Paul Gilbert: rafabasa interview

Thanks to Alex Translated from Spanish:

Here you can read the interview conducted by Mar Thomas (RafaBasa.com) Paul Gilbert in his recent switch to Spain with Mr. Big:

- Well Paul, now the news is the return of MR. BIG, so I'll start asking about it. How did the idea of returning to join together and who was the forerunner of this meeting?

Paul .- Things happened slowly. One of the first steps came when Billy and I agreed a tribute to THE WHO. We formed one of a kind of supergroup: Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, Billy on bass, me on guitar and Gary Cherone from Extreme to the voice. We did three gigs and we had great. It was the first time I played with Billy after a long time. It was sensational to see each other and of course playing together. Perhaps that is where did the first step. After that Billy got in touch with me because I was preparing a solo album and wanted to contribute a guitar solo. I said yes and came to my studio in producer roles. I made the one and he was in charge of production. It was wonderful. Later, had a concert with my band at House Of Blues in Los Angeles. It turns out that the group was opening act Richie Kotzen and it occurred to me that Richie took the stage to play with me in the encore. In turn, I heard that Richie was drummer Pat Torpey, thus the idea was to also go up to play together. And completing the play I knew that Billy would attend the concert, which meant we were going to match various components of MR. BIG. I told everybody to rise to touch me. We had a great time and the audience went wild. I thought there just had Eric. I think from that moment we begin to entertain the idea to revive MR. BIG. At the end made dinner at my house they all came. I cooked for them and we were laughing, talking and remembering old times. We decided to try. The first site in which we played was in Japan, we had a little tour there with dates at the Budokan and Yokohama Arena, which are very large sites. We also act in Jakarta (Indonesia) in a huge show, and now we are in Europe.


- Was it difficult to persuade any member of the band to return or were you all fully determined to resurrect MR. BIG?

Paul .- No, it was not difficult. The timing was right. If anyone does not have liked, we would have expected. I think the main reason for the meeting is that everyone wanted to play. We have received many offers over the years. People told us: "if reconstruyérais MR. BIG ganaríais much money. " If we had not been prepared, would not have done. On this occasion there have been no deals involved, has been something that we have forged between us four. Just wanted to play, become friends, be together again. We had hoped to get good deals and it did, so here we are on tour.

- We were saying that this was the right time to set up the meeting. What has changed over the years so that now possible? Have you had anything to do with that marks the 20th anniversary of your first album?

Paul .- The truth is that it has been an amazing coincidence. It was not something planned, it was a coincidence. With respect to the other, has been a long time. I left the band in 1996 or 1997, ie 12 or 13 years ago. That is a long time. There came a point where I started personally miss MR. BIG, music and people. I think the same happened to the rest, we were eager to return to MR. BIG.

- Have you ever thought after leaving the band would come back when to get on a stage with MR. BIG?

Paul .- The truth is no. I was completely happy with my solo material and I still feel that way today. I have also been doing a lot of stories, including teaching and instructional DVD's out. In summary, I have been busy doing other things apart from MR. BIG. What happens is that MR. BIG is a huge part of my life. I MR. BIG 8 years, completely overturned in the band, focusing exclusively on it. We made 4 studio albums, several live albums, a lot of tours around the world ... It's been a huge part of my life and am happy to have a second chance to enjoy it.

- In line with what you said about live albums, the truth is, did you get a lot of them. What motivated you to edit both live material in the catalog for MR. BIG?

Paul .- The main reason is that much girábamos the label and they kept telling us they wanted a new album. We told them that was impossible because we were touring, we were not even at home to get to record an album. As MR. BIG was increasingly successful, make a live album was a way to edit new material to offer it to the fans. So they had to wait so long to come out a new studio album. Moreover, we felt proud of our live performances because they were true. The first album we took was titled Raw Like Sushi and simply contained what the table was recorded. The result of the mixer went directly to the recorder. It was impossible to change anything even if we wanted, even mixtures. But the fact is that it sounded very well and were proud of it. That was another reason, it is an important part of the overall band. We were a live band and so did not want to get study material only.

- What are the future plans of MR. BIG? Besides editing the DVD recorded this year at the Budokan, do you plan to work on a new studio album?

Paul .- Our future plans are limited to what happens every night. Tonight my plans boil down to Madrid, Spain. I hope you leave a big concert, I think about the issues that we play in so many details of the show ... I really do not think of a more distant future. Obviously we were preparing for the tour, rehearsing some new, practicing the songs ... But so many things that make a concert is magical, that happen spontaneously. Not the plan. Obviously everyone asks us the same thing, that if we get a new album, that if we play in America ... are things we like to do, but we have no plans to develop it. We just want to enjoy the moment and when we get home, relax a little and think about what we will do next.

