Chris Jericho: I was to originally host WWE Tough Enough!
By Phil Allely
Former WWE superstar Chris Jericho is currently in the UK on tour with his rock band Fozzy, our very own Phil Allely caught up with Chris to chat about what he and Fozzy have been up to over the past year, his wrestling plans and much more.
‘I’m not a big fan of reality TV shows, but I was tempted with the offer to host WWE’s Tough Enough. So it could have been me there fronting it instead of Steve (Austin), but dancing with the Stars came up and I couldn’t do both. It would have been cool to do it. Steve’s awesome on it though and he’s made it his own, I’m glad it’s got a second series. People ask if I’d be a trainer on the show (like) Trish, Booker and a Bill. But that’s not me really. Hosting is a different matter, I’m game for that. I’d love to do another game show or other things, I’ve plenty of interests and lots to explore in showbiz.’
Every month or so the rumour of a Jericho return to the WWE rears its head. As one of the most high profile freelancers in the business the former multiple time world champion could have his pick of wrestling organisation, if he so desired to return to the ring.
‘I mean there have always been rumours about me, people want to see me back in the ring. I’m not against going back I’m busy elsewhere though, at present I have no plans to appear for the WWE. I’d not do a one-off I don’t believe in that, if I never go back I’m fine with that, I’d want to come back for a reason and make it a long run. I’m either in or out, no one shot deals or false starts. My loyalties are with the WWE though, so I’ll not be turning up in TNA or doing a Japan show. I don’t see the sense on going somewhere else when I have worked for the best.’
WWE’s most ambitious storyline yet is the year-long build up to the Rock versus John Cena encounter planned for WrestleMania. Would a match of that magnitude on the table have persuaded Jericho to step back into the ring we wondered?
‘That’s a tough call, I maybe would have gone for a spot like that, but I’d have not really went for a short time deal. I mean Rock is only doing a handful of appearances between then and Mania. I’ve always been a bit radical, so I’d make a deal like that suit, Rock and Cena will be fun to watch, it’s a long drawn out thing though. Maybe a bit too long, I’m not sure? You know in all honesty in my 2009-2010 run I think I was at my career best, so if I never wrestle again I have no regrets’.
Acclaimed author Jericho has also signed a new deal for a third book based on his career, this as yet unnamed title will look at the period from 2007 to the present days, taking in his return to the WWE and his tours with Fozzy.
After many years of slogging away on the UK/European and US live circuit Fozzy have began to make their mark. This summer they were included on the bill for the Sonisphere Festival, and event that Chris is extremely proud to have been a part of.
‘That was a great show, the crowd were wonderful. We were on before Slipknot and we loved the experience, it was a cool vibe. I think we all really enjoy the big stage, there’s lots of space to go roaming around. We played tracks from our current album Chasing the Grail. In fact this tour we are on now is the last one for Grail. Next year we are heading to the studio to record our new album, then next summer we will be back hitting the road in the UK to showcase it.
Visit www.fozzyrock.com for more information on the band and their music.
Tour dates are as below.
Nov 02, 2011 Wed 7:00 PM Sub 89 Reading, UK
Nov 03, 2011 Thu 7:00 PM Talking Heads Southampton, UK
Nov 04, 2011 Fri 7:00 PM CF-10 Cardiff Univ Cardiff, Wales, UK
Nov 05, 2011 Sat 7:00 PM Kasbah Coventry, UK
Nov 06, 2011 Sun 7:00 PM The Well Leeds, UK
Nov 07, 2011 Mon 7:00 PM Rock City Basement Nottingham, UK
Nov 08, 2011 Tue 7:00 PM Cathouse Glasgow, Scotland,
Nov 09, 2011 Wed 7:00 PM Fibbers York, UK
Nov 10, 2011 Thu 7:00 PM Central Station Wrexham, Wales, UK
Nov 11, 2011 Fri 7:00 PM White Rabbit Plymouth, UK
Nov 12, 2011 Sat 7:00 PM WAMA High Wycombe, UK
Nov 13, 2011 Sun 7:00 PM Concorde 2 Brighton, UK
Showing posts with label fozzy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fozzy. Show all posts
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Chris Jericho Interview Highlights
Chris Jericho: I was to originally host WWE Tough Enough!
By Phil Allely
Former WWE superstar Chris Jericho is currently in the UK on tour with his rock band Fozzy, our very own Phil Allely caught up with Chris to chat about what he and Fozzy have been up to over the past year, his wrestling plans and much more.
‘I’m not a big fan of reality TV shows, but I was tempted with the offer to host WWE’s Tough Enough. So it could have been me there fronting it instead of Steve (Austin), but dancing with the Stars came up and I couldn’t do both. It would have been cool to do it. Steve’s awesome on it though and he’s made it his own, I’m glad it’s got a second series. People ask if I’d be a trainer on the show (like) Trish, Booker and a Bill. But that’s not me really. Hosting is a different matter, I’m game for that. I’d love to do another game show or other things, I’ve plenty of interests and lots to explore in showbiz.’
Every month or so the rumour of a Jericho return to the WWE rears its head. As one of the most high profile freelancers in the business the former multiple time world champion could have his pick of wrestling organisation, if he so desired to return to the ring.
‘I mean there have always been rumours about me, people want to see me back in the ring. I’m not against going back I’m busy elsewhere though, at present I have no plans to appear for the WWE. I’d not do a one-off I don’t believe in that, if I never go back I’m fine with that, I’d want to come back for a reason and make it a long run. I’m either in or out, no one shot deals or false starts. My loyalties are with the WWE though, so I’ll not be turning up in TNA or doing a Japan show. I don’t see the sense on going somewhere else when I have worked for the best.’
