JROCK:  Can you give me a little background information on yourself? Such as where are you originally from? How old are you? How long have you been a professional musician?

TROY:  I  (Troy) am from NY. Born in NYC, Raised in Brookln, NY and Long Island, NY and currently living in Long Island, NY. I am 39 years old. I have been performing on and off for over 25 years. I have always had music in my blood. I started played trumpet and continued to excel in Classical. Played for 13 years until a car accident destroyed my aperture and I decided to take singing on full time after that. I played in a high school formed heavy metal band called Overdrive until the end of high school. I immediately joined a band called Coldsteel and continued to play with them from 1987 until 1993. In 1988 with the release of  King Diamond's "THEM", I started a joke with all my friends. I would walk around singing GrannddddmmmAAaaaAAaaa!! So a number of my friends would greet me singing to me when they would see me or speak to me on the phone. To this day, several of my friend STILL do that and I crack up every single time. I love it! Coldsteel had recorded several demos and a full length album called "Freakboy" (recorded at Minot Sound-owned by Bill Aucion- Kiss' first manager) which can still be found on various online sites today including ebay! The owners of the record label were arrested by the German authorities for selling authentic Nazi memorabilia and so the label become defunct which left Coldsteel right back where we started. Out of frustration, I decided not to play in any band after the guitarist Ave Casas decided to move on. I sold all of my equipment, cut my hair, got married, excelled in my professional career in Information Technology and did not sing a note for 8 years. After being convinced by co workers, I sang in a karaoke contest in 1999 and won which acted as a catalyst for me to sing again. I slowly started to jam with some friends including Ave Casas from Coldsteel and seperately with Greg Hock and Hal Aponte from Coldsteel in Greg's cover band. Soon after my divorce in 2003, I felt empty and lifeless. I joined Anger Mgmt. and continued to play with them for over 3 years. Anger Mgmt. performed covers from bands Metallica, Pantera, Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer and originals. During my involvement with Anger Mgmt., I overheard one of the guitarist's play "The Invisible Guests" from King Diamond. I immediately started to sing King's parts. The guitarist, Rob Csearski,  loved it and we both agreed to do one show all King Diamond in 1 to 2 years. Right before "THEM" was formed; I started up a Megadeth Tribute band called Countdown To Extinction. I did this because many people would come up to me after one of Anger Mgmt.'s gigs and tell me they would have sworn that Dave Mustaine was singing. When it was time to form "THEM", we rehearsed once per month until we were getting closer to our debut (Halloween time) and I had to shelve CTE to soley focus on "THEM". Btw, Greg Hock and FED that are in "THEM" were also in Countdown To Extinction. After a few rehearsals, Rob Cesarski could not commit to the time required to play in "THEM" and had to bail. Fed's friend and fellow member in his other band Mr. Clean, Mike Dwyer, immediately joined us. Everything was going fine until he announced he could not perform at our Halloween show. Quickly we brought in Eddie Campbell to cover for the show but Eddie has played 2 shows with us to date. Mike could not play in the show because he was performing in Trinidad with his other band Live After Death. On the Halloween show, we had Mike Wead from Mercyful Fate/King Diamond perform with us for 2 songs. How did we accomplish that? That is a whole other story in itself! You can see the songs with Mike Wead on YouTube.

TROY:  Well, in 2008 we only played 2 months, 3 shows and in that time headlined twice, been interviewed and performed live on the radio and performed with Mike Wead from king Diamond/Mercyful Fate. 3 shows. Our last show we told some people that was our third show and they could not believe it. We were told it sounded like we played together for years! Well, there are 3/5 of Coldsteel in "THEM" and that stems back about 20 years now. Our goal is to play big shows around the country/world. Even if we just had our expenses covered and a few bucks tossed into our pockets for grub we will play. But the venue has to be a decent size due to our theatrics. We plan to spread out to NYC/NJ the first quarter of 2009...If anyone wants to book us, let us know! KEEP THOSE FUCKING HORNS IN THE AIR!!! KING DIAMOND FOREVER!

An Interview with Metalica UK Manager Emma

JROCK:  What's your professional background? I mean did you manage other bands prior to Melalica U.K. ?