- This meeting has been eagerly awaited by fans. For example there are many people who never have seen you live and will now have that opportunity, therefore it is something important to your followers. And as far as you are concerned, what does this meeting?

Paul .- I think the main thing is music and my friends Eric, Billy and Pat. That is, to touch this material with the original members. It is a recreation of what happened many years ago. But of course we want to offer it to the public, which is an important source of inspiration when we play. It is incredible to see the number of young people who are in the audience. When a band refloat it is clear that you expect to find your audience in the past. Our audience is always moved now in an age around 40. However, I also see kids of 14 or 15 when I look at our current audience. I am glad that their parents let them go!

- I would like to tell me how was that first day after the meeting in which you turn to put all four in a rehearsal room and ye wear to play together again. What was the feeling that you had?

Paul .- Oh, I'm trying to remember when was the time ... In my house, because there were just relaxing, talking. I think the first time to play together again was in Japan. We had traveled there to promote our return and announce the meeting. We were at the Hard Rock Cafe and had hundreds of cameras around: news, newspapers, magazines ... Everybody was there with his video camera. Then our manager told us it would be great if we played a little. But we had not rehearsed or anything. Anyway we managed to get an acoustic guitar, bass and microphones. We went, we announced that MR. BIG come back and we would do a tour. Without having tested touched Wild World, Green-Tinted Sixties Mind and Alive And Kickin '. It was unbelievable. Note that it is not only playing but singing, making the melodies among the four. But everything went smoothly. At that moment I felt the band was back together. It was the best time, when we play together. Because before that had just been talking and saying the meeting would be cool, but when we played again for the people, that was the best.

- Many years have passed since you left MR. BIG. What changes have you experienced during this time as a guitarist and as part of a band?

Paul .- Over 13 years as a solo artist I recorded a lot of albums, I have many classes and I left a lot on tour, so as a guitarist and a musician I have learned enormously. I think the rest of my classmates happened to them alike as they have been working and making records. There is another aspect for which I was excited to return to MR. BIG, and it is because I think my more bluesy style has improved enormously. When I entered MR. BIG RACER X came, ie at the time was very metal. I still really like metal, but during the last 15 years I've learned a lot more blues, pop, jazz, funk, etc.. Many of these styles fit great in the songs of MR. BIG and is something I am enjoying myself.

- Speaking of Racer X, how was your adaptation to move heavy material Racer X to the music more hardrockera MR. BIG?

Paul .- The best thing is that I can learn from Billy, Pat and Eric, who had more experience than me. You know, Billy had been with DAVID LEE ROTH, had performed all over the world in large blocks, Eric already had his records, Pat had played with a lot of famous people ... I was the least experienced of the four. In the first tests I remember watching the rest remained still to learn from them. In our second album, Lean Into It was when I started to gain confidence and get more involved in the compositions and the ideas for the band.

- But he missed most metal music Racer X or I was a natural step to doing other material as a guitarist?

Paul .- It was a natural enough step. Note that I grew up listening to THE BEATLES, ROLLING STONES and THE WHO. So many styles of music I like! It is a circus! Now I'm even a jazz fan. Not quite there to touch him but ...

- Looking back, what was the main reason you left MR. BIG?

Paul .- At that point we had 8 years working nonstop. All our passion was in the band and getting to succeed, but in turn I think we overfished. We were exhausted, we no longer fun. Apart from that, I personally have much confidence that you could launch a solo career. I wanted to implement certain ideas that he knew would not fit in MR. BIG. That was the right time to do so. I knew the band needed a break and I wanted to do different things, so it was time.

- There have been many things said and written about the situation that went through the band before splitting: problems, misunderstandings, bad vibes among its members. How are you tackling this from the meeting? How have you managed to solve problems and make a fresh start?

Paul .- I think all of that disappeared from a very natural way. Furthermore, we know very well between us. For 8 years we were living together almost like a family. We know our personalities and that you can use it for good or ill, so we are using it for good. We know how to behave among us so that there are good vibes. Everything is in order. In addition, we now have a new philosophy in the band: Do not work too hard. We give our all to make good concerts, but when the tour ends, if we need a break we'll take it. No more having to return to the studio to the force. Now we'll be sure to have fun in each and every one of the things we do.

- Well, now you are more mature as people and as musicians, that helps too, right?