WWE’s most ambitious storyline yet is the year-long build up to the Rock versus John Cena encounter planned for WrestleMania. Would a match of that magnitude on the table have persuaded Jericho to step back into the ring we wondered?
‘That’s a tough call, I maybe would have gone for a spot like that, but I’d have not really went for a short time deal. I mean Rock is only doing a handful of appearances between then and Mania. I’ve always been a bit radical, so I’d make a deal like that suit, Rock and Cena will be fun to watch, it’s a long drawn out thing though. Maybe a bit too long, I’m not sure? You know in all honesty in my 2009-2010 run I think I was at my career best, so if I never wrestle again I have no regrets’.
Acclaimed author Jericho has also signed a new deal for a third book based on his career, this as yet unnamed title will look at the period from 2007 to the present days, taking in his return to the WWE and his tours with Fozzy.
After many years of slogging away on the UK/European and US live circuit Fozzy have began to make their mark. This summer they were included on the bill for the Sonisphere Festival, and event that Chris is extremely proud to have been a part of.
‘That was a great show, the crowd were wonderful. We were on before Slipknot and we loved the experience, it was a cool vibe. I think we all really enjoy the big stage, there’s lots of space to go roaming around. We played tracks from our current album Chasing the Grail. In fact this tour we are on now is the last one for Grail. Next year we are heading to the studio to record our new album, then next summer we will be back hitting the road in the UK to showcase it.
Visit www.fozzyrock.com for more information on the band and their music.
Tour dates are as below.
Nov 02, 2011 Wed 7:00 PM Sub 89 Reading, UK
Nov 03, 2011 Thu 7:00 PM Talking Heads Southampton, UK
Nov 04, 2011 Fri 7:00 PM CF-10 Cardiff Univ Cardiff, Wales, UK
Nov 05, 2011 Sat 7:00 PM Kasbah Coventry, UK
Nov 06, 2011 Sun 7:00 PM The Well Leeds, UK
Nov 07, 2011 Mon 7:00 PM Rock City Basement Nottingham, UK
Nov 08, 2011 Tue 7:00 PM Cathouse Glasgow, Scotland,
Nov 09, 2011 Wed 7:00 PM Fibbers York, UK
Nov 10, 2011 Thu 7:00 PM Central Station Wrexham, Wales, UK
Nov 11, 2011 Fri 7:00 PM White Rabbit Plymouth, UK
Nov 12, 2011 Sat 7:00 PM WAMA High Wycombe, UK
Nov 13, 2011 Sun 7:00 PM Concorde 2 Brighton, UK
By Phil Allely
Former WWE superstar Chris Jericho is currently in the UK on tour with his rock band Fozzy, our very own Phil Allely caught up with Chris to chat about what he and Fozzy have been up to over the past year, his wrestling plans and much more.
‘I’m not a big fan of reality TV shows, but I was tempted with the offer to host WWE’s Tough Enough. So it could have been me there fronting it instead of Steve (Austin), but dancing with the Stars came up and I couldn’t do both. It would have been cool to do it. Steve’s awesome on it though and he’s made it his own, I’m glad it’s got a second series. People ask if I’d be a trainer on the show (like) Trish, Booker and a Bill. But that’s not me really. Hosting is a different matter, I’m game for that. I’d love to do another game show or other things, I’ve plenty of interests and lots to explore in showbiz.’
Every month or so the rumour of a Jericho return to the WWE rears its head. As one of the most high profile freelancers in the business the former multiple time world champion could have his pick of wrestling organisation, if he so desired to return to the ring.
‘I mean there have always been rumours about me, people want to see me back in the ring. I’m not against going back I’m busy elsewhere though, at present I have no plans to appear for the WWE. I’d not do a one-off I don’t believe in that, if I never go back I’m fine with that, I’d want to come back for a reason and make it a long run. I’m either in or out, no one shot deals or false starts. My loyalties are with the WWE though, so I’ll not be turning up in TNA or doing a Japan show. I don’t see the sense on going somewhere else when I have worked for the best.’
WWE’s most ambitious storyline yet is the year-long build up to the Rock versus John Cena encounter planned for WrestleMania. Would a match of that magnitude on the table have persuaded Jericho to step back into the ring we wondered?
‘That’s a tough call, I maybe would have gone for a spot like that, but I’d have not really went for a short time deal. I mean Rock is only doing a handful of appearances between then and Mania. I’ve always been a bit radical, so I’d make a deal like that suit, Rock and Cena will be fun to watch, it’s a long drawn out thing though. Maybe a bit too long, I’m not sure? You know in all honesty in my 2009-2010 run I think I was at my career best, so if I never wrestle again I have no regrets’.
Acclaimed author Jericho has also signed a new deal for a third book based on his career, this as yet unnamed title will look at the period from 2007 to the present days, taking in his return to the WWE and his tours with Fozzy.
After many years of slogging away on the UK/European and US live circuit Fozzy have began to make their mark. This summer they were included on the bill for the Sonisphere Festival, and event that Chris is extremely proud to have been a part of.
‘That was a great show, the crowd were wonderful. We were on before Slipknot and we loved the experience, it was a cool vibe. I think we all really enjoy the big stage, there’s lots of space to go roaming around. We played tracks from our current album Chasing the Grail. In fact this tour we are on now is the last one for Grail. Next year we are heading to the studio to record our new album, then next summer we will be back hitting the road in the UK to showcase it.
Visit www.fozzyrock.com for more information on the band and their music.
Tour dates are as below.