EMMA:  Although I had never actually managed another band previously I had spent around 14 years around lots of bands and saw a lot of mistakes they were making, therefore when I was asked to manage this band i thought – yea I can probably do this, and although I did have reservations at first they were insignificant compared to the knowledge of the inside workings of a band I had built up over the years.

JROCK:  How did you hook up w/Metalica U.K. and land the job as their Manager?

EMMA:  Well, prior to the band being Metalica.UK they were called Feral Circus, and Rick had set up this band after leaving a previous Metallica tribute. He wanted the band run his way and he wanted it to be as successful as possible and he asked me – as his wife to run it, like I said before I did have a few reservations at first but Rick begged me as he said he needed my experience in a band environment so how could I say no?!!

JROCK:  As Manager of Metalica U.K. what all does your job entail?

EMMA:  Basically I deal with all booking enquiries, but the biggest part is actually scouting round for venues that are ideal for the band to play then trying to secure a gig, I negotiate all fees, I sort out the travel arrangements plus any accommodation etc, fuel expenses and so on. I am also responsible for updating the website, MySpace etc and for advertising, I have to keep well ahead of myself with things like sending off posters and flyers to venues we have a show coming up at. I am the sole keeper of the diary which also means I have to make sure all members of the band are available etc and make sure I am not booking a show into an area where it’s a bit close to where we have either just played or are due to play.

JROCK:  What is the toughest thing about the job you do?

EMMA:  I think the toughest part is the aligning of dates as said previously, we have to make sure we steer clear from an area a good few months before we return so that we can make the crowd hungry for a good turnout. Its also tough when its long distance or abroad as there’s a lot to sort out. The other tough thing is trying to please everyone!! All the band members and the promoters etc, that’s nearly impossible some of the time but I try to be as fair as possible but the down side of this job is it goes un-noticed a lot of the time, like the amount of work that goes into it behind the scenes nobody sees it but hey I give myself a pat on the back sometimes at the end of a really awesome show!!

JROCK:  What is the easiest thing about the job you do?

EMMA:  Probably the end product of a show, we turn up, the band put on a great show the fans love it then have a good drink to wind down! But I love my job, how many people get to do what I do?

JROCK:  What advice would you give to someone who was interested in going into a career of managing a Rock band?

EMMA:  Be prepared for not having enough hours in the day!! It’s very tiring and extremely stressful but if you have good guys on board the band it makes a difference.

JROCK:  Do you manage any other bands?

EMMA:  I don’t actually manage any others at the moment although I have been approached. But I am in the process of setting up my own promo agency where I will be securing shows etc for other bands and artistes and although its only in the early stages I have been quite surprised at just how well its taking off and how many bands etc have approached me.

JROCK:  In managing a tribute band I was wondering if you have a lot of legal issues to deal w/that maybe an act that writes/performs original material has to deal with?  For example, is there any chance that Metalica could ever stop you from performing their music live if they did not like the show Metalica U.K put on?

EMMA:  I do have to be careful, that’s why we decided to miss out an ‘L’ in Metalica.UK, we also advertise as a tribute to the real artists. Hopefully Metallica themselves would see it as a complement to the work they do seen as they can’t get around to play for all their fans all of the time so we go out and hype them up, we’ve also introduced so many people to Metallica’s music, we have had people come to our shows who have admitted they had never really been into them but were now gonna go out and buy all their stuff! So I like to think that we contribute towards their record sales!!

JROCK:  Do you check out other Metalica cover bands to get ideas for the band to try out during their show?

EMMA:  We have checked out other bands but to be honest without sounding too big headed it just proves to me I manage the best but also that we have to make sure that we stay the best.

JROCK:  What is the most expensive thing about putting on the show Metalica U.K. puts on?

EMMA:  Probably the cost of travelling, accommodation etc and also the maintenance of the gear etc.

JROCK:  Do you have any plans for the band to tour outside of the U.K.?

EMMA:  The guys are already set to play Turkey the end of feb and there are some shows in the pipeline for Germany, Holland etc, hopefully we will be playing all over the place soon, world domination is my aim!!

