guitar. My father played guitar, and he showed me the basic chords. I would sit in front of my stereo listening to Iron Maiden and playing along. I was about 14 or 15 when I joined my first band.
You’ve been in the music industry for a long time now. What has the been the biggest change you’ve seen?
The internet. Before you had to go to a record store. Now you can just download it. It’s been a revolution for sure. It’s very accessible, which is nice. Downloads are good, but it just doesn’t feel the same without the cover and liner notes. I like that stuff. When I started I was buying vinyl and cassettes.
It costs a lot of money for European bands to come here and tour. Are you to the point now where you can come over to the U.S. to tour and not worry about losing money?
It takes a lot of money to come here from Europe, and the tour bus costs a lot. But now we’re playing in 2000 to 3000 capacity venues, which is a step up for us. It’s getting better every time, and we make a little more every time.
What have been the high points in your career?
Playing Wacken was great, and playing Ozzfest was really cool. Those were highlights.
What was the worst job you ever had?
I worked for a moving company, and we moved pianos. That was a hard job. I was a lot skinnier then. I also tore down buildings, which was hard and dirty work.
Who are your heroes?
When I was a kid I looked up to Black Sabbath. Ozzy Osbourne was a hero to me. A lot of musicians were role models for me back in the day, like Wasp. I went to a Wasp concert a couple of years ago and I couldn’t even drink beer afterwards because I was so happy. I just had to go home because it was such a great experience. Blackie Lawless has one of the best voices in metal.
What is the best advice someone gave you?
Set a goal, then go for it.