Paul .- When we formed MR. BIG were people who knew something of us, who knew Billy Sheehan or Racer X, for example. But now is different. We have a lot of time in the world of music, we achieved a number 1 which was To Be With You, ie not have to be so pressured by the obligation to succeed. We have a history that gives us great confidence.

- When you left MR. Richie Kotzen BIG went in your place. Do you think that somehow got lost in the spirit of the band?

Paul .- Richie is great. In fact I did a little tour with him and I love how he plays. It's just different to me. Any band that lame, if you change one component is changed a little sound and group dynamics. I really like Richie did some things with MR. BIG. I love Shine, which I think is mainly the work of Richie. He made some good tracks with the band.

- By the way, have you thought to include material from the days of Richie at some point in the tour?

Paul .- I should call him to teach me the themes, haha. No, we only original songs of the era.

- There is something that always caught my attention, and how he survived and triumphed MR. BIG in the late 90s, when most hard rock bands collapsed and lost the support of record companies and media. Why do you think MR. BIG was an exception?

Paul .- To know! When you have a band can only do your music, but you can not control how people will react. We were lucky that responded positively. It is clear that in the 90s music trends evolved tremendously, but I think these changes did not affect too much in Japan. Bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam were huge in the U.S., but less so in Japan, where bands like MR. BIG, Aerosmith and Bon Jovi were still very large. That was fantastic for us. We also continue turning good deal in Europe in the 90s, and even in America, South America, Russia, Canada ... In Southeast Asia also function very well, with fans in Indonesia, Thailand, Korea ...

- The truth is that you were some survivors in the hard rock of that era.

Paul .- Well, we just did what we wanted to do. You can not control the response of the fans, just waiting for you like your stuff. The best thing to do is compose the music you like. I think fans can say that we are an honest band. If MR. BIG had tried to sound like I think Nirvana would have reacted negatively, so it was better to continue playing as MR. BIG. People who like our music is still there from the beginning, has not abandoned us.

- As you say, I understand that you are not currently plantearíais change your sound in the course of releasing a new album. You would still sounding MR. BIG, right?

Paul .- Yes, there is another option. We are very handed musicians. We got into the music thinking that we would win so much money. That's ridiculous. If you want a good job you get a doctor, scientist or bank clerk. But we have a passion for music. If we succeed, welcome. If it does not matter. The key is to pick up the guitar and you like how it sounds.

- Before the issue came out of your success in Japan. Has clearly been an important market for MR. BIG, in fact, this reunion tour began there. How has the public response in Japan after all these years? Do you think the Japanese market remains as strong as it once was you?

Paul .- The response was incredible. Everything was very curious. We made the announcement of the meeting in Japan and contacted with a developer with very important here that we used to work: Mr. Udo. We said we wanted to play at the Budokan, a popular website where they have played bands like Cheap Trick, The Beatles or their own MR. BIG. We act there in the 90s and had three sold-outs. When we told the promoter told us that it was complicated by the economic crisis and by the time we'd been in dry dock, so we encouraged her to us to choose a smaller site. But we insist that wanted to play at Budokan. The promoter was really nervous about how sales go, but our manager insisted that we had to. Eventually agreed, but still raise eyebrows and express their doubts. However, when tickets went on sale sold out in 5 minutes. It worked. We made a total of 10 concerts and fill at all. The developer wanted to add more dates at the end of the tour, but was impossible because we had other commitments. Anyway, if it had not maintained a very conservative stance in the beginning, we could have filled larger rooms in other cities where we play.

- If you had to choose your best moment in the career of MR. BIG, with what would you choose?

Paul .- Oh, two days ago in Paris. It was a great show. I hope tonight is even better! Regarding the old days, there was a concert in Brazil that was unbelievable. It was held outdoors and attended by some 100,000 people. None of us have never played for both the public. It was a moment to remember. Also when To Be With You reached number 1 in several countries. It was something we expected, because usually the numbers 1 the reach of pop artists like Madonna or Michael Jackson, not hard rock bands, so we were surprised to succeed in this field.

- And the moment you'd like to forget?

Paul .- Jajajajaja, I've forgotten!

- Wrong answer!

Paul .- In truth, what I do not like oblivion. Well, every show we improvise a lot. We do not play the songs in the same way. That means that each show is unique and different, with great moments that will not repeat that pertain only to that night. But they also make mistakes in every concert. As a musician, I make a mistake if I shot of the hairs. These are usually the moments that I would like to delete.

- Changing the subject slightly. Previously we mentioned to RACER X Are you planning to do something with the band in the near future?