JROCK:  What do you believe sets Metalica U.K apart from all the other Metalica tribute bands out there?

EMMA:  Truthfully I would say the show that they put on, its both accurate and entertaining at the same time which is very rare to see in other tributes, there is an ease on stage which comes naturally to the guys and is not an act I think that makes a difference coupled with the fact that Rick bears an uncanny resemblance to James Hetfield which er might have something to do with why I married him haha – only kidding!

JROCK:  Do you believe that the band as a whole respects your opinion, take the advice you give them from time to time?

EMMA:  Tricky one! Yes I would say they do now, now they have learnt I do normally get things right!! It’s a bit tricky if you get new members, they take a bit of convincing at first til they see what I actually do for them!

JROCK:  I was curious what's the craziest thing you've ever had to deal with in acting on the behalf of Metalica U.K.?

EMMA:  The MySpace page!! People comment and send messages all of the time and they actually believe they are the real Metallica!! That’s weird.

JROCK:  What does the future hold for you and Metalica U.K.

Any chance the band may release a DVD/CD down the line?

EMMA:  We are in the process of collecting footage for a DVD so look out for that one!! As for the future, well….like I said before..World domination hopefully!!

An Interview with Rick Denman of Metalica UK

www.myspace.com/metallicauktribute

JROCK:  How long have you been a professional musician?

Rick:  Wow professional I like it, Firstly I wouldn’t class myself as professional he he he!!! But I’ve been playing music for money for about 4 years now, it seems f***ing wrong getting paid just for having fun.

JROCK:  What year was Metalica UK formed?

Rick:  Metalica UK was formed in mid 2005 under the name of FERAL CIRCUS, the non Metallica name was created with the plan to write original music.

JROCK:  How did you hook up w/the other members of Metalica UK and come to form the band?

Rick:  I have been In and out of bands for many years now, but about 4 years ago a guitarist friend from college phoned me about starting a band. He had been talking to his friend who is a drummer about forming a Metallica tribute band called SENTENTIA and they had decided that I was the man to front it. So the phone call basically consisted of (spoken in an excited manner) “DUDE GET THIS!!! Metallica tribute band, gig in 2 weeks we want you to front the band what do you think?!?!” and I was like. “S**T!!! Slow down dude! What are you on about” So he explained the situation to me and I nervously accepted the offer. It wasn’t until I put down the phone that I thought what the f**k have I done?!?!? How can I Rick Denman do what James Hetfield does?! Can I even front a band? Back then I even thought tribute bands were a bit cheesy so I decided from the start that I will just play the songs and perform as I would naturally, no acting or impersonating just be myself.

So I rocked with SENTENTIA for a while and from the first show I realized that there was something very special going on. But after about 12 month due to certain differences Sententia split and I decided to continue the tribute myself under the new name of FERAL CIRCUS taking bass player Gaz from Sententia and recruiting my brother Chris on lead guitar and this time the band would be run by a non band member, you see it was my band but I didn’t want to run it cause I’m a lazy f**k and I just wanted to play not work, and I’d seen the stresses caused by band members trying to run the business side and playing on stage in a f***ing mood. So I employed my good wife Emma as manager who has been involved with bands since the early 90’s and has a good business head so she seemed perfect for the job. She actually refused at first and it took me a while to persuade her but she finally came round to the idea and accepted. But this still left us short of a drummer. after a bit of searching we came across a young dude called Sam at an Iron Maiden tribute show (Iron On Maiden) turned out to be the guitarists son, we auditioned him there and then and just thought F**CK YEAH!!! So the lineup was sorted. The first 6 months or so were really hard due to there being a few other Metallica tributes on the scene, and some fat chauvinists who will not deal with woman, I didn’t know men like that still existed and I was starting to wonder what id dropped my poor wife into, but as time went on Emma grew stronger and more determined and the band got very popular very quickly and we were receiving positive comments from promoters, agents and fans from all over the country. But after about a year the turbulent nature of rock n roll struck again and we lost lead guitar & bass soon to be replaced by Joe Dobson (lead guitar) awesome guitarist and showman oozing with passion and enthusiasm and Jamie Robinson (bass guitar) the most unbelievable clone of Jason Newsted that you will ever see and hear. Then came the name change to METALICA UK as the band had gotten serious and promoters were questioning the old name (FERAL CIRCUS) as it had no relation to Metallica so METALICA UK it was spelled it with 1 (L) just to be on the safe side of the law. Then after about another year we lost our Newsted due to unforeseen circumstances, by this time I had learned not to put images of band members on posters & artwork to save expensive re-prints he he!!! Losing Jamie was a big blow to the band but we had to keep the show rolling so we replaced him with the tall mop head that you see on stage with us today called Joe Lally. And that takes us up to the present day with the new lineup being Rick Denman (guitar & vocals) Sam Horsfield (Drums) Joe Dobson (Lead Guitar) Joe Lally (bass guitar & vocals) it’s been one hell of a ride I can tell ya!!

