From Dubai and back, York’s five-piece have grown to become one of the most popular metal bands the UK. Currently on their European tour we had a Q&A with the man who started it all, Ben Bruce.
Ben Bruce: I started this band about 8 years ago with different members. After a few years of playing together I decided I wanted to pursue this as a career, but the other members weren’t confident enough so I found all new members and started again. We jammed for about a month and packed up our bags and moved to the US. We recorded a few demos with Joey Sturgis and signed to Sumerian records a few months later after they heard our demos on Myspace. Within about a month we were in the studio recording our debut album ‘Stand up and Scream’.
► Regarding the US support slot with Guns n roses how did that come about-any crazy on the road stories from that particular tour?
We are already on a tour of our own at the time and our booking agent, Ash Avildsen called us and said, guys, pack your bags, you are jumping on a plane in 2 hours, Guns n Roses have asked you guys to be their main support. It took us completely off guard and was so last minute we didn;t even know if we could make it. But we did, and it was an incredible experience and honour.
► The second album Reckless and Relentless has recently been releasesd how has the bands song-writing changed on the latest release compared to your debut?
Reckless and Relentless was released 2 years ago, we are actually getting ready to release our third record within the next few months.
► What can we expect from the new album?
There are about 15 tracks we have so far, each of them addressing specific emotions and situations we have encountered over the last few years of touring. From the negative aspects to the positive aspects. It’s definitely our biggest record yet.
► Where do the individual band members draw their inspirations/musical influences from?
We all love rock and metal, but at the same time we all have other musical interests and influences that help us create Asking Alexandrias sound. For instance I am a huge blues fan, Eric Clapton, Gary Moore, Joe Bonamasa are all huge inspirations of mine.
► You have recently been added to the bill for Download-any personal thought,do you have any memories – stories of the festival as punters?
This will be our second time playing Download, and we really can’t wait. The first time we played was 2 years ago and we were on the Pepsi Max stage, this time we have been moved up to the Main Stage which is a huge honour and something we have all wanted for a very long time now. Download is always a great time and I have no doubts that this will be the best year ever.
► Future plans this year for the band?
We are releasing our new album this year so just a relentless tour schedule across the globe in support of that. We are also working on a movie this year.
► Good and bad points of playing in a band?
It’s every kids dream, to be a rockstar. Making that dream a reality is amazing. It is one of the most gratifying jobs in the world. Knowing that we make a difference to people and their lives in a positive way really means the world to us. The worst part about being in a band is the fact that you are away from home all the time, it gets difficult and very tiring at times.
► If each member could interview 1 personal hero,who would it be,and what 1 question would you ask them?
I would interview Ozzy Osbourne and I would ask him on a man date!
Twitter ► @AfuckingA ⁞ Facebook ► /askingalexandria
