Troubadour was a fanzine from France, written in French. But here’s a translated interview for you.
VULCAIN
"BIG TOUR" 87
Finally, a French hard rock band is trying to tour since the TRUST fiasco! Only VULCAIN, the current crowd favorite, could have attempted it. Considering the number of people present in Nantes (around 250), we have every right to be seriously concerned. Is it because of this last album, too disappointing? Hard to say. But in any case, if the people who complain about the lack of concerts don't come when there are some, where are we going?
Okay, let's stop complaining! So we took advantage of our trip to Nantes to ask Daniel PUZIO a few questions. I still want to point out that, contrary to what I thought (see questionable photos in magazines), the guys in VULCAIN are extremely friendly, down-to-earth, and easygoing.
TROUBADOUR: Hi Daniel! So, how's this tour going?
D. PUZIO: It's going well. There aren't any problems between us. However, as for the audience, it's not always that good. But one thing that surprised us is that the crowds are very enthusiastic in the West.
T.: Apparently, at least 500 people were needed per concert for it to be worthwhile?
D.P.: Yeah, and did you see how many people there were tonight? We've done four dates and four times we've failed!
T.: What do you think is the reason for this?
D.P.: People prefer to stay in front of their TVs than go out! And what's more, there's no rock culture in France. It's crazy, when you... compare it to England. Over there, the streets are full every night. The last time I went, I went to the Marquee to see a band I hadn't heard of before, FM. Well, it was packed! It's the same for CHARIOT; they play at the Marquee every two weeks, and each time, there are 1,000 to 1,500 people. Besides, in France, it's not specific to hard rock; the NIAGARA and RENAUD tours didn't do as well.
T.: Also, in France, people only travel for the really big bands.
D.P.: Yeah, but take the north, for example; they don't have the infrastructure or the venue, but people go to the concerts. But I want to say that the audience in the west is very enthusiastic!
T.: About the Marquee, how did it go for you there?
D.P.: It was really great. But you see, the second concert was less exciting, but much more engaging because apart from about ten guys from the fan club, there were no French people in the audience.
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T.: Wasn't there also an English tour with ROGUE MALE planned?
D.P.: There was nothing concrete. But for ROGUE MALE, I don't know what happened; we got along really well with them, we did the same stupid things, and when we played in London, they didn't even come and say hello! I think they got a big head.T.: And Bercy, that must have been pretty impressive?
D.P.: Actually, we don't know if we played well or not, because we didn't get any feedback.T.: Some people admitted to me they didn't like it because there were too many new songs.
D.P.: You see, we only had half an hour and the album had just come out and we had to promote it a little.T.: Regarding this album, aren't you afraid of being seen as the new TRUST with these political lyrics?
D.P.: You see, we've been touring for four days, and that's the fourth time I've had to answer this question! (editor's note: sorry!!). Actually, "Big Brother" isn't a political album. There are only three tracks on the subject. Besides, the lyrics were written before the events of September.T.: Yet, the cover is very political.
D.P.: Yes, that's for sure. But as for the lyrics, I tend to talk about things that are close to my heart.T.: That's perhaps what sets you apart from other French and foreign bands who, when they're not talking about Satan, talk about love or science fiction.
D.P.: That doesn't interest me! Hey, I see you have SORTILEGE badges. You see, I don't have anything against this band, but even though their singer is very good, he has absolutely nothing to say! I don't claim to be an excellent singer, but I think that when you make rock, you have to have something to say.T.: There's also been a change in your music.
D.P.: We noticed that we couldn't make a living from speed in France (editor's note: whose fault is that?), so we decided to do something a little different. We have to eat too! Besides, our record company, VIRGIN, found there was something positive in our music and supports us enormously. We even recorded a video for Antenne 2.T.: So, will we be in the TOP 50 soon?
D.P.: We'd like that, but we shouldn't dream too much. Hey, I'll tell you something: there's something I really like, it's FRANKIES GOES TO HOLLYWOOD…T.:..!!! Is that true?
D.P.: Yeah, of course, it's very synthetic, but when you listen closely, you realize that this stuff is very hard. It's actually the only thing I like in the TOP 50 (editor's note: phew!!!).T.: Hey, for reference, how many albums do you sell in France?
D.P.: 15-20,000T.: And abroad?
D.P.: It's difficult to estimate because it's for export.T.: After France, will you be touring abroad?
D.P.: Yes, but I don't know if CHARIOT will be with us because it's very expensive. We'll be playing in Holland, Portugal, Spain, Belgium, and Switzerland. We recorded a music video for Swiss radio with the song "Supreme Soviet." It was very well received, and they received a ton of letters. For our concert in Geneva, there are already 500 reservations. We also hope to go to Canada in September, and maybe even go down there if it goes well. If it works abroad, we'll probably leave France. As I said earlier, you have to eat well.T.: In that case, no one can blame you. So thank you for this interview and I wish you all the best.
STEPH.