JROCK:  Can you briefly tell me the story of how you first discovered the music of Metallica?

Rick:  It’s all my big brothers fault, back in 1988 while I was playing classical piano and church organ he was thrashing out Metallica riffs on an electric guitar and I thought F***K YEAH!!! I need some of that shit. So he kindly lent me one of his guitars and I learned my first Metallica song (Fade to Black) and played in his band for a short while and I’ve been hooked on Metallica ever since.

JROCK:  Why go the route of a tribute band rather than form a band that writes/records/performs original material?

Rick:  I never realized just how shockingly big the tribute scene actually is, I have always dabbled in original music with other musicians but people come and go and the songs that you write with them just drift into space when people part company, so I’m still writing original stuff for FERAL CIRCUS in my own time. But the thing that a tribute band has over an original one is there’s absolutely no money in original music unless you’re selling records, and I’m not selling records so tribute it is then he he!!!

JROCK:  What do you remember most about the U.K. music scene back when Metalica UK was just starting out?

Rick:  The live Rock scene was real good in the local bars & clubs and it still is today, but There seemed to be a lack of really heavy music being covered, id go out to watch rock cover bands and every time a Metallica song popped up in the set the response from the crowd was amazing, everyone just went mental plus id already done a year in the old Metallica tribute band SENTENTIA so I already knew that there was a hole that needed filling in so that’s exactly what I did.

JROCK:  What do you believe sets Metalica UK apart from all the other Metallica tribute bands out there?

Rick:  Even before I was in the tribute band I’ve always had James Hetfield related comments aimed at me so with Metalica UK There is no acting or impersonating going on, the likeness to Metallica is all coincidence, I have never studied James Hetfield in any way shape or form, so instead of concentrating on making sure I’m moving or standing properly on stage our main focus is on making sure everyone in the room has a f***ing good time, so if everyone is soaking wet and smiling at the end of the night that’s mission accomplished to us.

JROCK:  Have you ever met any of the members of Metallica or know if they are aware of your band?

Rick:  Unfortunately I’ve never met any members of Metallica and I’m not sure if they know of Metalica UK, but if they did I hope that they would be pleased that we are spreading the music and expanding their fan base as we have introduced many people to Metallica through our band.

JROCK:  Have you ever seen Metallica live?

Rick:  HELL YEAH!!! A few times but Donnington 1995 has to be the best show I ever went to it was just awesome.

JROCK:  What are some of your favorite Metallica songs to perform live?

Rick:  Sad But True, Master Of Puppets, Creeping Death, Blackened, Damage Inc. oh s**t the list just goes on and on.

JROCK:  Does the band change its set list frequently?

Rick:  We try to stick to a set for about a month or so but it never works out cause most of the time it gets changed while we are on stage in the middle of a show That really fucks up Karl (sound n lights) cause he has all the intro’s cued in the order of the set for songs like Roam, Blackened, Battery, Damage inc, One, the prayer in Sandman etc he starts to panic a bit, keeps him on his toes he he. Ya know if a crazy f**k comes up and screams !!!BATTERY!!! In your face you can’t ignore that ya just gotta do it he he. But every show we make sure we have all the classics in that you would expect at a Metallica show.

JROCK:  What was the largest audience you've ever played for?

Rick:  I always over exaggerate crowd sizes anyway so if there was 1000 I’d say 10,000 he he! As long as there’s too many to count that’s good enough for me.

