PAMELA MOORE: Thank God QUEENSRŸCHE's 'Sister Mary' Isn't The Real Me

Erik Remec of FREE! Magazine recently conducted an interview with singer Pamela Moore — best known for her performance as Sister Mary on QUEENSRŸCHE's 1988 epic concept album "Operation: Mindcrime" and last year's epic sequel "Operation: Mindcrime II". An excerpt from the chat follows:

FREE! Magazine: The latest QUEENSRŸCHE tour of the States was essentially a hard rock Broadway production. The crucial difference of course, is that you and the band performed each night in a different city. How are you able to do it every night without letting the stresses of being on the road affect your performance?

Pamela: It was a challenge! The show consisted of three hours of music, acting, costume changes, and media! Some [venues] were not big enough to handle our full stage production so we had to improvise, which at times became a little tricky. By the end of the night, I was very happy to finally get on the bus, head to my bunk, and collapse! It really took a lot out of us all, physically. Life on the road can be a lot of fun but you need to do everything in moderation or you will be sorry. I try to eat right, get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and take vitamins. It takes a lot of discipline but in the end you are happier for it...physically and mentally!

FREE! Magazine: It must also be very demanding emotionally, playing such a tragic character night after night. The story is certainly not a happy one although it does ultimately end on an uplifting note.

Pamela: I suppose you can say it was a bit grueling having to portray yourself every night as a helpless prostitute turned drug addicted nun who kills herself!!! [giggling] But at the end of the day, the brightest light for me was meeting the fans after our shows. The appreciation I received really boosted my morale and gave me the support and love I needed to keep things going. Besides, I was really only "play acting" ... thank GOD "Sister Mary" isn't the REAL me!

FREE! Magazine: I was actually at the shows in Seattle last year where you and the band recorded the new live CD/DVD (you guys did a great job!). Did you feel nervous knowing that the cameras were there or did you just treat it like another show?

Pamela: It was a very different experience to perform the show in front of cameras and camera men and a very exciting experience for me as well. Just the feeling of knowing your performance is being captured live on stage elevates or heightens your awareness and concentration. There was something magical about it for me…I want to experience it again someday! I can't wait to see the finished DVD! It will be my first glimpse at what the show actually looked like but with those great close-ups, etc.

FREE! Magazine: You have a much more prominent role in "Operation: Mindcrime II" compared with the original album. Did you enjoy getting back in the studio with the guys after so many years?

Pamela: I loved going back into the studio again with QUEENSRŸCHE. I guess you could say they have become my second family. I love and respect them so much and I feel the respect back from them as well.

Read the entire interview at www.freemagazine.fi.