Greg T Walker
interview
by
Jean-Marie Coron
RTJ
: Hi Gregg, everybody heard the news, Blackfoot reunified ! So could you answer
those few questions for our Web Site "Road to Jacksonville" ? First,
who's got this idea ?
Greg
T Walker : Thank you very much for the opportunity to do this interview.
I hope this finds all of you well and happy.The idea of Blackfoot playing
together again began the day we split up years ago. There was always talk
about doing something in the future. Recently, Bobby, Charlie, Jackson and
I discussed the possibility of a reunion because we believed, in our hearts,
the time had come to stop talking and simply do it.
RTJ : Isn't it gonna be a problem with your other projects ? ( NDN, SRA, SRR )
RTJ : Isn't it gonna be a problem with your other projects ? ( NDN, SRA, SRR )
Greg
T Walker : This was the main obstacle. SRA had the most shows on the
books so we had to work around that first. Charlie had obligations with
his projects. Bobby already had a band from Italy scheduled to produce and
I had shows with SRR. It took some work, but we each began wrapping things
up and are completing everything at this very moment. We have already begun
rehearsals and grab each opportunity we can. It involves travel to different
locations but we get together wherever it is most convenient for all concerned
and play. It's a juggling act ! We are burning up the highways and airways
getting our show together. In a sense, we are each feeling like we are in
two bands at the same time !!
RTJ
: We read that Rickey doesn't want to be part of this project, what do you
think of his decision ?
Greg T Walker : We respect and support his decision completely.
RTJ
: Do
you understand that he prefers staying in Skynyrd band ?
Greg
T Walker : Yes, he has a lot of time and effort into those guys and
said he is very happy with his role in that band. We all wish he and the
guys continued success and good health and hope they tour and record twenty
more years.
RTJ : The name belongs to Rickey doesn't it ? What's gonna happen though ?
Greg T Walker : No. Blackfoot will soon be on tour.
RTJ : Don't you think that it would be preferable to record a new album first ?
Greg T Walker : This was one of the main topics of discussion when we began talking about playing together again. In a perfect world, a new record would come first with a tour following to support it. As it is, we will reverse the process. We all have new material and will write more together through the coming months.
RTJ : When we remember the great Blackfoot times, we think it's not gonna be easy, more than 20 years after, to find the energy back on stage. Are you gonna play exclusively the Blackfoot songs ?
Greg T Walker : Are you kidding? There has never been more energy and excitement than right now. Remember, we never stopped playing and touring with other projects. Often, two of us were in the same project as well. Horses keep me in shape and, we still mow our own yards! One thing about musicians, it is an ever changing, ongoing process and there is seldom time to sit idle and be bored. At times we would welcome a few days off, but we wouldn't trade our busy lives for anything! In the eighteen years since the original split, movies could be made about what we have crammed into that span of time....Part 2 of the question: The show will be all Blackfoot material from the entire catalog. We have talked about adding a few new songs that would be on the next record. Not sure yet, but we feel the urge and probably will.
RTJ : We don't really know Bobby, do you think he's gonna easily replace Rickey in the fan's mind ?
Greg T Walker : It's not so much the question of replacement as it is continuing. We have all been friends with Bobby for thirty years. He played with the original lineup the last two years we were together and did a project with Rickey for a long time after that. He has written songs with all of us and has had a legitimate connection to this band for many, many years. A lot has been written about this already and it all comes down to the quality of the band live and on record. Bands like AC/DC, Journey, Kiss, Skynyrd and countless others have continued to make incredible music after the departure of one or more members. For us having three original members and, one second generation member (who happened to be there those last two years and beyond) makes us one of the most legitimate bands today. We work extremely hard and take great pride in what we do and would NEVER settle for anything less than we ever have.
RTJ : What are you expecting for with this band back together ?
Greg T Walker : We expect to have the time of our lives and probably be the most grateful group of guys out there today. This isn't simply a reunion to go out and have fun and make a few dollars, it is truly a beginning of much new music in the future and for years to come. We are fired up, there is an intense feeling surrounding us and there is no stopping us now.
RTJ : Do you think that we are gonna see you soon in Europe ?
Greg T Walker : You can count on it!!!! Honestly, we were trying to work it out to begin over there but logistics got in the way. Europe has always been very supportive of us and we feel honored to have been accepted through all the years. Artist International is working towards extensive touring over there as we speak. It's only a matter of time before we see you all. Thanks for asking!On behalf of Jackson Spires, Charlie Hargrett, Bobby Barth and myself, we appreciate this opportunity to speak with you directly and look forward to seeing you soon. Blackfoot is back and ready to take the stage again. Later....
RTJ : Thank you Gregg, we are gonna tell everybody the good news on the Web Site " Road to Jacksonville"