JROCK:  What's the craziest thing that has ever happened during one of your shows?

Rick:  Eye witnesses say that a guy fainted in the crowd when we hit the stage about 10 seconds into the first verse of Blackened he said it was like traveling back in time to the late 80’s early 90’s when the overlords of metal ruled the world. He he he!!!

JROCK:  What do you enjoy most about the show you put on?

Rick:  Its gotta be the fans they create a vibe that’s just mental, sometimes they travel long distances just to see us perform and we really are grateful for that, and if it wasn’t for them we would have no one to play out and get drunk with on a night he he!!! It’s always an awesome feeling when your back stage, Ecstasy Of Gold blasting through the PA, your seconds away from launching on to the stage and you can hear the crowd chanting the band name. F**K there’s not much can beat that.

JROCK:  What's the hardest thing about putting on the show you put on?

Rick:  Staying sober he he!!! No really it’s far too much fun to call hard work. All you gotta do is keep your body in good working condition, otherwise it is hard work if you fu***d up physically.

JROCK:  Has Metalica U.K. ever played outside the U.K.?

Rick:  We must have been asked to play every country on earth by now which is cool except I’m shit scared of flying he he he!!! But it’s nothing a few beers can’t fix so it’s time we started granting those wishes. So this year it starts with a 4 day tour of Turkey then after that? Wherever we may roam, maybe rock some areas in the USA.

JROCK:  Has Metalica U.K. ever done any shows w/any established acts?

Rick:  99% of our shows are headline slots, so most of the time we tend to have one or two support acts before we hit the stage. But it would be a nice change to do a few support slots for some big names definitely.

JROCK:  What does the future hold for Metalica U.K. ? Any chance of a CD/DVD down the line?

Rick:  Yeah we have a DVD in the making, it will consist of footage from live shows, back stage drinking action with fans and just general stupidity, something to show the grand kids ain't it he he he!!!!

JROCK:  Are you involved w/any other bands/projects that you'd like to plug?

Rick:  FERAL CIRCUS if it ever gets anywhere my original band that I’m writing music for when I get my ass in gear that is.  He he!!!

Rick Denman
METALICA UK

An Interview with Steve Brownlee

JROCK:  How long have you been a professional musician?

STEVE:  Technically, you could say I've been playing professionally for 38 years. I was earning money at the age of 12 playing back yard parties and schools instead of mowing lawns or having a newspaper route like many of my friends.

JROCK:  Who were the bands/musicians that had the greatest influence on you?

STEVE:  Early on it was all about Cream, Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana

JROCK:  Where are you originally from?

STEVE:  I was born in Long Beach, California. I'm a first generation American as my parents were born in Greece.

JROCK:  What were some odd jobs you had early on to help support your musical dream?

STEVE:  Even as a teen playing my guitar generated most of my income. I also made money building high performance Chrysler Mopar race engines. To this day I have a love affair with Mopar race cars which are the best in the world. No race engine on Earth has more horsepower than the Mopar Hemi race engine.

JROCK:  You're a Singer, songwriter, and Guitarist. Which of those roles are you most comfortable with?

STEVE:  That's a tough question. It would really be between composing and playing guitar. Composing gives me a little extra happiness and touches me deep inside my soul. Writing music takes me to another place in spirit that I cannot explain in words. It's as if the songs I write were written in another place, coming out of a miraculous place I cannot identify. When I hear them played back in a studio I am overwhelmed with a joyous feeling. So while I am more than comfortable playing guitar, composing is much more rewarding spiritually.

JROCK:  I know that you define your music as Christian metal but from what I read on your web page it sounds like you had more in common w/the bands from the Sunset strip. Bands such as RATT, Great White, Rough Cutt, and Dokken than you did w/ other Christian metal acts such as Stryper. Would you agree w/that?

