1. How and
why did “The Sonics” start?
I started the band when I was about
14 yrs old in 1960. For about a year it
was only me
and a guy who had a snare drum. My uncle played electric guitar
and when I
heard that sound, I just had to do it.
2. “The Sonics”, what does the name of the band mean and how did it turn out?
Sonic means of or relating to
audible sound. We lived near an air
force base and the jets
made a
lot of sound. It just seemed to be the
proper name for a band then.
3. How easy was the reunion? How come anyway?
It took us about 6 months of weekly
rehearsals to learn our own instruments and songs again.
When we got
on the stage in New York,
we were petrified.
4. What you remember from the 60’s?
We were young so playing live was very
exciting for us.
5. How
would you describe the sound of the band?
We like a heavy guitar and it still sounds
different than most guitarists.
6. Do you
consider your sound as mainstream or underground?
In the 60’s it was underground. Now it is more mainstream.
7. Which musicians or bands ‘changed’ your life?
The Beatles and Freddie King.
8. What is
on your turntables these days?
I listen to all types of music from
country to rock.
9. Which was the best and the worst moment of the band during the first years?
The best was the live performances
with some very good bands of the time.
The worst was recording
a terrible album for Jerden records.
10. What kind of people usually came to your live performances?
A broad mix. In larger concerts they range from bald, grey
heads to young rockers.
11. Can you
share with us your future plans?
Play music until we die.
12. You’ll play for the first time in Greece. What do you expect from the
Greek audience?
We have heard that that there is an enthusiastic music
scene in Athens and we just hope you like
what you
hear from us.
13. What should the Greek audience expect from The Sonics in the autumn gig at
Belle Vue’s “Athenaeum Cave” in Athens?
I
hope we surprise you with an intense sound.