Nov 02, 2011 Wed 7:00 PM Sub 89 Reading, UK
Nov 03, 2011 Thu 7:00 PM Talking Heads Southampton, UK
Nov 04, 2011 Fri 7:00 PM CF-10 Cardiff Univ Cardiff, Wales, UK
Nov 05, 2011 Sat 7:00 PM Kasbah Coventry, UK
Nov 06, 2011 Sun 7:00 PM The Well Leeds, UK
Nov 07, 2011 Mon 7:00 PM Rock City Basement Nottingham, UK
Nov 08, 2011 Tue 7:00 PM Cathouse Glasgow, Scotland,
Nov 09, 2011 Wed 7:00 PM Fibbers York, UK
Nov 10, 2011 Thu 7:00 PM Central Station Wrexham, Wales, UK
Nov 11, 2011 Fri 7:00 PM White Rabbit Plymouth, UK
Nov 12, 2011 Sat 7:00 PM WAMA High Wycombe, UK
Nov 13, 2011 Sun 7:00 PM Concorde 2 Brighton, UK
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Chris Jericho and Fozzy involved in Bus Accident
by Phil Allely
Chris Jericho’s band Fozzy was involved in an automobile accident this week in Europe. The tour bus they were traveling on skidded on two wheels for fifty feet, resulting in the side door being torn off. The former WWE Superstar and his band mates are said to be fine, they have however cancelled a scheduled appearance inn Denmark.
In a statement about the incident Jericho commented “Last night as I was riding on the Anthrax bus, Fozzy’s bus was in an accident. The band is ok thank God, but the bus is trashed so we won’t be able to play the show in Denmark. Hamburg is still on but. Its a miracle nobody got hurt, as the bus skidded on two wheels for 50 feet and the side door was completely torn off. Say a prayer for the boys and stay tuned for more info.'
Fozzy have recently made hugely successful appearances at event and festivals across Europe. Jericho is currently a much talked about figure in wrestling as specualtion rises as to when he will inevitably return to the WWE.
Chris Jericho’s band Fozzy was involved in an automobile accident this week in Europe. The tour bus they were traveling on skidded on two wheels for fifty feet, resulting in the side door being torn off. The former WWE Superstar and his band mates are said to be fine, they have however cancelled a scheduled appearance inn Denmark.
In a statement about the incident Jericho commented “Last night as I was riding on the Anthrax bus, Fozzy’s bus was in an accident. The band is ok thank God, but the bus is trashed so we won’t be able to play the show in Denmark. Hamburg is still on but. Its a miracle nobody got hurt, as the bus skidded on two wheels for 50 feet and the side door was completely torn off. Say a prayer for the boys and stay tuned for more info.'
Fozzy have recently made hugely successful appearances at event and festivals across Europe. Jericho is currently a much talked about figure in wrestling as specualtion rises as to when he will inevitably return to the WWE.
Friday, 20 May 2011
Exclusive New Chris Jericho Interview
By Phil Allely
Former WWE wrestler Chris Jericho is as well known today for fronting rock band FOZZY as he is for performing amazing moves in the ring across the globe. After many years of dedication to the music business FOZZY are now becoming a household name and a band that are sought after for festivals and other high profile events. The band are currently preparing for the biggest gig of their career at the Sonisphere festival this Summer. Phil Allely caught up with Chris once again to ask how much opportunities like this and their regular UK/Tours mean to him and his band.
Phil: Chris last time we spoke you were on a lengthy UK/Ireland tour, the crowd in Belfast (where I saw you) seemed a very pumped up one, is that usual for UK shows?
Chris: You know that was a great tour for us. We have always considered the UK and Ireland as our second home. That is why we are looking forward to coming back in June and July. We are really looking forward to our shows this time even more so, we’ve been planning them for months. We all can’t wait to get back.
Phil: You said previously to myself that UK/Irish fans were very enthusiastic ones, even more so than U.S. ones, it that still the case?
Chris: Yes, for whatever reason, UK/Irish fans have always embraced us and that’s why we come over as much as we do, and yes we do indeed find that the crowds get a little crazier each time. Which as performers make each performance all the more special.
Phil: So what can we expect at your UK gigs this Summer, have you any tricks up your sleeve, will there be any new tracks for us to savour?
Chris: Well we are still digging playing songs from Chasing The Grail and even though we are working on a new record, we will save the new tunes for when we come back at the end of the year.
Phil: How does it feel to be on the bill for one of the UK’s most eagerly anticipated rock festivals this year? As we all know by now FOZZY will be joining a host of other renowned acts at Sonisphere at Knebworth this coming July.
Chris: It is very gratifying for us to be included on the bill for an event like this, especially after 11 years of recording and touring. To be on the same stage as Metallica, Slipknot, Anthrax etc. is why we have kept working so hard on FOZZY. We are really looking forward to tearing the house down.
Phil: Is this a dream gig for FOZZY? Will you have to raise your game on stage due to the magnitude of the event?
Chris: Of course it is. It’s a dream come true every time you get to perform on a legendary event, this will be our biggest gig to date. With that said, FOZZY play the same every night whether it’s Sonisphere or the West Coast in Margate, every gig is an honour so we are going to make sure our fans have a great time and see a great show.
Phil: Are there any of the bands on the Sonisphere bill who you personally wish to see?
Chris: For me personally I think Metallica always have an amazing show, so that’s one, but then there are also bands like Motorhead, Anthrax and Megadeth who will surely rock the place. They all bring something special to the fans and have their place in music history.
Phil: Chris you recently appeared on U.S. TV show Dancing with the Stars, did you enjoy your time on that and has it helped raise yours and FOZZYs profile?
Chris: Oh yeah, I had a blast, anytime you can do a show that 23 million people watch and have your band mentioned on it you can’t go wrong. I knew (when I signed up for dancing with the Stars) that it would help raise the profile of Chris Jericho and FOZZY and take the band to the next level.
Phil: Touching on wrestling briefly, I did want to ask you how you can seemingly juggle dual careers successfully when so many others in the same shoes have failed?
