INTERVIEW WITH THE HALFORD BAND
HALFORD REVIEWS
JUDAS PRIEST REVIEWS

After a Halford/Queensryche/Iron Maiden concert in Pine Knob, MI, August 2000, I managed to sneak backstage to chat with Halford band members, Patrick Lachman and Mike Chlasciak (guitars) and Ray Riendeau (bass). Unfortunately, Rob himself left immediately after the concert and flew to Buffalo. Here is the recollection of the conversation.


How're you guys doing?

ALL THREE: Good, thank you.


How did you all end up playing with Rob?

A friend of mine who works for Rock Hard magazine told me that Rob was looking to go back to metal and was searching for guitarists. I sent him a demo, and he got back to me, asking if I could join him for the new album.

I played with Rob on the Two project, and he asked if I wanted to stay for another project.


Pat, how did you pop up on the Maiden tribute album? Btw, I thought your covers of "Alexandre" and "Stranger" were among the best songs on that album.

Through the same magazine guy, actually. He called me up and asked if I were interested in being on a Maiden tribute, and I agreed.


What was the songwriting process like for "Resurrection"? Was it just Rob's ideas, or you guys also participated?

Mike and Pat contributed.

I did some writing, but it was mostly Rob and Roy Z doing the work.


What is working with Roy like?

Roy is a very cool guy. It was just very cool to work with him. Sometimes, he would just go: "Alright, guys, nothing is working today, so let's like take some time off. Get out." And on other days we would be there till dark. We had a good time making this record.


Do you feel this is a short term project or you think of yourself as a "band"?

At first, it was more of a "project-like" thing, we were getting used to each other and all, but as soon as the recording began, it was more of a "band" feeling. I think it will last. I guess there was a rumor of possible Priest reunion in the air when we just started, but now it does feel more like a real band.

It's a band.


How long did it take you to learn the old tunes for this tour?

Heh, I always knew how to play the Priest tunes. No surprises there.


The question everybody is asking is: "How come "The One You Love To Hate" isn't on the setlist? How can Rob and Bruce miss on an opportunity like this?

Well, the idea was in the air at first, but it just never materialized... I don't really know.


What kind of music do you normally listen to?

Well, I'm into more modern metal scene. Deftones and such.

Power metal, mostly.

Thank you very much for your time, gentlemen, and good luck!