Paul .- The future plans ... is what I said before. There are many things I'd do: RACER X, my solo career, sung solo albums, solo instrumental albums, DVD's instructive, even go to class. If I could I'd take 6 months to give lessons to my favorite teacher. That makes you much better as a guitarist. I'd like to do too much. We do not currently have any plans because I'm focused on MR. BIG. And the first thing I thought of doing when I get home is take my time. We traveled so much that my internal clock is knackered. So the first thing I want is to free my mind, strengthen my body and then we'll see.

- Before you told me you like to give guitar lessons to improve. In line with this, I wonder for how many hours you rehearse daily.

Paul .- The truth is I do not timer. I do not like setting a time, schedule a stop watch and at 2 hours, for example. I practice a lot, but I do not like playing scales. Almost never do. To me what I like is learning songs. I will do some clinics in a couple of weeks, between the dates of MR. BIG, and will be all new songs, so that I'm practicing: memorizing the lyrics, arrangements, etc.. I'm always learning songs.

- I imagine that within that song learning could also cover the taxes you've done with people like Mike Portnoy, right?

Paul .- Well, the truth is that it is difficult for a guitarist. When I started playing the guitar taught. She was 6 and ran away from that quickly because the teacher focused on practice notes. However for me, music means listening, not reading. So after 6 years I hated him, and I said I did not want to play guitar. In the end I started to play by ear. With a couple of songs I learned new chords, new single ... That's my teacher. I always want to improve as a musician and for me the best way is to learn songs.

- Who you heard in that time when you started to play by ear?

Paul .- To all who were known by then. I started playing in 1976. I listened to the great: LED ZEPPELIN, AEROSMITH, TED NUGENT ... Of course I also listened a lot to THE BEATLES, THE STONES, THE WHO, THE RAMONES, CHEAP TRICK, HEART (which I really like), FRANK MARINO & MAHOGANY RUSH, ROBIN TROWER, AC / DC, VAN HALEN, SCORPIONS, UFO, Gary Moore, Yngwie Malmsteen, that's a bit later in the 80s ... The Japanese LOUDNESS, SEX PISTOLS, IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, SAXON, TRIUMPH, RUSH (I greatly influenced) ... A lot. My years favorites ranging from 1974 to 1984. For me it is the golden decade of the guitar.

- I'd like to ask a curiosity. Why are you wearing helmets on the scene?

I hear Paul .- It is very bad. I like music so much that I've always been listening and working on it, playing guitar, doing odd jobs in engineering and mixing ... All this has led me to lose a good part of my audition. So now I try to save the remains. Helmets that took me insulate against the very high volume on stage there, so I do not hear much noise. Van wireless connected to a flask and get a very good blend of my vocals and guitar, along with a bit of drums and the rest of the band. Sounds great. I find it easier to sing and tune, sounds great. I wish I had done before, would have kept my own hearing! It is very important especially when you sing. The guitar, but not hear, can touch and handle. But singing is essential that you listen. Before using the helmet, it was more complicated because the volume is so loud on stage that I could hear myself.

- Coming to the end the interview, I want to tell me about the experience meant to you the G3 with Petrucci and Satriani.

Paul .- It was great. It was the first time he participated in the G3. Most of the performances were in the U.S., along with a couple of shows in Canada. What surprised me most was the audience. It's funny because, although I am a music fan, I do not hear much guitar instrumental. He had taken out an instrumental album recently, but it was something I did not throw much. I was more interested in the music sung: THE BEATLES, VAN HALEN, LED ZEPPELIN ... Bands with singers. My position was quite cynical about the guitar instrumental and stated that he did not like anyone because the people demand the presence of a singer. However when I played with the G3 the crowd of people was enormous, with concerts across the region. This made me realize that people do not like the guitar instrumental. It was very inspiring and, thereafter, I took the instrumentals a lot more seriously. I tried to work hard and edit good guitar albums. Joe and John behaved fantastically and made some great jams. It was something that opened my eyes and made me understand that there was such a culture.

- Other guitarists with whom you have played recently have been Richie Kotzen, George Lynch. Have you found it strange to share the stage with which MR was your substitute. BIG?

Paul .- For nothing. Note that I left before Richie got in, so there is no problem. If I had thrown Richie would have been different, haha. Seriously, everything is fine. I like playing with Richie, is a great guitarist, very good for jams. They sang great.

- Now you are done. Thank you very much for the interview. Good luck in the concert tonight!

Paul .- Thank you.

Mar Thomas