Chris: I guess it’s because I have a passion for both professions. I didn’t wake up one day and decide I was going to play in a band. As a kid I wanted to be in a band and I wanted to be a wrestler, and to this day I still have that passion for both. Being a wrestler is part of who I am, so is being a member of a rock band.
Phil: So I’m guessing with the success of FOZZY and your other projects we will have to wait a while to see you in a WWE ring?
Chris: I’m not really concerned about that right now. I am just focusing on FOZZY at present, so we’ll have to see about that. After 11 years of working hard we have more momentum that ever, it is now time to take advantage of that.
Phil: So what’s next for FOZZY?
Chris: We are touring all summer, hoping to go to Japan for the first time this fall and return home to tour the U.S. also. Then we’ll be recording our new record in September/October, for release early next year.
Phil: Well thanks so much for your time Chris, good luck for Sonisphere and your upcoming UK shows. Will we be seeing FOZZY on Irish shores anytime soon?
Chris: I’d like to think we’ll be back there before the end of the year. Keep visiting our official website for those tour details and updates on our new album. www.fozzyrock.com
Wednesday, 23 March 2011
Fozzy to Perform at Sonisphere
The Chris Jericho fronted US rock band Fozzy are to perform on July 10, 2011 at Knebworth as part of a historic musical lineup including The Big 4, Slipknot, Motorhead, Diamond Head, Sisters of Mercy, Volbeat & many more.
FOZZY will perform alongside metal titans Slipknot and the recently reunited Limp Bizkit on the final day of the Sonisphere Festival, Sunday, July 10, 2011, at Knebworth in the United Kingdom.
After sold-out tours in March and October 2010, FOZZY will return to the UK for the third time in the past year to support Chasing the Grail [Riot Entertainment], their latest release and fourth studio album. In addition to Sonisphere, FOZZY will appear on 4 headlining dates with opening acts, Voodoo Vegas and Memories in Torment.
June
29 – Nuneaton, England – Queens Hall
TICKETS: http://www.seetickets.com/Event/FOZZY/Queens-Hall/545607
30 – Manchester, England – Moho Live
TICKETS: https://moholive-secure.ticketline.co.uk/tickets/13256002/fozzy/manchester-moho-live/2011-06-30
July
1 – Margate, England – West Coast
TICKETS: https://moholive-secure.ticketline.co.uk/tickets/13256002/fozzy/manchester-moho-live/2011-06-30
17 – London, England – Dingwalls
TICKETS: https://fan.musicglue.com/sale/saleproducts.aspx?productid=9707ad4a-9c12-447f-8661-ce4448efe57c
Very special VIP packages for all UK appearances are available at www.fozzyrock.com/vip
Check out a Sonisphere video announcement from Chris Jericho here:
http://www.muzu.tv/sonisphereuk/hello-from-chris-jericho-fozzy-music-video/919947?country=ww&locale=en
Fozzy’s profile is at an all-time high, as the band shares the spotlight with Jericho’s wrestling and acting careers in his new book, “Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1.372 Easy Steps.” Released February 17, 2011, the title debuted at No. 4 on the UK hardcover bestseller list, and picks up where his first autobiography, “A Lion’s Tale: Around the World in Spandex,” left off at his entry into the WWE.
FOZZY Chris Jericho (vocals)
Rich Ward (guitar)
Sean Delson (bass)
Frank Fontsere (drums)
Billy Grey (guitar)
FOZZY ONLINE: www.fozzyrock.com www.facebook.com/fozzyrock
@FozzyRock
@IAmJericho
@TheDukeOfMetal
Sonisphere:
http://uk.sonispherefestivals.com/
FOZZY will perform alongside metal titans Slipknot and the recently reunited Limp Bizkit on the final day of the Sonisphere Festival, Sunday, July 10, 2011, at Knebworth in the United Kingdom.
After sold-out tours in March and October 2010, FOZZY will return to the UK for the third time in the past year to support Chasing the Grail [Riot Entertainment], their latest release and fourth studio album. In addition to Sonisphere, FOZZY will appear on 4 headlining dates with opening acts, Voodoo Vegas and Memories in Torment.
June
29 – Nuneaton, England – Queens Hall
TICKETS: http://www.seetickets.com/Event/FOZZY/Queens-Hall/545607
30 – Manchester, England – Moho Live
TICKETS: https://moholive-secure.ticketline.co.uk/tickets/13256002/fozzy/manchester-moho-live/2011-06-30
July
1 – Margate, England – West Coast
TICKETS: https://moholive-secure.ticketline.co.uk/tickets/13256002/fozzy/manchester-moho-live/2011-06-30
17 – London, England – Dingwalls
TICKETS: https://fan.musicglue.com/sale/saleproducts.aspx?productid=9707ad4a-9c12-447f-8661-ce4448efe57c
Very special VIP packages for all UK appearances are available at www.fozzyrock.com/vip
Check out a Sonisphere video announcement from Chris Jericho here:
http://www.muzu.tv/sonisphereuk/hello-from-chris-jericho-fozzy-music-video/919947?country=ww&locale=en
Fozzy’s profile is at an all-time high, as the band shares the spotlight with Jericho’s wrestling and acting careers in his new book, “Undisputed: How to Become the World Champion in 1.372 Easy Steps.” Released February 17, 2011, the title debuted at No. 4 on the UK hardcover bestseller list, and picks up where his first autobiography, “A Lion’s Tale: Around the World in Spandex,” left off at his entry into the WWE.
