[ad_1]
In a recent interview with Metal Journal, DIAMOND HEAD guitarist Brian Tatler, who has been performing with SAXON since early 2023, was inquired about potential DIAMOND HEAD endeavors following the upcoming release of their live album, “Live And Electric”, on July 11 through Silver Lining Music. He replied (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “Currently, the live album is our primary focus. It launches on July 11th via Silver Lining. Beyond that, it’s uncertain. We have no plans for a new recording or scheduled dates as of now. I anticipated it would be challenging to organize DIAMOND HEAD performances after joining SAXON — which I did in March 2023 — due to their busy schedule potentially overlapping with DIAMOND HEAD gigs. Since we book shows six to nine months ahead, I wanted to avoid a scenario where I would have to cancel a DIAMOND HEAD performance for SAXON. So, I suggested we put things on hold. The management recommended the same: ‘Let’s take a break and reassess in a year or two.’ I’m content in my current situation, thoroughly enjoying my time in SAXON, which has seen a lot of gigging already, with more on the horizon and work on our next record ongoing. My plate is quite full, and I feel satisfied, leaving no craving to revisit DIAMOND HEAD. Having been part of DIAMOND HEAD since I was 16, it’s been quite a journey. I appreciate the challenges and changes, and collaborating with different musicians is enjoyable too.”
When asked if he maintains contact with original DIAMOND HEAD vocalist Sean Harris, Brian responded: “Not really. He follows his path while I follow mine. It’s just how things have turned out. Interestingly, we all live relatively close — the four original members are within about a mile and a half of each other — but we don’t see each other often. Sometimes, Colin [Kimberley, bass] and Duncan [Scott, drums] and I have gone out for curry over the past decade or so. I haven’t caught up with Sean for several years now. We just end up in different circles and have lost contact.”
Concerning substantial financial proposals to reunite the original DIAMOND HEAD lineup for festivals, Brian said: “Not really. There are occasional offers, but nothing significant… A few people might be interested, but it’s not a pressing matter. I doubt it would have a major impact. I mean, Lars [Ulrich, METALLICA drummer] has come closest to making it happen by reuniting us to perform at the NEC in Birmingham alongside METALLICA in 1992. In conversations with Colin, he has no interest in playing with DIAMOND HEAD again. After leaving the band, he sold all his equipment and hasn’t played bass since, except for that NEC show. We had a fun rehearsal long ago in Stourbridge, but that was about 2000, making it 25 years since then. So, it’s hard to envision the original lineup coming together again.”
DIAMOND HEAD has had a significant influence on numerous early ’80s thrash metal bands, especially METALLICA, which covered “Am I Evil?” as a B-side on their 1984 “Creeping Death” single, later re-released on their multi-platinum 1998 covers album “Garage Inc.” They went on to cover three additional DIAMOND HEAD tracks: “Helpless” (“Garage Days”, 1987), “The Prince” (“One” single B-side, 1989), and “It’s Electric” (“Garage Inc.”, 1998).
In a 2022 chat with Metal Pilgrim, Tatler reflected on whether DIAMOND HEAD would have remained a viable entity without METALLICA covering his songs. He stated: “Had METALLICA not covered DIAMOND HEAD — beginning with ’84’s ‘Am I Evil?’ on the ‘Creeping Death’ B-side — I might have had to seek employment elsewhere. It would have been challenging to sustain DIAMOND HEAD without that exposure to their audience, considering that those records sold millions. Countless people discovered DIAMOND HEAD thanks to Lars and his band. Many of our current opportunities stem from that connection. I’m immensely grateful for it. Sean [Harris, original DIAMOND HEAD singer] and I still earn writers’ royalties, which has undoubtedly augmented our name and brand, providing us with more opportunities — festival slots and support acts — since they associate us with METALLICA, considering we tap into their vast market.”
Almost five years ago, Tatler commented on METALLICA‘s renditions of his band’s songs during an episode of “Tatler’s Tales”: “They’re fantastic. They always deliver more power and a slightly faster tempo than the DIAMOND HEAD originals. They’re an impressive band with a unique sound. Naturally, it was very flattering. The first song they covered was ‘Am I Evil’, and they were the pioneer band to cover a DIAMOND HEAD song. It was released in 1984 on the ‘Creeping Death’ 12-inch single from Music For Nations. I felt honored that ‘Lars’s band’ chose one of our songs and did it with such respect, nailing the guitar solo. Everything was well-executed — quite close to our track, yet more modern and tough, with greater attitude.”
He added: “More power to them. It’s been a tremendous advantage for our band.”
According to Brian, the royalties from the DIAMOND HEAD back catalog, inclusive of the METALLICA versions of his works, provide him a stable living. “It’s my primary income source,” he disclosed in a 2019 interview. “It’s wonderful, and I can’t imagine my life without it. It affords me the liberty to pursue what I enjoy. I’m universally appreciative.”
A reimagined and re-recorded edition of DIAMOND HEAD‘s “Lightning To The Nations” was published in 2020 through Silver Lining Music. The album, titled “Lightning To The Nations 2020”, featured four cover tracks, including METALLICA‘s “No Remorse.”
“I aimed to cover a track from METALLICA‘s debut album, ‘Kill ‘Em All’,” Tatler recounted, “partly because METALLICA paid homage to our songs from ‘Lightning To The Nations’, which felt like a full circle moment. Though none of the band members were familiar with ‘Kill ‘Em All’ tracks, I suggested we learn ‘No Remorse’. When we entered the rehearsal room and played ‘No Remorse’, it instantly felt right; it was quintessentially DIAMOND HEAD and fit our style perfectly. Of the four covers we chose, ‘No Remorse’ immediately stood out as the best. I’ve seen METALLICA live more than twenty times, and they don’t often perform ‘No Remorse’, but it’s always a treat when they do!”
DIAMOND HEAD‘s most recent collection of entirely new material, “The Coffin Train”, debuted in May 2019 via Silver Lining Music. The album was crafted at Vigo Studios in Walsall, Circle Studios in Birmingham, and Raw Sound Studio in London.
[ad_2]
Source link