Marq Torien

Marq Torien “God has me in His hands and He has a plan for me.”

“I try my best to do the best that I can with the powers of God,

Jesus Christ & the Holy Spirit.” Marq Torien

 

 

Exclusive Interview: Marq Torien of Bulletboys

By: Jesse Capps

This isn’t your typical introduction to an interview. I originally spoke with Marq a few days into January. Another member of the band posted some accusatory comments on Facebook a few days afterwards and I asked Marq if he wanted to change anything in this interview to reflect the new comments from the other member. Well, Marq has yet to give me the “updated” interview – after several attempts of contacting him – and he has done other press since, so I’m just gonna go ahead and run the original interview.

I hate having my time wasted.

Rock Confidential: Marq, it’s great to catch up man. How are you?

Marq Torien: Everything is going great, Jesse. It’s great to talk to you. I hope you’re having a great new year.

RC: Absolutely. This is our tenth anniversary so we’ve got a lot going on this year. And the big news for you is the Bulletboys reunion show last month. How did that show come together?

MT: We’ve been working on it – the four of us – for a while. We were really excited about getting together to play our music for our fans. It was just time for us to do a show and get together and see how things go. It went really well and we all had a really great time together. I was happy to see the differences put aside so we could play a magical, musical night for the fans.

RC: I think some people don’t realize that being in a band is like a bunch of brothers working together. Sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s bad. That’s just a way of life, right?

MT: You’re right. We are like brothers but we’re a very dysfunctional family. I’m sorry to say that but I try my best to do the best that I can with the powers of God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to move forward and make everybody happy. That show was a wonderful night.

RC: And none of us are the same person we were 20 years ago. Responsibilities and priorities change over time so it’s to be expected that things can’t always be like the used to be.

MT: Right. It isn’t as easy. I’ve been touring for a long time now without the original guys. We’ve actually been a band longer without them than with them. It was an eye-opening experience to see where everybody was at with their life right now. Everybody’s at certain places in the life right now and I wish them all the best.

RC: I believe December 17 was the first night of rehearsals for the reunion show. What was that first night of getting everybody back together like?

MT: It was really great. It was a lot of fun. I’ve been singing this music for a long time but it was like jumping right back in the saddle again with the guys.

RC: The live videos on YouTube from that show really capture what went on that night. You definitely have some wild moves on stage! (laughs)

MT: Thanks! (laughs) I’ve just been waiting for the opportunity for all of us to get together. I’ve made personal amends to Jimmy and Mick and Lonnie’s been with me for a while. It’s difficult on a personal level sometimes but on a musical level it sure is a lot of fun.

RC: Of course people are asking about a new record and touring. I know this is in it’s infancy stages but how realistic is a new record?

MT: There will definitely be another Bulletboys record. My focus right now as far as the organization and band Bulletboys is touring and to put out the best record I can put out. Sometimes you have to realize what you need to focus on and what God has in your plans. He has me in His hands and He has a plan for me. I’m not going against that plan. I try to walk with that plan. With my years left on this planet I was a positive outlook and a positive influence on my life and my family’s life and my band’s life. If you don’t try to walk in some type of faith and try to treat people decently, things don’t happen Jess. They just don’t. There are a lot of folks running around out there doing some crazy things, man. The world is pretty crazy right now, Jesse. I feel really blessed we got to do this reunion show. Hopefully there will be more shows like it. As of right now I’m continuing to move on. I’m the owner of the corporation and the name Bulletboys and I’m going to put out a new record. I’m gonna work my butt off this year for all of our fans.

RC: Will the original lineup be involved in the record?

MT: Could be. Maybe, maybe not. We don’t know yet. We haven’t crossed that bridge yet. We haven’t even discussed that. Me, Jimmy and Lonnie have gotten together and laid down some music in Jimmy’s studio that sounds amazing. We don’t know what we’re going to do with it yet. I know one thing – I’d sure love for all of us to play some more shows together! That’s for sure. My heart is always open for that. I have a lot of love for those three guys.

RC: Just to get your perspective, there are so many bands out there without the classic lineup. Hell, sometimes there are two bands with the same name. I understand everybody wants and needs a paycheck, but when does it go too far with some of these guys?

MT: I think it goes too far when the person doesn’t own the name of the band. I think it goes way too far then. The person that owns the corporation should be the one that goes out and does what they need to do. If people need to earn money they should do something else. I’ve gone through so much just to keep this thing going. I’ve carried it around like a cross on my back. I’ve taken some praise but also a lot of ridicule for it. I have a vision and I’m going to continue that vision and continue playing music and singing my butt off and performing to the best of my ability.

RC: Marq, I appreciate you taking time out to talk about the reunion show and your plans for the Bulletboys. What would you like to say to wrap things up?

MT: I love the fans so much. Thank you for being so amazing to this band. Thank you for being there for me and being so loving. I will always be there for you and my heart is always open for you.

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