FOZZY Chris Jericho (vocals)
Rich Ward (guitar)
Sean Delson (bass)
Frank Fontsere (drums)
Billy Grey (guitar)
FOZZY ONLINE: www.fozzyrock.com www.facebook.com/fozzyrock
@FozzyRock
@IAmJericho
@TheDukeOfMetal
Sonisphere:
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Chris Jericho Interview with Phil Allely October 2010
Chris Jericho Interview 2010
Whilst on tour with his band Fozzy in late 2010 Chris Jericho very kindly let Phil Allely meet up with him to discuss wrestling and his future in the sport he has now stepped away from once again. Here are highlights fomr the 30 minute interview Chris gave prior to their storming set at Belfast’s Spring and Airbrake venue.
So Chris will we see you make a return to the WWE anytime soon?
“Firstly I have to say that I’d never wrestle for anyone other than WWE. I’ve never said I’ll go back to wrestling (no matter how many times I‘m asked, which is a lot), the band (Fozzy) and my other interests all lead me there, but I not under pressure to return to the ring. The bands teetering to the next level right now, we‘ve worked very hard to get here. I’m going on a world tour with Fozzy and I’m gearing up for festivals next year, so as you can guess I’m not thinking wrestling right now, I love wrestling (it was my life for 20 years) so what have I to prove there.”
“big thing is I’m just too busy now to go back and do it, other thing is I’ve no one to beat or meet, I really enjoy it and love every moment while there, so unless perhaps I could be a NXT mentor/coach or something like that I‘ll not be back. That could work for me, I could maybe give young guys a push and helping hand, I know my place (always have), I am Chris Jericho, I unified titles, beat the best and never failed to entertain, so there is my answer I’d return, but maybe as a trainer or helper, being in creative, could work too. I mean Fozzy has a place for me right now, wrestling hasn’t and I’m not saying I’ll not return for a one-off spot, Host a Raw or something like that, if I go back it will cos I want to and because I need to or am forced to.
So Chris why did you leave WWE, was there any particular reason or was it time to go?
“it was quite simple, my contract was up so I left, I’m now free to be who I am and do what I want to do, when I want to do it. I’m not a (Ric) Flair, I’m happy to see other spotlights (to stand in) out there, I can act, I can sing, I know can’t be a wrestler in another ten years or so, there have to other things to do and pursue, so that’s what I’m doing. I’m physically great, no major ill-effects form my years in the ring at all. I am lucky to be in the position to have other avenues to approach and tackle, you know lucky to be here, not broken down or beaten, I can return to the WWE if need be. I love the company and right now I have things to explore.”
Was WCW a learning curve for you?, it was the first place many of the highfliers like yourself appeared on mainstream TV and it lead to your WWE run.
“Yeah I think WCW was the place where some of the smaller guys made it more than they did in WWE, I was fortunate to use it a stepping stone to the WWE, a logical position in my mind. It was a great place to be if you had your name, it was tough to move levels though. Once a mid-carder always a mid-carder was the norm there. I progressed because I never really play by the rules and I never will, I disagreed with people saying I was too small etc. and went out there each night to prove I had the whole package and was worth the gamble to put a belt on. I always dreamt of working for the WWE, so WCW was my chance to make it there.”
So is it good to be your own boss now and run your own company (Fozzy) as it where?
“Well we as Fozzy own everything, this tour bus, the rights and everything else here, it’s a long way since our small van tours a few years back. I think we have grown and our fans appreciate the fact that we are not some guys cashing on a star name, we have proved ourselves with real rock fans and real rock bands. We have earnt our place.”
So what’s next for you if it’s not wrestling and the band are on a break between tours say?
“My philosophy is to take on challenges and I enjoy that .Acting could be fun, I’ve been in five movies, I’ve learnt the ropes, wrestling has seen me acting for 20 years (when you think about it) and if the opportunity arises I can be there to do it, my career has helped that (chance) to become a reality. A lot of people won’t know that I worked with The Groundlings for a year (comedy legends like Will Farrell were groundlings), so I have a god pedigree in acting/comedy/performance. The dream would be to make films like (Steve) Austin, the low budget type, but their you are the star, yeah id like that! My one thing is I’m not the guy to be a hero, I’m the guy who is outside of the box, that’s what my time now can bring, out of the WWE box. In the past I had to turn things down due to my WWE commitments, there are no issues with that now.”
You were very lucky in your career and never seemed to be injured or out of action too long, this made you the go-to guy for the WWE and you featured heavily in Title programs and must-see matches.
so im young enough to still return.
“True I’ve never been injured really, a broken arm, torn acl and other little issues, but I’m in a better position than most (of my peers), in reality there’s me Taker and Dustin Rhodes (in the WWE this long) no one else has been in the WWE like I have (those guys have been injured or left for a time). You know I’m young enough to return if I wanted, the current young guys are limited, I can always take my 20 year experience back anytime. It’s just not on my horizon right now.”
Fozzy is evidently where you want to be and what you are focusing on right now, what does Fozzy mean to you?
“It’s a business, a brand even, for all of us it’s rewarding and after our long hard work it’s paying off, I like it and I enjoy my place now. Fozzy is never just about me or Rich, it’s a collective, if we are all not there, we fail. You know I’m not the wrestler who sings (unlike fellow former wrestler Lita who bills herself often using her WWE reputation as a gimmick) with Fozzy it’s the singer who wrestles, which took a lot of work, we went from covers to originals and that helped us make our place. Wrestling fans are welcome and I appreciate that, but I now see they take our songs seriously too, you cant ignore the stigma of wrestling and we take that in our stride. Music fans appreciate the fact that I never used my WWE connections to push Fozzy.The hard work is paying off, we have thousand and thousands of Fozzy fans and the UK is our best market by far. I love the live crowd, I work them and get them involved in the storyline, if I bring them in I’ve got it. I enjoy wrestling and singing and they are both similar and high energy forms of entertainment. I love it the atmosphere helps and we feed off it.”
Do you take time for your fans?
