HELLYEAH's VINNIE PAUL: 'We're An Old-Fashioned Garage Band'

Brian Dukes of FayObserver.com recently conducted an interview with drummer Vinnie Paul Abbott (HELLYEAH, ex-PANTERA, DAMAGEPLAN).

FayObserver.com: What's it like to work with all these talented performers [in HELLYEAH]?

Vinnie Paul: We knew this band was going to be special from the start. It's been great because there's been no ego problems. We're a band, through and through, and we're having fun doing this.

FayObserver.com: Is there any added pressure or unrealistic expectations since you guys are, essentially, a "supergroup?"

Vinnie Paul: Not really. It's actually been refreshing to be a part of something that's not so high-pressure or that comes with high expectations. We're an old-fashioned garage band — just a bunch of guys jamming out and making music.

FayObserver.com: Is this band a creative outlet for you guys?

Vinnie Paul: Hell yeah, absolutely. We're creating things that you wouldn't necessarily find coming from MUDVAYNE or NOTHINGFACE or DAMAGEPLAN. This band stands on its own two feet.

FayObserver.com: What are some of your goals with this band?

Vinnie Paul: We knew that we wanted to accomplish three things: have a good time, create songs that are heavy but groove-oriented and that people could sing along to.

FayObserver.com: Every member of HELLYEAH comes from a different band with different fan bases. How have those fans responded to this collaboration?

Vinnie Paul: They've really embraced us from day one. They really seem to love how we've made fun, re-energized music that's not so serious and over the top — which is something that's been missing from the music scene for a while.

FayObserver.com: Of all the possible names, why HELLYEAH?

Vinnie Paul: It's simple, and it's a phrase we use all the time. It's very affirmative and full of attitude. When your buddy asks if you want to get a beer tonight, you don't just say "yes," you say, "Hell yeah!"

FayObserver.com: How many times have you said "Hellyeah"?

Vinnie Paul: I've lost count.

FayObserver.com: How'd you pick it?

Vinnie Paul: We had a rule. When we were looking for a name, that if you thought of something, you'd write it down and put it on an amp box outside of the studio. Well, someone wrote "Hellyeah," and we all just looked at each other and said, "Hellyeah!"

FayObserver.com: What are your future plans?

Vinnie Paul: Well, people need to know that this is a real band, not just a side project. We're going to take some time after MUDVAYNE gets done touring and promoting their latest album, and then we're going to come back and do this again — only bigger, badder, faster and harder.