PAUL DI'ANNO On DIO's Passing: 'It's Never The Ratbags We Lose, It's The Bloody Good Blokes'

June 16, 2010

Australia's PressRecordOnline.com recently conducted an interview with former IRON MAIDEN singer Paul Di'Anno. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

PressRecordOnline.com: You're returning to Australia in July. Are you looking forward to the experience?

Di'Anno: The last time I was here I had a ball. I didn't spend enough time here though, so this time I am spending more time and seeing places I missed last year, like Tassie and Perth. I can't wait for Perth. I get to see my old mate Bon Scott and pay my respects. Also going to the south island of New Zealand, which I missed last time, too. Can't bloody wait, although you can stick the 24-hour flight; what bollocks that is. But it's worth it. Great country you got.

PressRecordOnline.com: So I hear your setlist is going to consist mainly of songs from "Killers" and "Iron Maiden" albums. What has the reaction been like overseas to the songs?

Di'Anno: Always get a good response for the old MAIDEN stuff. Seeing as it's 30 years since the first MAIDEN album, we thought it would be a good idea to play the whole LP for the fans. I'll also be doing a fair bit of "Killers". I also add a lot of my own songs from my various projects. There a lot heavier and in your face. But yeah, obviously 'cause of the MAIDEN thing, people always react well. I just get in shit if I miss some people's favorites. (laughs)

PressRecordOnline.com: I know in the past you have had objections to playing IRON MAIDEN songs. What made you change your mind?

Di'Anno: Ah, well, you know, I'm always gonna get asked to do them; I'd be strung up if I didn't. But this time round with the 30th anniversary and what-not, I thought I'd play the whole bloody album. Some of these songs I haven't played since 1980, so I am having to re-learn a couple like "Charlotte the Harlot". But it's all good; makes them fresh again to me ears.

PressRecordOnline.com: There have been quite a few losses for the metal/rock community in the last month, most notably the loss of Ronnie James Dio. I was just wondering what effect this had on you.

Di'Anno: Yeah, that was a bloody shame. Ronnie was a good bloke and loved by many. It's never the ratbags we lose, it's the bloody good blokes. It's a shame and he will be missed forever. Rest in peace, mate. Shouldn't have happened to him.

Read the entire interview from PressRecordOnline.com.

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