THOR – The King of Muscle Rock

1) You have a new comeback show in Hollywood. What should we expect in terms of performance and music?

We will be performing songs from the new deluxe edition of the “Only The Strong” release along with other hits. I guarantee a powerful onslaught of Metal. There will be visuals, theatrics and sound galore that will entertain the crowd to the utmost.

2) Which is the current lineup of the band?

THOR is an industry whereby I am the only constant. As the creator of THOR, I have had the pleasure to work with various talented musicians over the years. Many have become lifelong friends and fellow warriors.

So Rock Warriors unite! The way I work the Union of THOR is that I perform with band members in various areas of North America or other parts of the world. I have had various musicians join me on my worldwide tours over the years.

Last year I joined up with Steve Price (guitar) and Mike Favata(Drums) for a tour of Eastern USA and Florida Rock Festivals. In Canada I played shows with guitarist Frank Soda and friends. I have a backing band Europe. For the Hollywood concert, the metal avengers will assemble with Frank Meyer on guitar, Bruce Duff on Guitar, Dino Everett on bass, Mike Sessna on drums..

3) Have you written any new material?

I am always writing new material. When I have an experience or see something interesting, a song develops. My repertoire is very expansive. The songs keep flowing within my brain. I want to get these ideas and concepts into the studio each day and lay down some tracks.

4) Rock n roll nightmare is considered a cult movie from the fans, what do you remember from the film shooting?

As producer, writer and actor in the film, there were many tasks to handle. As well I wrote,performed and produced the soundtrack. One memory I had was when I had to appear as Triton the Arch Angel in my Metal Cod piece and Cape for a Battle with the evil one. The arena was a farm house. The weather in Ontario  dropped to 30 below. It was unbelievably cold. I literally froze my butt off. I then had to do a shower scene with ice cold water. I’m surprised how successful the movie has been over the years.

5) What is your opinion about the latest Hollywood movie “Thor”?

There is only one THOR.

6) Do you have any other plans for upcoming films or other projects?

Yes there are some new scripts I am working on. A new documentary is in post-production called “I Am THOR”. The story of my life. It was fourteen years in the making. Finally completed filming.

7) How different is the film industry from the music industry?

There is a fine line between the film industry and and music business. I have always been into both. One compliments the other. I feel that I am a multi-media entertainer who started in the rock business and also got into film. I do know that it is harder for a film actor to have success at being a rock star then the other way around.

8) What is your favorite and worst experience from the music industry?

My favorite was when “Thunder On The Tundra” hit the UK Rock charts at #1.

My worst experience was when WASP topped the charts with “Fuck Like A Beast” which toppled our #1 streak at the time.

9) How do you think that technology has influenced the music industry?

Quite a bit. Technology has changed in leaps and bounds since I started. Editing and splicing analog tapes in the studio in the 1970’s was very arduous. Now with digital it is no problem. Downloading has become huge. Technology in the industry will speed up and evolve faster and faster. Be Ready.

10) How your body building career opened the doors for the music scene?

I came in at the right time. Steve Reeves won titles in his day which opened up movie roles for him such as Hercules. Arnold Schwarzenegger winning his titles helped him secure Conan and the Terminator. Winning Mr. Universe, Mr. Canada, Mr USA gave me a platform to develop a concept. I was already playing and singing in bands. I felt Music and Muscles were a perfect meld. In 1973 when I started THOR, it was the Glitter Rock era. The more theatrical a band was onstage and more breathtaking its image, the better.  Alice Cooper hung himself, Gene Simmons of KISS would breathe Fire, I would bend solid steel bars and smash bricks with my bare hands. We had one of the wildest and most outrages shows ever seen.

11) What is your opinion about shock today and artists such as Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie?

These artists are tremendous. There are also Slipknot and a new band I like called Evil Blizzard. Of course IRON THOR from Germany!

12) Please describe us a typical day of yours while you are touring with the rest of the band.

Get up. Work out at the hotel gym. Have breakfast with the band or whoever is up. Write some songs. Practice. Get ready for the gig.

13) Except the concept of Thor from the Scandinavian mythology, do you appreciate other ancient mythologies?

Yes. Greek mythology and others.

14) What is the concept of Thor as an ancient warrior for the modern society?

I have re-invented the THOR concept numerous times. I have made THOR a Warrior from Atlantis, A Viking Zombie, A Metal Avenger and THOR The Champion of the Future. A THOR for all ages. For all decades. Only The Strong is a concept album about the year 2045. When that year comes, will it be as I predicted?

I am ready for a THOR re-boot.

15) Most of your older albums are out of print or sold out, is there any plan for re-issue of those releases?

Yes. I have signed a major mult-media deal with Cleopatra Records. These albums will be re-issued in packages that can only be dreamed about! You will get the Ultimate THOR Experience!

Information: http://www.thorcentral.com/