Entrevista a Greg Pato (Grunge is Dead)

Realizada el 7 de Agosto de 2009

Who was your favorite person to interview for Grunge is Dead?

Probably a 2-way tie between Eddie Vedder and Kim Thayil. I interviewed Mr. Vedder 1x during a mammoth 2-hour phone interview, and Mr. Thayil over a series of mammoth phone interviews. Susan Silver was another cool interview, as was Mark Arm, Duff McKagan, and Blag Dahlia – all had great stories to tell and didn’t hold back!

Who was the most difficult person to get to do an interview for Grunge is Dead?

Probably Mr. Vedder, as I had to go through a lot of red tape to finally get him on the phone. But when I did, he couldn’t have been nicer and more forthcoming w/ great stories/memories (many of which I never read anywhere else before). And I appreciated how much he was willing to discuss Pearl Jam’s early years, which is something he often avoids in interviews nowadays.

Do you think its right for Alice in Chains to continue using the AIC name without Layne Staley?

Many bands have soldiered on after losing integral members (AC/DC, Kiss, the Who, Faith No More, etc.), so it’s certainly not the first time a well-known rock band has opted to carry on. That said, Layne was a HUGE part of AIC for me. But I totally understand and respect AIC’s decision to carry on – it must had been like torture for the other band members not to have continued doing what they love and worked so hard for.

When did the Grunge era officially die in your opinion, when Kurt Cobain killed himself in 1994 or when Soundgarden broke up in 1997?

It hasn’t really truly ever died, as bands like Pearl Jam, Mudhoney, and the Melvins are still rocking n’ rolling to this day (and now AIC is returning). But as a fan, after the 1-2-3 punch of Kurt’s death, Soundgarden’s split, and Layne’s death, it hasn’t truly been the same. But thankfully, we still have all that great music to listen to ’til the end of time.

What are you thoughts on Chris Cornells solo album that came out this year Scream?

I didn’t care for it at all. Mr. Cornell will always be one of my favorite rock singers of all-time, but on ‘Scream,’ the style just wasn’t a good fit for him – it came off sounding like he was trying too hard. I’ve said before in other interviews – if you want to hear a GOOD version of what Mr. Cornell was trying to do on ‘Scream,’ check out Peeping Tom’s self-titled debut from a few years ago (which features Faith No More/Mr. Bungle singer Mike Patton). That album hit the mark.

I saw you talking about a possible Soundgarden reunion in a recent interview you did with explodingwithsound.com, do you actually think Soundgarden will realistically reunite anytime soon? I think its stupid that they broke up in the first place after reading about why they broke up in Grunge is Dead.

It wasn’t me who was talking about the reunion, it was Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil (who I interviewed for Rolling Stone.com). As long as all of Soundgarden’s 4 members are alive, there is always a possibility for a reunion. If Van Halen and the Police can reunite, that proves that just about any other band can as well. I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

What Grunge bands did you see live back in the 90s?

Soundgarden (5x), Chris Cornell solo (2x), Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Tad, Brad, Satchel, the Melvins – most of them. But sadly, not Nirvana

What are your three favorite Grunge albums?

My favorite Soundgarden album fluctuates between ‘Badmotorfinger’ and ‘Superunknown,’ so 1 of those, as well as the obvious ones, Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind,’ and Pearl Jam’s ‘Ten.’ And hovering just outside this 3-pick list would be Mudhoney’s ‘Superfuzz Bigmuff,’ Alice in Chains’ ‘Dirt,’ the Melvins’ ‘Houdini,’ Truly’s ‘Fast Stories from Kid Coma,’ and quite a few others.

What do you think about Pearl Jams new song The Fixer and Alice in Chains A Looking In View?

I enjoy hearing new music from any of the first wave grunge bands, so I’d say I enjoy them both. I’m not saying they pack the same wallop as “Evenflow” or “God Smack” did way back when, but still, they are both pleasing to the ear, and makes your toes tap.

Who are some of your favorite modern rock bands out there today?

Queens of the Stone Age, Eagles of Death Metal, whatever project Mike Patton is involved in at moment, and I recently heard the solo debut from Faith No More’s original singer, Chuck Mosley, titled ‘Will Rap Over Hard Rock for Food,’ which I found rather intriguing.

Any lesser known rock bands out there right now that are impressing you?

I always get a kick out of Eagles of Death Metal – they’re an old fashioned rocking good time. Their latest album came out last year, titled ‘Heart On.’

Scott Stapp. Great singer, or greatest singer?

Greatest stinker.