STEVE:  I would have to completely disagree. We didn't have much in common with most of the Sunset Strip bands, Christian or secular. Though I appreciate their music, JOSHUA was influenced more by the likes of Deep Purple, Rainbow, UFO, Kansas, Scorpions, Boston, The Allman Brothers, Journey, Pink Floyd. These are bands that had a greater depth in writing and melodic reference. Most of the Sunset Strip bands didn't have that kind of melodic power. To me Christian bands like Stryper and Barren Cross, while I respect them, just didn't seem to have that special blend of harmonic power and melodic sensibility. They seemed to have more in common with the Sunset Strip bands than JOSHUA. We didn't sound like any of them, to be honest. I do believe that is why many labels felt we did not fit with all the the rest of the L.A. bands at the time....we didn't do the hairspray and lipstick. We were also chastised for having underlying Christian lyrics. In fact after getting signed to RCA Records, the label had a fit after they saw an interview with a German Magazine that had some not so kind comments about my faith.

JROCK:  Other christian bands such as Stryper and Holy Soldier's music is really defined by their relegion. being that you're also a Christian metal act I was wondering if your religion plays a role when writing your songs?

STEVE:  My relationship with the Almighty comes out in every song I have ever written with the exception of my first album "The Hand is Quicker Than The Eye." That album was written when I was going through my rededication process into Christ and finding my way back to his full embrace. Since then in no way I can write a song that does not include my embrace, struggle and dedication to the Almighty. My relationship with Christ comes out of my lyrics and are taken from the word of God.

JROCK:  How old were you when you first started playing guitar?

STEVE:  I was only five years old when I picked up my first guitar.

JROCK:  What do you remember most about buying your very first guitar?

STEVE:  Would you consider yourself to be self taught or did you take lessons?  Getting my first guitar was an incredible experience. My parents immigrated from Greece and were hard working people who, having 3 sons, had a lot of financial responsibility. I pleaded with them for a guitar until they could not take it anymore. While other kids in my neighborhood all wanted bikes and skateboards, I kept hitting up my parents for that elusive guitar. Finally my mother agreed and bought me a Sears Silvertone acoustic guitar for $19.95. It was the hardest guitar to play but I just kept hacking at it. That was until I saved enough money to buy a Harmony acoustic guitar. That was easier to play. I practiced 3-5 hours a day. I loved playing every moment I could find. With that Harmony guitar I took 2 lessons and just hated them. While I was trying to figure out blues riffs in front of my instructor he got angry with me and told me to work from sheet music the song "Mary had a little Lamb". That just made me furious. I told my parents to save their money they were paying for the lessons and promised to learn on my own. I bought a book that had lessons for 4 songs by "The Ventures." It taught me by following the numbers on the guitar fretboard. That did it for me. I learned lead, rhythm and bass guitar to all four songs "Walk Don't Run," "Raunchy," "Tequila" and "Outer Limits." I just took off from there. I still play these songs. I am self taught and proud of it.

JROCK:  I saw on your web page that you're friends w/Paul Shortino, Jake E. Lee, Don Dokken, and Great White. I was curious if you were ever offered to join any of their bands?

STEVE:  I was contacted to join several signed bands. A one well known A&R agent in Hollywood kept telling me my albums were brilliant but he didn't want to try an market a another brand new act, although he had helped break out many bands of the Los Angeles scene. He suggested I join Ozzy, Dio, and Whitesnake and then make a solo career after I made a bigger name for myself. Several offers came in after some very successful JOSHUA shows at The Starwood, The Roxy, The Whiskey, and The Troubadour. In fact we had set an attendance record at the Troubadour playing two shows alone in one night with no support acts. I mean they were lined up around the block. The late Buddy Miles even came to a show one night and offered me a chance to join his band. But I just had to follow my own vision of leading my own great Christian rock group, but I was always humbled and honored that those kind of offers came in.

JROCK:  What do you remember most about your days of playing the Sunset Strip?

STEVE:  Playing the Sunset strip was wonderful.....and tiring. My roadies could tell you the good and the bad. The hardest part though was handing out and hanging 10,000 fliers per show at various rock concerts throughout L.A. We put up gigantic posters all over Los Angeles. You could not drive anywhere without seeing the name JOSHUA under freeway overpasses or 100 feet high on billboards. But it was awesome playing so many sold out shows. All the hard work paid off too. We were the talk of the town. Seems like all the L.A. based bands were coming to see us to see what they'd ben hearing about. Motley Crue, Ratt, Great White, Metallica, Aerosmith, Black and Blue, W.A.S.P., Stryper, Quiet Riot, Roughcutt....it was crazy!