“I always try to make time for my fans and we all try to be there (before or after a gig), but my worry is my voice and I need to be careful and if I’m out too long (especially in the cold or talking at length) my voice is shot. So I need to be careful. We have never cancelled a show, we never will, but fans appreciate what we do and we do give them time where and when we can.”
Whilst on tour with his band Fozzy in late 2010 Chris Jericho very kindly let Phil Allely meet up with him to discuss wrestling and his future in the sport he has now stepped away from once again. Here are highlights fomr the 30 minute interview Chris gave prior to their storming set at Belfast’s Spring and Airbrake venue.
So Chris will we see you make a return to the WWE anytime soon?
“Firstly I have to say that I’d never wrestle for anyone other than WWE. I’ve never said I’ll go back to wrestling (no matter how many times I‘m asked, which is a lot), the band (Fozzy) and my other interests all lead me there, but I not under pressure to return to the ring. The bands teetering to the next level right now, we‘ve worked very hard to get here. I’m going on a world tour with Fozzy and I’m gearing up for festivals next year, so as you can guess I’m not thinking wrestling right now, I love wrestling (it was my life for 20 years) so what have I to prove there.”
“big thing is I’m just too busy now to go back and do it, other thing is I’ve no one to beat or meet, I really enjoy it and love every moment while there, so unless perhaps I could be a NXT mentor/coach or something like that I‘ll not be back. That could work for me, I could maybe give young guys a push and helping hand, I know my place (always have), I am Chris Jericho, I unified titles, beat the best and never failed to entertain, so there is my answer I’d return, but maybe as a trainer or helper, being in creative, could work too. I mean Fozzy has a place for me right now, wrestling hasn’t and I’m not saying I’ll not return for a one-off spot, Host a Raw or something like that, if I go back it will cos I want to and because I need to or am forced to.
So Chris why did you leave WWE, was there any particular reason or was it time to go?
“it was quite simple, my contract was up so I left, I’m now free to be who I am and do what I want to do, when I want to do it. I’m not a (Ric) Flair, I’m happy to see other spotlights (to stand in) out there, I can act, I can sing, I know can’t be a wrestler in another ten years or so, there have to other things to do and pursue, so that’s what I’m doing. I’m physically great, no major ill-effects form my years in the ring at all. I am lucky to be in the position to have other avenues to approach and tackle, you know lucky to be here, not broken down or beaten, I can return to the WWE if need be. I love the company and right now I have things to explore.”
Was WCW a learning curve for you?, it was the first place many of the highfliers like yourself appeared on mainstream TV and it lead to your WWE run.
“Yeah I think WCW was the place where some of the smaller guys made it more than they did in WWE, I was fortunate to use it a stepping stone to the WWE, a logical position in my mind. It was a great place to be if you had your name, it was tough to move levels though. Once a mid-carder always a mid-carder was the norm there. I progressed because I never really play by the rules and I never will, I disagreed with people saying I was too small etc. and went out there each night to prove I had the whole package and was worth the gamble to put a belt on. I always dreamt of working for the WWE, so WCW was my chance to make it there.”
So is it good to be your own boss now and run your own company (Fozzy) as it where?
“Well we as Fozzy own everything, this tour bus, the rights and everything else here, it’s a long way since our small van tours a few years back. I think we have grown and our fans appreciate the fact that we are not some guys cashing on a star name, we have proved ourselves with real rock fans and real rock bands. We have earnt our place.”
So what’s next for you if it’s not wrestling and the band are on a break between tours say?
“My philosophy is to take on challenges and I enjoy that .Acting could be fun, I’ve been in five movies, I’ve learnt the ropes, wrestling has seen me acting for 20 years (when you think about it) and if the opportunity arises I can be there to do it, my career has helped that (chance) to become a reality. A lot of people won’t know that I worked with The Groundlings for a year (comedy legends like Will Farrell were groundlings), so I have a god pedigree in acting/comedy/performance. The dream would be to make films like (Steve) Austin, the low budget type, but their you are the star, yeah id like that! My one thing is I’m not the guy to be a hero, I’m the guy who is outside of the box, that’s what my time now can bring, out of the WWE box. In the past I had to turn things down due to my WWE commitments, there are no issues with that now.”
You were very lucky in your career and never seemed to be injured or out of action too long, this made you the go-to guy for the WWE and you featured heavily in Title programs and must-see matches.
so im young enough to still return.
“True I’ve never been injured really, a broken arm, torn acl and other little issues, but I’m in a better position than most (of my peers), in reality there’s me Taker and Dustin Rhodes (in the WWE this long) no one else has been in the WWE like I have (those guys have been injured or left for a time). You know I’m young enough to return if I wanted, the current young guys are limited, I can always take my 20 year experience back anytime. It’s just not on my horizon right now.”
Fozzy is evidently where you want to be and what you are focusing on right now, what does Fozzy mean to you?
“It’s a business, a brand even, for all of us it’s rewarding and after our long hard work it’s paying off, I like it and I enjoy my place now. Fozzy is never just about me or Rich, it’s a collective, if we are all not there, we fail. You know I’m not the wrestler who sings (unlike fellow former wrestler Lita who bills herself often using her WWE reputation as a gimmick) with Fozzy it’s the singer who wrestles, which took a lot of work, we went from covers to originals and that helped us make our place. Wrestling fans are welcome and I appreciate that, but I now see they take our songs seriously too, you cant ignore the stigma of wrestling and we take that in our stride. Music fans appreciate the fact that I never used my WWE connections to push Fozzy.The hard work is paying off, we have thousand and thousands of Fozzy fans and the UK is our best market by far. I love the live crowd, I work them and get them involved in the storyline, if I bring them in I’ve got it. I enjoy wrestling and singing and they are both similar and high energy forms of entertainment. I love it the atmosphere helps and we feed off it.”
Do you take time for your fans?
