Russia (bbabo.net), - In the 80s and 90s he was the lead singer of Black Sabbath, where he sang after Ozzy Osobone, Ronnie James Dio, Ian Gillan, Glenn Hughes for eleven years - longer than anyone else. After all, Tony Martin has an instantly memorable voice - low, thick, rough, enveloping with passion and magic. And also - a gentle disposition and self-irony, which is rare for stars of his level!
Maybe he would have performed in Black Sabbath for longer, but what famous vocalist is without flaws? Tony Martin also had them: in his free time, he was distracted by other projects, for example, Cage-2, he sang, played the violin and was somehow swiftly left without Black Sabbath: yesterday he was on stage, and the next morning he was already in front door and on the street ... But the will and perseverance - this is also about Tony Martin. He left without settling scores and without being offended, and then he warmed himself with new ideas and loudly returned. A couple of times he sang with his various groups in Russia. Disappeared again... And now, 10 years later, he is back again with a new Thorns album, already in the company of other celebrities: musicians Alice Cooper, Hammer Fall and even Danny Needman from Venom. However, if everything was always good and calm for great vocalists, then they probably would not have a reason to sing so powerfully, wisely and selflessly.
In honor of his return, Tony Martin told the reviewer about all his misadventures and the long-awaited premiere. And also about when he will return to Russia again, where, at the request of the audience, he had to give two concerts a day.
You sang in Black Sabbath after Osbourne, Dio and Gillan, but due to the return of Ronnie James to record the 1992 album Dehumanaizer, you had to leave Tony Iommi and recent colleagues. The other would be offended, and you, as if nothing had happened, soon returned to the group. Do you think that getting angry at old friends - especially on the big stage - is both useless and stupid - you can't do it otherwise?
Tony Martin: Actually, my name was: during the recording of Dehumaniser, the guys asked me to come to their studio. And I agreed because I wanted to see if we could unite again. And most importantly - is there a place for me on Dehumaniser? But in the end I realized that I had neither the time nor the desire for this, because at that time I was already working on a solo disc Back Where I Belong. And I decided that I would not interfere: let them do what they want. Didn't argue. And they recorded everything with Dio. And I returned to Sabbath after they broke up. Do I hate someone and get angry that they did just that? No. It was an honor for me to be part of the history of such a great group, where I spent 11 years, from 1986 to 1997 (). What about being offended?! What would be the use of this for our music?
But you haven't worked in large groups since then. Because they realized that rock stars like Tony Iommi are complex people and think first of all only about their own tastes and ambitions? And therefore, in a solo career, although it is more difficult, will your nerves?
Tony Martin: Tony Iommi is a great man! And it was a pleasure to work with him. After all, he allowed me to control how I sing, to be included in the composition of the lyrics. And he never interfered with my work, so we had no problems. But he is also a person and appreciates his own space. Like most of us. At the same time, Iommi is very professional and always knows what he wants. And therefore, when something does not go according to his plan, he immediately makes changes, makes drastic decisions ... But I still have wonderful memories of working with him. I understood him.
Your voice is powerful, powerful, thick and unforgettable, with wonderful juicy low notes. Very suitable for opera, for example, for "Prince Igor" ... In addition, you play the violin well, which you also used in the Cage-2 project, which is focused on heavy rock, since you also studied classical music ... Have you had any suggestions from opera houses, like former stage rival Ian Gillan?
Tony Martin: I wish I could be good enough to sing in classical theaters or opera! And by the way, I can play not only the violin, but also the bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, harmonica and even several bagpipes! But in order to compose and sing classical music, my talent, I believe, is still not enough, alas.
Although I was very pleased with your question. After all, on the new Thorns () album, I play the electric violin again, on the Damned By You track. And one more thing about classical music: I made some friends who play classical music. Sometimes they invite me to sing on their albums - I gladly agree. But in the opera or in classical theaters, alas, I have nothing to boast of yet.
You have a very popular surname in music. After all, there is Beatles producer George Martin, there is sound engineer Giles Martin, pop singer Ricky Martin, you can’t count them all ... Have there been situations when you were confused with one of them?Tony Martin: Yes! (). All the time! But for some reason, I'm most often mistaken for Tony Martin from the 1940s... Although, in fact, this is my stage name. I need my real surname for a quieter private life outside the stage ().
By the way, you are probably a very sociable person, since you gathered so many significant musicians for the recording of Thorns, playing very different music, hardly knowing each other, but willingly supporting your next project?
Tony Martin: It's a fantastic album, eclectic but still in the rock genre. Acoustic tracks and hard rock coexist in it. The album is already getting great reviews and I'm really happy with it. I have a few friends who play it: drummer Danny Needham from the band Venom, bassist Greg Smith with Alice Cooper and Rainbow, keyboardist Bruno Sa, known to many from Angra ... And my son Joe plays the guitar, my daughter Laura sings. So "Ships" turned out to be filled with both a friendly spirit and a feeling of a single family ... But this is a hard rock album and in the same genre as Black Sabbath had.
Yeah, you probably can't get away from this great band. Adult, established musicians usually berate new bands and are frustrated with the current state of the rock scene. And you?
Tony Martin: And I sincerely believe that there is still a lot of talent. And today's young children are fantastically versed in music. I like that they are not afraid to experiment, and at the same time they like to listen to the music of those who are older. I grew up and live in England and there are a lot of artists from my city () Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, ELO and even reggae artists like UB40!
But now it's easier for our kids - they can even create their OWN record label right from their own bedroom. And now you can distribute your music electronically, so there are no more boundaries. Now I'm 65, and 40 of them I've been making music. Of course, I saw all the stages of how show business changed. And I love it.
You have already sung in Russia more than once. Will you be back with a new album?
Tony Martin: Of course, because I was always welcome here, and your people are wonderful. Often I had to give two concerts a day: a morning show, an evening one. Once I came to Moscow with Black Sabbath. We were playing the song Iron Man and I looked into the hall, and there the lady in the front row is knitting! On the stage, thunder and lightning, from the noise and roar, lays in the ears, and she imperturbably throws a noose after a noose. “Wow,” I thought then, “this is stamina and equanimity!”
I came to you with my other groups. And once he performed at the holiday of the group "Earthlings". It seems they were celebrating 40 years of their career. I was then also awarded the medal of peace. Very cool!
And, of course, I would love to return to Russia someday. But the most difficult thing here is the need to fill out a lot of forms, go to the embassy ... Yes, and add COVID to this! (). So this year is unlikely to come, most likely next. But you can still listen to my new CD, which was released a couple of weeks ago.
By the way, what do you think about the current "covid times"? Do you see any positive in this era?
Tony Martin: Actually, yes! Because now we especially need music to help us get through this time. And the pandemic has given bands and artists like me time to record new music! Yes, I’m already used to doing all these important, safe things: getting vaccinated, wearing a mask, keeping a distance ... I know that other people have different views, but I am sure that I am doing all these right things for my family. I have to take care of her. And that’s why I’m even glad to do all this ...
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