Metal Prophecy was a fanzine from Germany, written in German. But here's an interview translated to English to you.
RUNNING WILD
There's more. As usual, the four tough guys from the Reeperbahn started their set with "Diabolic Force", this time without an intro, but with a more aggressive and dynamic stage show than on their tour with Sinner (by the way, RUNNING WILD/SINNER tour shirts plus posters are still available for only 10 DM...). Besides the standard setlist from the "Gates To Purgatory" album, RUNNING WILD omitted older songs and played three additional tracks besides the title track of their new album "Branded & Exiled," including the demo anthem "Chains & Leather." Despite the low ceiling, the pyrotechnics were used extensively, so that even the headbangers in the back row had their eardrums fluttering with delight. Of course, "Adrian" was also unleashed, and during the encore "Prisoners Of Our Time," the resounding singing of the crowd in front of the stage almost drowned out the PA system at times!
In a fit of excitement, RUNNING WILD promptly dismantled the stage decorations and threw them into the audience, which of course only fueled the atmosphere even more. After a 10-minute wait, they reappeared on stage one last time. Since SAVAGE GRACE didn't perform, a third of the ticket price was refunded, and a free ticket (ooh?) for the ALASKA (oh!) concert taking place a week later was given out. Luckily, one could choose between the ALASKA ticket and the free ticket.
Choose a drink voucher. On the occasion of the line-up change at RUNNING WILD, here's a short Mayan-thought, er, interview with Rolf Kasparek and newcomer Majk Kup-per, who fits the band both visually and acoustically.
MP: Why did Preacher leave the band?
RK: The issue was that we wanted to work professionally, and Preacher simply didn't have enough money to make that kind of work at the moment. He had to choose between music on the one hand and his career on the other. He then decided to discontinue his studies.
MP: There were problems in Ludwigsburg with the extensive cordon and the security service.
RK: The security was from Ludwigsburg. We said we wanted a barrier because if anything happens to anyone during the concert due to the pyrotechnics, then not only we but also our pyrotechnician are liable. We insisted on the barrier. Of course, we want to put on a good show with lots of great pyrotechnics, but only with the necessary safety distance from the fans, because the fans don't know when the effects will start. There are actually people who peek into the pots, and if the thing goes off at that moment, you can forget about that guy; he's really done for. We want to avoid something like that; it's never happened before. It sucks for the fans, but it's for their own good, a safety precaution. We're not doing this because we want to show off some big stars, it's purely for safety.
MP: How did you get Majk?
RK: We placed ads in Metal H., a trade magazine, and a local neighborhood newspaper, and he responded to the ad in the trade magazine. We tried out all the people and listened to all the demos. Majk was the very last one to come, and we immediately said, "He's the one."
MP: And is he a full-fledged replacement for Preacher?
RK: He's definitely a better rhythm guitarist. He's not playing the parts 100% yet, but that's quite clear; he's only been with us for three weeks (mind you, at the time of the interview, Ed). So you can't expect too much yet, but for these three weeks, he's absolutely top-notch.
MP: Do you know anything about your next German tour yet?
RK: A German tour is scheduled for January, followed by Europe. There's talk of MANOWAR or TOKYO BLADE being the opening act.
MP: Wow! Was the gig in Ludwigsburg your only one with, or rather without, SAVAGE GRACE?
Yes, we played as a replacement for EXCITER. We found out on Wednesday that we were supposed to play. We then frantically gathered up the pyrotechnics and rehearsed "Chains & Leather," which we didn't play at Loreley. You really can't learn more than one song in three days, otherwise you seem insecure on stage. That's why we only played for such a short time, although, with the air quality on stage, it was probably for the best; I almost fell over several times. Stephan briefly passed out and fell over on stage. MP: I thought that was a joke?
RK: No, he blacked out, whoosh, fell backwards and woke up right away. It was unbearably hot, it was really extreme.
MP: Compared to your tour with SINNER, your stage presence was noticeably better...
RK: Yes, that's right, we realized from a video of the Bochum gig that more had to happen on stage, that we had to fire up the fans more and make some cooler announcements.
MP: Majk, have you settled in with RUNNING WILD yet?
Majk: Yes, definitely. It wasn't that difficult, since the people are very nice. But I have to say, it was also very short notice; we only had 11 rehearsals before Loreley and only one before the gig in Ludwigsburg. But I feel really comfortable with the group.
MP: Did you come from a band or did you go straight into the professional scene?
MK: I've been a professional for four years now, but more badly than well. I come from North Rhine-Westphalia and played in countless bands there, but it never really took off. I'm a professional, I've been making a living from music for four years, but things are only really getting started now with RUNNING WILD.
MP: Do you think anything will change significantly with RUNNING WILD if you help write the songs?
MK: I don't think so, no, in terms of style, nothing will change significantly. We'll see, I'll probably help write, but which songs make it onto the record will be decided together.
MP: Your wishes for the future, to stay with R.W.
MK: Absolutely! That would be the first and foremost wish, to stay with it and for the band to get off to a good start for all of us.
MP: Then good luck and thank you!
Text & Photos: Thomas