“I always try to make time for my fans and we all try to be there (before or after a gig), but my worry is my voice and I need to be careful and if I’m out too long (especially in the cold or talking at length) my voice is shot. So I need to be careful. We have never cancelled a show, we never will, but fans appreciate what we do and we do give them time where and when we can.”
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Chris Jericho/Fozzy Live Gig Review
By Phil Allely
He may be better known to a great many people as one of professional wrestling’s greatest superstars and in-ring characters, but that’s not where Chris Jericho’s heart really lies these days. Jericho (real name Christopher Irvine) has been involved in music for a lot longer than he has wrestling and has a real passion for making music and performing. He fronts fast-rising rock band Fozzy and after a five year break their 2010 UK tour brought them to Belfast once again. So just what did Belfast get from the band who began their life as a covers act named Fozzy Osbourne?
The Spring and Airbrake venue in Belfast’s city centre is a far cry from the large stadiums Chris regularly performed in as part of the WWE’s live shows and pay-per-views, but as he said himself during our lengthy pre-show interview he ‘loves playing live’ and ‘to be able to see the fans in the front rows sing-along to Fozzy’s songs is a bonus in playing more intimate venues‘.
The show itself was well paced and Jericho was hardly out of sight for long. From his entrance where he came in like the star he is all smile and sunglasses, to his rousing finale, this man proved he was one of those rare and annoying things, someone who can easily excel at more than one thing and overshadow all who’ve tried before, carving two different and interchangeable careers for himself. Plus he has a very decent rock voice, which he not only knows how to use, but can adapt to cover the softer tracks on Fozzy’s set list too. The band are a sum of their gathered talents though and each does play their part to the hilt, even if Jericho quite rightly is the main focus for many who watch them.
Fozzy’s music style is a mix of classic rock heavyweights of the 1970s and 1980s melodically styles mixed with more harder modern edge. Letting their music open itself to more than one distinct fan base.
The set comprised mainly of Fozzy’s latest album release Chasing The Grail and a few other tracks from the bands back catalogue, plus a cover or two. The large crowd in attendance thoroughly enjoyed each riff, joined in the lyrics and had a blast rocking along with a fully charged Jericho bounding about the stage. He never let up during the entire set, seemingly soaking up the energy and enthusiasm he was generating amongst the baying masses. The wrestling based chants, in-jokes by fellow band mates and other grappling related things went down well with the feisty front man, taking them on the chin, smiling and getting on with his performance.
During our conversation prior to the show Chris informed me that whilst previous gigs had been packed solid the fans were a bit quiet at times, he had even higher expectations for the Northern Irish fans, who were all eagerly awaiting the ‘Fozzy experience‘. He was to disappointed as we Belfast natives once again proved that this really is the place to play live rock music in, we welcome it with open arms, we adore it, buy it in shed loads and know a good band when we see one. Fozzy said they would leave us a ‘sweaty mess who had just experienced a real life hard working rock band’ and you know what they did just that.
Support acts Symphony Cult and Death Valley Driver were in the unenviable roles of warming up a crowd who just wanted to see Fozzy, however they did do their job and win over some new fans along the way. Symphony Cult’s Charlotte especially was on the receiving end of some adoring Irish eyes as her angsty voice and alluring style entranced the Belfast boys and girls.
Fozzy’s album Chasing The Grail is available now.
Saturday, 16 October 2010
Fozzy Gig Review - Belfast October 2010
Fozzy: Let The Madness Begin Tour - Belfast Gig Review
By Phil Allely
He may be better known to a great many people as one of professional wrestling’s greatest superstars and in-ring characters, but that’s not where Chris Jericho’s heart really lies these days. Jericho (real name Christopher Irvine) has been involved in music for a lot longer than he has wrestling and has a real passion for making music and performing. He fronts fast-rising rock band Fozzy and after a five year break their 2010 UK tour brought them to Belfast once again. So just what did Belfast get from the band who began their life as a covers act named Fozzy Osbourne?
The Spring and Airbrake venue in Belfast’s city centre is a far cry from the large stadiums Chris regularly performed in as part of the WWE’s live shows and pay-per-views, but as he said himself during our lengthy pre-show interview he ‘loves playing live’ and ‘to be able to see the fans in the front rows sing-along to Fozzy’s songs is a bonus in playing more intimate venues‘.
The show itself was well paced and Jericho was hardly out of sight for long. From his entrance where he came in like the star he is all smile and sunglasses, to his rousing finale, this man proved he was one of those rare and annoying things, someone who can easily excel at more than one thing and overshadow all who’ve tried before, carving two different and interchangeable careers for himself. Plus he has a very decent rock voice, which he not only knows how to use, but can adapt to cover the softer tracks on Fozzy’s set list too. The band are a sum of their gathered talents though and each does play their part to the hilt, even if Jericho quite rightly is the main focus for many who watch them.
Fozzy’s music style is a mix of classic rock heavyweights of the 1970s and 1980s melodically styles mixed with more harder modern edge. Letting their music open itself to more than one distinct fan base.
The set comprised mainly of Fozzy’s latest album release Chasing The Grail and a few other tracks from the bands back catalogue, plus a cover or two. The large crowd in attendance thoroughly enjoyed each riff, joined in the lyrics and had a blast rocking along with a fully charged Jericho bounding about the stage. He never let up during the entire set, seemingly soaking up the energy and enthusiasm he was generating amongst the baying masses. The wrestling based chants, in-jokes by fellow band mates and other grappling related things went down well with the feisty front man, taking them on the chin, smiling and getting on with his performance.