JROCK:  I was curious if you knew Robbin Crosby? If so had you had any contact with him prior to his death?

STEVE:  Ratt opened for us so yes, I met the entire band. I really never got close to Robbin. I just ask God to bless him.

JROCK:  What has been the highlight of your career so far?

STEVE:  The highlight of my career was touring Europe, playing festivals in front of 45,000- 60,000 fans who knew every song. We were followed buy tons of fans to our Hotel rooms standing out from and singing our choruses all night long to us. Some actually tried to scale the Hotel walls to get near our windows. We were many stories up and it scared me to death that they might fall. It was an honor. I deeply love our fans abroad. I have a special affection towards them.

JROCK:  Of all your solo albums which is your favorite and why?

STEVE:  My favorite album is "Intense Defense". For me it has the melodies, lyrics and magic that surpasses all understanding. Though it is the worst recorded and produced, it's still my favorite as far as songs go. Because time ran out after one year in Dieter Dierks studio in Germany, we never really got the production we had hoped for. They just need to be remixed and remastered and they will sound awesome.

JROCK:  Of all the bands you've had the opportunity to tour w/over the years who have been some of your favorite bands to tour with?

STEVE:  I'd have to say Julian Lennon, Quiet Riot, Paul Shortino.....I mean there were many I loved playing with. They were so kind to us and treated us like kings.

JROCK:  Do you have a crazy road story you'd like to share with us?

STEVE:  In Holland, it seemed like came to see us. The town had a moat around it, like a town you'd see a fairy tale. We played to over 35,000 people. And we were getting hammered by the press. They threw us a huge after show party. Everybody there was buying us beers but the thing is we did not drink. There were potted trees all around the establishment and every time the people would toast us we threw our drinks into the tree planters. I remember seeing them full to the brim with beer. We did not want to hurt their feelings by not drinking the beer, so we did a good job pretending.

JROCK:  What are you currently up to?

STEVE:  My goodness, it's very busy right now in the Joshua camp. My manager Steve Brownlee has got his hands full with a worldwide press and marketing blitz about the re-release of three of my albums "The Hand is Quicker Than The Eye," "Surrender," and "Chapter One." He's also editting footage as we are also getting set to release a new DVD called "Intense Defense: Live in the Studio" that will also feature bonus live footage from several concerts I've played over the years. It is up close and personal, with some great views of my guitar picking style, and Rob Rock's incredible vocal range. I'm also getting ready to go back into the studio to record a new album called "RESURRECTION" with my good friend (and favorite singer of all time) Jeff Fenholt. Jeff sang lead vocals on the "Surrender" album. He has the most capable, beautiful and warm voice that I have ever heard in my life. He's so powerful. Jeff is a true virtuoso. We look forward, to our fans, enjoying this great departure, for JOSHUA PERAHIA.. We also plan on entering the studio, with some very well known players.

JROCK:  Your Manager mentioned to me one thing you're currently working on is re-releasing your back catalog. I was curious if there will be any additional tracks added to any of the CDs when they are re-released?

STEVE:  They won't have bonus tracks...we're saving the new songs for the new album. But they have all been remastered and sound better than ever! Two of them (Surrender and Chapter One) have brand new cover art as I was never happy with the covers before. They look awesome now!

JROCK:  What can fans expect from you in the future?

STEVE:  As always, they can still expect me to give my best effort, to be my best as both a songwriter and a performer. My songs are like my children. I have a deep and pronounced love for them. I write so that my music touches your heart. I love my fans and will always strive to please them through my blood, sweat, and tears.

JROCK:  Anything left you'd like to say to your fans?

STEVE:  I love you all. After so many years, it seems as if it only began yesterday. I look forward to playing for you and bring you the music that comes from my heart and soul. God Bless each and every one of you. I am truly honored by your patronage. Please stay in touch with us and come to www.joshuaperahia.com and www.myspace.com/joshuaperahia.com to keep up to date with our activities and contact us.