KIP WINGER Says LARS ULRICH Is 'Not Really That Talented'

WINGER frontman Kip Winger was recently interviewed by rock and roll comic C.C. Banana. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.

C.C. Banana: In 2005 you were a featured artist on the VH1 Metal Mania Stripped Across America Tour, along with DON DOKKEN, STEPHEN PEARCY and FIREHOUSE. Jani Lane was also on the bill, but he ended up missing a bunch of shows and having a few well-publicized onstage meltdowns. Tell us what it was like dealing with a liability like that on tour?

Kip Winger: Poor Jani. That's a sad story, man. Jani is such a talented guy but he just can't seem to keep it together. He's a good performer, a good singer and a good songwriter, but he is also proof positive that drugs and alcohol will lead you to Hell. He'd be on stage and after three songs he'd throw the mic down and say, "Fuck this shit, I'm out of here!" To me, that's cardinal sin #1. The show must go on, baby! We finally had to throw him off the bus. We actually made him ride in the van! When he's straight, he's a sweetheart of a guy. It's all because of the drugs and alcohol, man. Just stay away from that stuff! Even Nikki Sixx will tell you that.

C.C. Banana: Have you ever thrown darts at a photo of Lars Ulrich?

Kip Winger: I've never done that. I really never had anything against the guy. In fact, when I first heard METALLICA's "black" album, I thought it was a really cool record... and then they just started taking shots at me, for whatever reason. But it's okay, Lars is not really that talented. He's got a lot of fucking money, though, so I'm sure he's happy. I actually felt sorry for him when I saw that "Some Kind of Monster" documentary. He was sitting there next to his dad, just seething with unmoved emotion over things that were still unresolved. It was really kind of sad to watch. But I do like METALLICA, they're a good band.

C.C. Banana: Do you have any other topics you'd care to address, Kip?

Kip Winger: Yeah, I just want to say that I read what Joe Elliott [DEF LEPPARD] said, slagging off bands like POISON and WINGER. I've gotten used to being the punching bag, I take it all! But POISON is really good live and Bret Michaels' own response to Joe was awesome. I also love DEF LEPPARD and I think they're a great band. But if Joe Elliott wants to meet me at an L.A. club of his choice with an acoustic guitar, leave the Pro Tools at home and I'll open up a can of whoop-ass on him!

The entire interview is available at this location.

C.C. Banana interviewing Kip Winger: