VINNIE MOORE – The Time Odyssey Man

1.    How did you decide to join UFO?

A mutual friend told me they were looking for a guitarist and also told them about me. I was asked to send a cd of some of my music. Phil heard the cd and offered me the gig. It seemed like a very cool thing and so I joined and we began work on the ‘You Are Here’ record.

2.    Most of the fans know you due to the extremely technical guitar playing, how easy was to join a different musical spectrum with UFO?

I was a fan of the band when I was younger and learning how to play guitar. it was very natural and easy for me to fit in with them. I have always basically been a rock guitarist.

3.    When are we going to hear new solo releases from your side?

I just released my new solo album in October of 2015 and it’s called ‘Aerial Visions’. I have some new material and want to also start on the recording for it soon. so hopefully this year.

4.    You have been a member of the band Vicious Rumors, what is your memory of that era?

I went out to northern california back in 1985 to work with those guys. we were all very young and it was a lot of fun. that was my first album recording experience. there are lots of good memories for that.

5.    Did you join Alice Cooper band as a guest musician or as a permanent member? Guest musician Vs permanent member, what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Well…..I don’t think anyone joins that band as a permanent member. it’s Alice’s band of course, so the musicians are more like sidemen. so yes I joined as a sideman not really knowing how long it would last. each situation is unique and so it is impossible to make a generalization about guest vs permanent. it would really depend on who the band is.

6.    What do you consider as innovation on guitar playing?

Having things that are part of your playing that no one else has done before.

7.    How do you adjust yourself to the world of electronic music, is there any space for guitar music?

Guitar is still the coolest instrument ever. people are still into guitar oriented rock bands and hopefully that lasts.

8.    What is the best advice that you would give at a new guitarist?

To do it because you love it and have passion for it. this is also true for anything in life. also, listen to lots of different styles of music and find a teacher and some friends to learn from.

9.    What is your next musical move?

As I mentioned I want to record some of my new solo stuff and get that out as soon as I can. there is most likely going to be a new UFO album this year as well as some more touring with them.

10.    Is it fun touring with UFO? Do you have any stories from the road to share with us?

Yes it’s usually a lot of fun. it’s not always easy being on the road for weeks at a time, but the time onstage and also hanging with the entourage makes it worth it. Stories? there are so many that I wouldn’t know where to start. the craziest things happen with this band.