{"id":48639,"date":"2015-03-13T08:29:36","date_gmt":"2015-03-13T13:29:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/?p=48639"},"modified":"2015-03-15T08:46:00","modified_gmt":"2015-03-15T13:46:00","slug":"interview-with-david-reece-of-bonfire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/2015\/interview-with-david-reece-of-bonfire\/","title":{"rendered":"David Reece of Bonfire"},"content":{"rendered":"

by Alexandra Mrozowska<\/span>
\n– Senior Columnist —<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For the fans of \u201880s melodic hard rock \u2013 the aficionados of German band Bonfire in particular – 2015 started with a big surprise. It\u2019s been only a few days into the new year when it was announced that Bonfire\u2019s lead singer Claus Lessmann does not intend to continue with the band, whose most recent endeavor was Branded<\/em> released in 2011. However, the band\u2019s founding member and lead guitarist Hans Ziller wasn\u2019t eager to put the band on hiatus, even though the other band members Chris Limburg and Uwe Kohler also subsequently left Bonfire. The remaining two \u2013 Ziller and the drummer Harry Reischmann \u2013 soon regrouped with \u201ca little help from their friends\u201d who they recently performed with under the moniker of EZ Livin\u2019. Bonfire is now Ziller, Reischmann, Ronnie Parkes (bass) and Frank Pan\u00e9 (guitar), the former Accept and Bangalore Choir singer David Reece taking on the vocal duties. Some fans being shocked by this volte-face turn, and some being nothing but excited upon such news.<\/p>\n

\"DavidHardrock Haven decided to strike at the heart of the matter and talk with David Reece about his viewpoint on shifting from EZ Livin\u2019 to Bonfire, the new album in the works and more!<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: The announcement of you replacing Claus Lessmann in Bonfire was one of the most electrifying news of early 2015. With Chris Limburg and Uwe Kohler also leaving \u2013 what is the reason for the line-up changes in Bonfire camp?<\/p>\n

David Reece: My understanding was that Claus decided to leave so Hans wanted to continue with Bonfire. I do know he asked Chris to continue, but Chris declined. Hans is Bonfire in my opinion and it\u2019s his life\u2019s work so he choose to continue.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: Some fans suggested you guys should rather continue under the EZ Livin\u2019 moniker. Was the alternative of calling it quits with Bonfire and pursuing your career with EZ Livin\u2019 taken into consideration?<\/p>\n

David Reece: No, I actually think we were more Bonfire anyway! Of course we did EZ songs from Firestorm but we also played many Bonfire songs too which the fans accepted me singing. So, when Hans asked me to become the Bonfire singer \u2013 I gladly accepted.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: Were you surprised by Hans\u2019s asking you to replace Claus Lessmann? What was the decision of recording a new Bonfire album like \u2013 was it easy to make?<\/p>\n

David Reece: I wasn’t surprised really\u2026 I do know he considered a few others but since we\u2019re been writing and touring together to me it\u2019s a natural choice. So the decision was easy for me.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: What\u2019s prompted you to say \u2018yes\u2019 \u2013 was it for personal, financial or artistic reasons?<\/p>\n

David Reece: I’ve been doing this for a long time. For me, I want to tour and with Hans\u2026 he’s actually the only person who has kept his word in that regard when he says we\u2019re touring, we\u2019re touring! He understands the importance of playing live to promote your new album and stay in the public eye.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: Having already evoked some mixed feelings among Accept fans by joining the German band in 1988-1989, weren\u2019t you afraid of the history actually repeating itself? I know you\u2019ve been reading through the discussions on social media \u2013 what was the reaction of Bonfire fans?<\/p>\n

David Reece: Ronnie Dio put it simply… place your head in the lion\u2019s mouth and if he bites down, there goes your head! Of course some are not happy\u2026 but that’s life \u2013 we tried to maintain the Bonfire sound but of course my vocals are bigger and more blues rock-based than Claus. So we shall see\u2026<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: In social media discussions related to your replacing Lessmann, you often argued you were a \u201chired hand\u201d in Accept and Tango Down. From an artistic viewpoint, is it equally satisfying as having your own band and pursuing your own vision, as it was with Bangalore Choir?<\/p>\n

David Reece: I did the hired gun thing to stay working, period. A voice needs to be used wide open to be totally real. Also I need to write and be creative. Being in a real band of course allows me to really open up! When I record a good vocal track I feel a sense of calm like nothing else \u2013 a sense of real accomplishment.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: Guessing by the social media updates, the new Bonfire album is in the works. Is the release date for the album already set?<\/p>\n

David Reece: Yes, we\u2019re done and it’s scheduled for April the 2 2015 release.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: You also worked with Alessandro Del Vecchio for the new album. Are you satisfied with the results of this collaboration?<\/p>\n

David Reece: Absolutely! I did all the vocals at Ivorytears Studio (Ale\u2019s studio) working each song. We finished in less than an hour on each one. I\u2019m happy because it\u2019s real. Alessandro also mixed and mastered the album \u2013 it sounds incredible.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: Was working on the new Bonfire album any different to you and the rest of the band collaborating as EZ Livin\u2019 before?<\/p>\n

