Albums of Purgatory interview current DIO drummer Simon Wright

Albums of Purgatory: What are you up to right now?

Simon Wright: We are taking a break, also mixing the new DVD that we recorded live in New York. We are also starting to write new songs.

AoP: How would you describe the DIO sound?

SW: Melodic, Heavy, Evil, In your face.

AoP: How did you get involved with the band?

SW: We did some shows together when I was in AC/DC, Monsters of Rock in Europe. I got to hang out with Ronnie and his band and we became friends. After leaving AC/DC in 90. Ronnie's drummer, Vinnie was leaving so always having enjoyed Dio, I jumped in and did the album"Lock Up The Wolves." I enjoy working with Dio so I stuck around, That's it, really.

AoP: How did you become involved with AC/DC in the '80s?

SW:  It was great crash course in how to be in a mega Rock N Roll band. It started when I answered an ad in a music paper in England. I went for an audition, got it and the rest is history.

AoP: Can you remember your first gig (how did it go)?

SW: The first gig I did with AC/DC was in Vancouver at the Saddle Dome. It went well as I remember, and yes, I was shitting bricks.

AoP: You've worked with some big names in metal over the years while on tour.  Who have been the most enjoyable to work with?

SW: They are all great! Scorpions, Deep Purple, Budgie, Van Halen, Y&T, Uriah Heep and the list goes on!

AoP: What are your favourite DIO tracks?

SW: There are many, some of them are: We Rock, Straight Thru The Heart, Killing The Dragon, My Eyes, etc....

AoP: What are your favourite all time songs/albums?

SW: 8 Black Dog (Zep) Mob Rules (Sabbath) Hole In The Sky (Sabbath) Fire And Gasoline (Steve Jones) Cross Eyed Mary (Tull) Trick Of The Tail (Genesis) Live And Dangerous (Lizzy) to many more to mention.

AoP: What was the first album you bought?

SW: Yellow Submarine (Beatles)

AoP: What do you think of the position of metal and music in general today?

SW: There is some great new metal bands like Korn, Disturbed & Staind. Thank God! I only hope they can stand the test of time. So many seem to come and go, most other music is too prefabricated for me today. That's my opinion, anyway.

AoP: Which bands really stand out for you at the moment?

SW:  Nickleback, Oasis, Coldplay are different kind of melodies, I guess.

AoP: Do yo uhave any funny stories about the band you can share with us?

SW: No, HA! HA!

AoP: And finally, what do you see in the future for Simon Wright?

SW: Big tours, great shows and bacon sandwiches. Keep checking my web site for full details.

www.landsharkprod.com