DEICIDE Guitarist Answers Fans' Questions

DEICIDE guitarist Jack Owen has been answering fan questions for last few weeks via the Earache Records forum. A couple of excerpts follow:

Q: Ralph [Santolla, other DEICIDE guitarist] was quoted on a website after one of DEICIDE's gigs was cancelled due to artwork on a poster saying that he was a strong Catholic. Being that Ralph is in DEICIDE, I wondered if Ralph was misquoted or whether it was lies printed by the press? Also, how goes playing in DEICIDE compare to other bands you have been in?

Jack: "In my opinion, Ralph is more of a theologist than a religious person. He can tell you the history of every religion. So I believe he respects religion and its history. I can't answer for Ralph, so I'm just giving my observation of him as a friend.

"As far as playing with DEICIDE compared to other bands? It's a bit more fun and layed back. Our schedule is a lot more flexible..."

Q: I was just wondering if you could tell me what the deal was with DEICIDE being banned from playing in New England. How did this happen? And is it permanent? As a Massachusetts resident and fan, I am very interested!

Jack: "DEICIDE had an issue with Massachusetts before I joined the band. I'm not sure of the details. But it is only MA, and not the whole of New England."

Q: How long/many more albums are you guys (Glen, you, Steve, Ralph) planning on doing?

Jack: "There is one more album left on our contract with Earache. After that, we'll see who shows interest in the band!"

Q: What inspires you to play the type of music you do. And also, what advice do you have for young musicians in the extreme metal genre?

Jack: "For some reason, I just kept searching for the next heaviest band to listen to. It started with KISS when I was a kid and progresed to MAIDEN, PRIEST, KREATOR, SODOM, VENOM, AUTOPSY, etc... So when I started playing guitar, I guess I took the same approach. Always trying to write/play the heaviest shit ever!

"And as far as young musicians? A good thing to do is learn some cover songs yourself and go to open jams. This way you learn different techniques, meet other players, and learn to play on any gear you might have to. It's a win/win situation. Just don't worry what anyone in the crowd thinks. Let's see them get on stage and play better, and if they could, they wouldn't be heckling in the first place!"

Q: How did you find the Deicide gig?

Jack: "I knew the guy who was tour managing them at the time, and he thought of me when they needed a guitarist to go to Europe in two days!"

Q: What prompted you to join the band after such a long stint in CANNIBAL CORPSE?

Jack: "Well, I had quit CANNIBAL CORPSE about six months earlier, and I've known the DEICIDE guys forever, and I needed a job! I also realized that death metal is what I do best, so why not... I've never stopped listening to extreme music, contrary to what many have speculated."

Read more questions and answers at this location.