During our conversation prior to the show Chris informed me that whilst previous gigs had been packed solid the fans were a bit quiet at times, he had even higher expectations for the Northern Irish fans, who were all eagerly awaiting the ‘Fozzy experience‘. He was to disappointed as we Belfast natives once again proved that this really is the place to play live rock music in, we welcome it with open arms, we adore it, buy it in shed loads and know a good band when we see one. Fozzy said they would leave us a ‘sweaty mess who had just experienced a real life hard working rock band’ and you know what they did just that.
Support acts Symphony Cult and Death Valley Driver were in the unenviable roles of warming up a crowd who just wanted to see Fozzy, however they did do their job and win over some new fans along the way. Symphony Cult’s Charlotte especially was on the receiving end of some adoring Irish eyes as her angsty voice and alluring style entranced the Belfast boys and girls.
Fozzy’s album Chasing The Grail is available now.
Friday, 15 October 2010
Chris Jericho Live In Belfast 14 October 2010
Chris and I on his tour bus prior to the Belfast Fozzy show,gig review and 30 minute interview to follow soon.
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Exclusive Chris Jericho Interview
EXCLUSIVE: Chris Jericho Interview -- Irish fans rock!!!
By Phil Allely
Former WWE superstar Chris Jericho has always been involved in music, long before he embarked on a career in spandex that saw him travel the globe and win countless titles across the biggest promotions in the wrestling industry Chris was longing to be a rock star.
Here Phil Allely talks to him about his band Fozzy, their new album release Chasing the Grail and why Ireland has become a favourite place to stop off at during their tours.
‘You know we’ve been going 11 years so we‘ve been plugging away to get what do right for a long time, we’ve just released our 5th studio album Chasing the Grail and it‘s our best yet. We love coming to the UK (and I include Ireland in that statement) in fact this is our 9th UK tour. We love playing live there, be it England, Scotland, or Wales, it‘s always a great atmosphere and each gig rocks’.
It’s been four years since Fozzy last set foot in Ireland for a live show (Chris himself has of course wrestled here as part of WWE tours). Those missing years have seen the band release a new chart topping album and Chris return to the band fulltime since he left the WWE earlier this year.
‘Yeah I guess it was 2006 when we had out last Irish shows, we absolutely love Ireland and the fans are amazing, quite possibly they are the best there are anywhere in the world. The UK fans as a whole are wonderful, they all seem to love the music and have no problem with the fact that I am a household name in wrestling , they see beyond that and view us as a reliable rock band and on stage performers/musicians.
We are all really excited about returning to the UK and of course Ireland, it’s got a great reputation as a place where live acts are appreciated, it will be a fun series of shows and everyone knows what to expect from Fozzy by now’.
Fozzy themselves are renowned for bringing a high level of energy and enthusiasm to each and every live show, their brand of rock is one that needs that and as a man who is well used to performing in front of tens of thousands of paying customers, Jericho is a very good front man to have in a band that has created its own niche in the music scene.
‘I would describe our sound as a high energy one, we are a bit like Van Halen circa 1978, think that with more power, heavier than them certainly, mix in some Metallica, blend a bit of Ozzy, throw in Pantera, then cross with the likes of Journey and that’s our sort of vibe. No one ‘ever’ doesn’t enjoy themselves at one of our gigs, its gonna be rocking and we are all gonna get sweaty, the fans get exactly what we do and we feed off that’.
Fozzy seem to spend more time touring the UK, Europe and further afield than the United States. Chris explained the reasoning behind the choice of countries to visit this year in support of ‘Chasing the Grail‘.
‘We love playing the states, but for whatever reason we seem to end up more in the UK and the fans there really get what we do, so it makes sense to visit them as often as we can. Since 2005 and our very first UK tour its been like that they all got us straight away and understood what we were trying to do, especially Ireland, we have been welcomed with open arms there.’.
‘We never got to Ireland earlier this year (Fozzy did a brief Scotland, Wales, England tour in early 2010) so this is our reason for coming back. Next week we are going to readdress that and make Ireland rock like only Fozzy can.’
New release Chasing the Grail has been gaining favourable reviews since its release and netted Fozzy some great publicity, the album itself is made up of totally new songs which have taken a long time to get released in this format.
‘Well Chasing the Grail has done really well so far, we’ve been featured high on the Billboard charts. The album is our best to date, we’ve got better writing and it all really fell into pace for us. We’ve created a different genre with Fozzy, it’s a melodic and heavy one that fits us into our own niche, we combine great harmonies, cool vocals and superb guitars into our own sound’.
Starting life as a band (Fozzy Osbourne in tribute to the legendary Black Sabbath front man) who specialised in covers, Fozzy quickly dropped the covers from their albums and began to find their own feet in the music industry.
‘What we’ve done is carved out a little niche like 1970s rock band used to be in, the sort we don’t see today, we have a style of our own. It’s a Fozzy sound, which is what we want, we stand ot for our own music and songs and that’s where we want to be.
‘We still do a few covers at live shows, but mainly its our own songs we play and that’s what people want, we were always fortunate you know some of the covers we did years back, when we played them many of the kids in the audience thought they were ours anyway, so we missed out being called a covers band often due to our performances of them, the new album is all us.’
Fozzy have had a few musical collaborations in the past, but do have hopes that a few bands they are friendly with may one day hit the road alongside them or record a track or two with them.
‘Avenged Sevenfold would be great with us, their sound and ours work so well together, Anthrax I’d tour with them no problem at all. To be honest we don’t have a wish list, we have so many guys we know in the industry and are friends with, any would work well if we tried’.
Fozzy really just want to perform, there’s nothing cooler than seeing those people in the front row singing along with you. You don’t see that in the studio when you record or when they play your songs at home. Live shows are the best experiences and we love them. They are the most rewarding part of being in a band’.
You can see Fozzy at Belfast’s Spring and Airbrake venue on Thursday October 14th and Dublin’s Button factory on Friday October 15th. Tickets are available now from Ticketmaster and other outlets.
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