FIREWIND Guitarist: 'Waiting 10 Months To Tour Behind An Album Isn't Good Business'

Ruben Mosqueda of Oregon Music News recently conducted an interview with FIREWIND/OZZY OSBOURNE guitarist Gus G. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.

Oregon Music News: FIREWIND released a new album, "Days of Defiance", last October. There wasn't much promotion in the United States due to your commitment to Ozzy. Why release it then rather than after you completed the touring cycle for [Ozzy's] "Scream"?

Gus: Yes, we actually did four shows in America last November. Those shows were like release parties with the band playing a set. Shortly after the release date of the album I had a week off from touring with Ozzy and we did those gigs. Like you said, there wasn't any extensive touring. It was due in part to touring with Ozzy but now that that tour is done we can promote "Days Of Defiance".

Oregon Music News: I'm curious as to the reasoning behind "Days Of Defiance" being issued last year when no proper promotion would be done. Was that your idea or the label?

Gus: If were up to me, I would have released the album after I would be available to tour behind it. This was the label's idea who wanted to the album out. Our current label, Century Media, wanted it released; they said, "We paid you to record the album and we want the masters." I said, "Okay here you go." I didn't feel good about it. This is the politics of the music business, I tried to make the label see that sure we'd get some press due to my involvement in Ozzy's band but we would not be able to tour. Waiting 10 months to tour behind an album isn't a good business. I'm doing this tour mainly for our fans that haven't had a chance to see us do the new songs. I know that we are not touring behind a hot record right now but we are keeping the FIREWIND name alive.

Oregon Music News: There's a trend among labels where they reissue albums with bonus tracks when the bands hit the road as a way to spark interest in the album. Like you said, the album isn't hot right now but is an expanded version in the works now that you're hitting the road?

Gus: We have thought about it but it goes back to the politics with our label. This was our last album for Century Media and unless you're signed for long-term contract they aren't going to do much for you. So for FIREWIND, this time around, there wasn't any creative marketing behind the album. It's sad because I do feel that it's our best album to date and the fans absolutely love it. Unfortunately, there could have better promotion and Century Media should have waited a few months to release it, but that's record label politics for you.

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