XYWHAT?
Terry Ilous talks about Great White, XYZ and Replacement Singers
Another FN’ Podcast — Terry Ilous of XYZ fame and current singer for Great White appeared on a live broadcast of Another FN Podcast With Izzy Presley to promote his Pledge Music Campaign for his new flamenco rock album where he and his band will be recording covers ranging from Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Chris Isaak, and many more.
The interview, which featured live performances from his band at Line 6 Studios in Calabasas, CA, also touched on his career with Great White and XYZ. During which, the topic of replacement singers, which he is with Great White replacing Jack Russel in 2010, along with how he would feel about XYZ moving on without him.
While he understands some fans frustration with not hearing the original singer in Great White or other bands, he also understands that it is a business.
“I do understand when some fans are upset, I do understand that, “Oh, I wanna here the original singer”. I totally get it. I also understand that it’s called music business. It’s very important that people understand that music business means music business. Music, the part of it where you play and everything and business is well you know what? We don’t get along anymore. What’s gonna happen? Just turn off the band and it’s over and everything?” he said.
He also spoke about his respect for Jack Russel and the fans.
“I’ve always had the utmost respect for him and I do not try to claim anything; (that) I’m better than anybody else or anything. I just want to respect the songs but give them a little twist without changing much.”
“I’m very proud to be singing those songs, it’s an honor to be singing those songs and Jack did a wonderful job singing those songs”
“I think it’s very important to respect the fans and give them what they are accustomed to hearing. I do understand why some fans could be upset and I also understand some fans (that say) “screw that, I want to hear the songs so, the guy doesn’t want to sing, well let’s get somebody else”. I totally get it. It’s just up to the fans to decide if it’s the right thing or not.”
Great White is Terry Ilous’ full time job keeping his calendar full with successful shows all over the world while prepping for a new Great White record and world tour, a new DVD coming out, this current pledge music campaign for his new record, and he also wants to do a blues record with somebody that he already has in mind, although he would not divulge who that might be.
With that said, the question was presented on how he would feel if XYZ decided to move on and replace him. This is something that has crossed his mind.
“I wouldn’t mind” he said. “You know, I thought about it. If they want to go and continue with somebody else, I wouldn’t mind. It is what it is, you know? I totally understand. I know some fans would get pissed off and some fans would say, “EH THAT’s NOT TERRY”. Well, Terry’s not around, so I get it. If my guys want to tour, I totally respect that.”
“Again, it’s called the music business. If guys don’t get along anymore, you have to do what you have to do because we all have to pay the bills and on top of that, it’s not even just the money, it’s the fact that we all want to play” he continued.
To preorder the new record you can go to http://www.pledgemusic.com/
To hear the complete interview and performances you can hear it via Spreaker or on iTunes.
