Steve Blaze first came to our attention as a guitarist and founding member of the band Lillian Axe in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Lillian Axe was one of those bands who could have been huge, had their label given them the backing they deserved. But at the time, it just was not meant to be. When Axe went on hiatus, Steve formed the band Near Life Experience to give his creativity an outlet. Then the 70s band Angel decided he was the guitarist they wanted to replace their original memorable guitarist, Punky Meadows (who decided not to tour at this time). In 2002 Steve Blaze has been working with all three bands, Angel, Lillian Axe, and Near Life Experience. I got to meet Steve in April at a local Angel show, and he recently agreed to an interview. Due to time constraints, we did this interview through e-mail. Read on to find out what the future holds for Steve and his bands...
K: I first want to say it was truly a pleasure meeting you "backstage" in our local club after your show with Angel in April. I only wish we had more of a chance to talk then - everything was so rushed and too many people were in too small an area, for sure! That said, how did the touring with Angel go? Are you still out there?
K: How are longtime Angel fans taking to you as a replacement for original guitarist Punky Meadows?
K: On other websites I have seen mention of a new studio album for Angel. Will that be happening, and will you be a part of that?
K: I know your band Near Life Experience is a priority for you. How is the new album, (Days Of The Silver Sun) coming along?
K: How will this album's sound differ from the first NLE album? How do you feel the band has grown since then?
K: Any label interest for Near Life Experience?
K: How does Near Life Experience differ from your other band, Lillian Axe, for those who haven't heard yet?
K: Lillian Axe has its first official live CD coming out later this summer - a double CD, correct? How does it feel to finally have that almost done after all this time? Was it a fun show to record?
K: Speaking of Lillian Axe - the self-titled debut was produced by none other than Robbin Crosby of Ratt, who passed away this past week. We all knew he was ill, and we knew that this day would inevitably come, but it's still sad. Did you still know Robbin? Would you like to say anything regarding his passing?
K: Tommy Scott, formerly of Lillian Axe, found success with Godsmack, but recently quit the band. Have you stayed in touch with him, and do you know anything about his decision?
K: Will Lillian Axe be releasing a new studio album soon? I actually have fans asking me to ask you that one!
S: We are working on the material now. I hope we will be recording late summer.
K: Do you have any regrets over how your label handled Lillian Axe when your "window of opportunity" for greater fame and success was open in the late 80s/early 90s?
K: How is your solo work coming along? Anything new on that end, or other projects we should know about?
K: My friends in the band Enertia did a lot of work, over a year ago, recording Metallica songs for a future Perris records Metallica tribute album. I was told you were to sing and play lead on one of those songs. Are you a part of this project, and if so do you know anything about it's possible release?
OK, pressure's off - now a couple of silly questions...
K: I ask this of everyone I interview - what is your favorite Kool-aid flavor?
K: Any embarrassing moments onstage you are willing to share? Or maybe just a good road story?
K: What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
K: Uh...I want to ask you something funny regarding Punky Meadows, but I just can't think of anything! :o)
K: Ok, it's been fun! Any parting words for your fans?
Where Do I Go From Here?
Near Life Experience
S: The tour was such a great experience. We did 3 weeks and now I am home doing Lillian Axe and Near Life Experience shows and business. I am now working on writing a new Angel album as well. It’s been awhile since Angel has done a studio album, so it’s time.
S: I have not heard a single negative comment. I respect Punky’s work, and the fans realize that. I feel that I am doing justice and more to what he contributed to Angel. I would love to meet him and play together.
S: Yes I will be doing a majority of the writing with the other 3 guys.
S: The new NLE album is completed and we are almost finished the artwork.Look for a mid-late summer release.
S: The first album is really dark and foreboding. It represents NLE in her deepest brutal moments. We are a bit more versatile on this new record. There is a lot of spectrum scanning on this. It is loud and heavy but very moving.
S: We are on Noiselab records, an indie, but we will be looking for a major with this release.
S: Lillian was started when I was a kid. It has been through my entire growth as a musician. From the start of Axe till now, there has been a lot of change as a person and a musician, and it is reflected thus. Near Life is a bit more exploratory, but so is the new Axe stuff for our next album. The chemistries are different so the sounds are as well.
S: It’s a double cd. It sounds amazing. Heavy and textured, but totally live and loud! It was a blast because the fans were such an integral part. They got into it as much as we did.
S: I spoke to him about 10 months ago, and he didn’t sound well at all. I love the guy to death. He was a very sweet, kind individual, and I know he’s in a better place.
S: I emailed him, but I haven’t heard back yet.
S: Yes I regret that the band was the only entity doing things correctly at the time. We deserved more.
S: The solo album is a third done. I am just so busy with other things right now.
S: NLE was asked to play on a song. Waiting to hear from the label.
S: Cherry
S: On the Lillian Psycho tour, in Biloxi, going down the interstate in a torrential storm, all of a sudden out of nowhere appeared a figure of a woman with her head down, standing in the middle of the 2 lanes like a ghost. We all freaked the hell out. The rain was so bad we couldn’t see her until she was 20 feet away.
S: Shopping
S: When I was 17 I cut my hair like his.
S: Check out nleweb.com Our fans are the best, they live for the music, not for all the bullshit that so many people get into as they hide behind their computer screens. I see so much meanness online in chat rooms and message boards. Our fans keep it real. Thanks.
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