David Reece: No, not really\u2026 Hans had about twenty ideas to choose from. He’s always got great ideas to work with so it was like before for me.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: With the new Bonfire album, did you pick up where their 2011 album Branded<\/em> left off, or perhaps, referred more to EZ Livin\u2019s recent Firestorm<\/em> music-wise?<\/p>\n

David Reece: No. We focused on the Bonfire sound knowing if we do this we have to be Bonfire! EZ Livin’ is a different sound altogether.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: While writing for the new album, did you have the Bonfire\u2019s style in mind or rather, your own influences that you brought to the table?<\/p>\n

David Reece: As I said before, we kept Bonfire in mind but a lot of our influences are obvious I think on this album.<\/p>\n

\"Bonfire2015\"<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: What do you think you have brought into Bonfire? How will the band\u2019s music change?<\/p>\n

David Reece: I’m obviously a more powerful singer than Claus so that’s a difference. Also lyrically I try to write about different things as opposed to clich\u00e9d \u2018baby, baby\u2019 lyrics.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: Which group do you think will be interested more in the new Bonfire album \u2013 the band\u2019s longtime fans, or rather your own fans \u2013 those of Accept, Bangalore Choir, solo career etc? Or maybe both?<\/p>\n

David Reece: All of them hopefully! We were aware of everyone and tried to maintain all the elements \u2013 I hear Bonfire and Bangalore Choir myself\u2026<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: How long do you think will the current line-up last? Do you see your tenure in the band as temporary, or a lasting one?<\/p>\n

David Reece: I’m in for the long haul\u2026 God willing.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: During the gigs you played as EZ Livin\u2019, you\u2019ve already had a chance to perform many classics of Bonfire\u2019s catalog \u2013 alongside songs by Bangalore Choir or Eat The Heat<\/em>-era Accept. How do you feel in the band\u2019s older repertoire? Do you personally like these songs?<\/p>\n

David Reece: Yes, I like them. We actually covered two Bonfire classics on this album as bonus tracks \u2013 just for the fans to hear me sing the old stuff.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: What was the audience\u2019s reaction towards the classics of your respective careers in the EZ Livin\u2019 setlist? <\/p>\n

David Reece: Very very good.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: We\u2019ve already mentioned Bangalore Choir a few times throughout this interview. With your tenure in Bonfire, what is your own band\u2019s status \u2013 is it on hiatus now?<\/p>\n

David Reece: Bangalore Choir unfortunately is over. Too much drama trying to maintain a course with them\u2026 Sometimes it hurts me.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: Do you plan to hit the road with the regrouped Bonfire and if you do, are there any confirmed dates?<\/p>\n

David Reece: Yes we begin in early May 2015 in Germany. Our schedule looks very good \u2013 I hope to do at least fifty shows!<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: What else does the future hold in store for you in 2015? Any other projects?<\/p>\n

David Reece: I’m always writing. I’d like to do another solo record soon.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: Looking back on 2014 from the artistic point of view, what do you think was the most satisfying experience you\u2019ve had? Was it a good year?<\/p>\n

David Reece: Touring Europe for me was amazing. We did many shows\u2026 also I did Melodic Rock Fest, Skullfest Wolfest and RocknSkull in America. It was a great year for me!<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: Touring with EZ Livin\u2019 throughout 2014, you visited lots of German venues as well as performed before the Czech, Swiss or Spanish audiences. What are your memories from this European tour? <\/p>\n

David Reece: My fondest memories are of the fans hugging me, thanking me etc. Some shows were light in attendance but overall it was really great. My voice was strong, I’m healthy and happy!<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: Talking about concerts, your Facebook profile is full of photos taken with fans after the gigs \u2013 how important is it for you to keep in touch with the audience?<\/p>\n

David Reece: It’s what keeps me going\u2026 to be honest, I’m blessed to be able to do this. I take nothing for granted.<\/p>\n

Hardrock Haven: Is there anything you\u2019d like to add in the end?<\/p>\n

David Reece: Just thank you\u2026 thank you all and I hope you enjoy the new record Glorious from Bonfire. I feel it’s some of my best work to date. See you on tour!<\/p>\n

Visit Bonfire online: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BONFIREofficial<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

by Alexandra Mrozowska – Senior Columnist — For the fans of \u201880s melodic hard rock \u2013 the aficionados of German band Bonfire in particular – 2015 started with a big surprise. It\u2019s been only a […]<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":48647,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12393],"tags":[9085,10931,9795,10929,10930,203],"class_list":{"0":"post-48639","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-arcint2015","8":"tag-accept","9":"tag-bangalore-choir","10":"tag-bonfire","11":"tag-david-reece","12":"tag-ez-livin","13":"tag-interview"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48639","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48639"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48639\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48647"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48639"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48639"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hardrockhaven.net\/online\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48639"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}