INTERJÚ EARL GREY OF CHIMAY-jel, a Blackmore's Night jelenlegi basszusgitárosával

Welcome Earl Grey of Chimay! Thank You, Mike for accepting my invitation for the interview!

Köszönöm Károly!

At first,please, tell me about your musical background! How did you get in touch with music? What kind of instruments do you play?

I’ve written many musicals, including a musical based on the life of Caligula entitled "My Sister Belongs To Me!  The Story of Caligula”, as well as a musical adaptation based on the supernatural ski cottage inhabited by world renowned botanist Dr. Jon Gemellaro.
I got in touch with music almost trancendentally, in a complicated manner.  I was a tobacconist for most of my early years, then picked up the guitar after a botched attempt to forge a career in cryptozoology.  I play all sorts of stringed instruments like guitar and bass.  Lately, I have been experimenting with different designs and ideas with the intention to invent new stringed instruments.

What kind of music do you like? Do you have a favourite music band?

I like all kinds of music except Alternative, College Rock, Goth Rock, Grunge, Indie Rock, New Wave, Punk, Anime, Children's Music, Country, Americana, Bluegrass, Contemporary Bluegrass, Contemporary Country, Country Gospel, Honky Tonk, Outlaw Country, Dance, Hardcore, House, Jungle, Techno, Trance, Disney, Easy Listening, Bop, Lounge, Swing, Lullabies, Electronic, Ambient, Experimental, Industrial, Dirty South, East Coast Rap, Gangsta Rap, Hardcore Rap, Hip-Hop, Latin Rap, Old School Rap, Rap, Underground Rap, West Coast Rap, Holiday Songs, Blues, Chicago Blues, Delta Blues, Electric Blues, Classical, Avant-Garde, Chamber Music, Chant, Choral, Minimalism, Modern Composition, Opera, Orchestral, Wedding Music, Novelty Songs, Gospel, Christian Metal, Christian Rap, Instrumental, Jazz, Avant-Garde Jazz,  Big Band, Contemporary Jazz, Cool Jazz, Crossover Jazz, Dixieland, Fusion, Latin Jazz, Mainstream Jazz, Ragtime, Jazz, Traditional Jazz, Broadway Showtunes, Latino, Baladas, Boleros, Pop Latino, Reggaeton, Salsa, Tropical, New Age, Meditation Music, Relaxation Music, Pop, Adult Contemporary, Soft Rock, Teen Pop, R&B, Soul, Disco, Doo Wop, Funk, Motown, Neo-Soul, Reggae, Ska, Rock, Arena Rock, Blues-Rock, Death Metal, Glam Rock, Jam Bands, Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Psychedelic, Rockabilly, Southern Rock, Tex-Mex, Alternative Folk, Folk-Rock, Musicals, Vocal Jazz, Afro-Beat, Cajun, Caribbean, Celtic, Bollywood Classics, and Zydeco.

My favourite music band is Spike Jones and the City Slickers.


What was your feelings during the first shows with Blackmore's Night?

On my very first show (Poland), I was feeling fine up until the middle of "World of Stone" when I suddenly realized that I had forgot to lock the door to my house back home.  The rest of the first tour went great, until I came back home to a house with no furniture.

What place became your favourite during the tours?

My favourite place on tour is on stage.  This is the place I can create the most mischief.


How did you and the band make Autumn Sky?  Was it hard to record it?

It was a constantly evolving process. "Dance of the Dark" was originally a fourteen minute bass solo but we all agreed that it was too much like "Spinal Tap" so we changed it.  Who knows, maybe one day it will be released as a B-side to something.


How do you feel in the band? Was it hard to play in a band whose members have been playing for years?

At first it was very difficult getting used to playing with an English guitarist and drummer because they play on the opposite side of their instruments.  Overall, it is a great feeling and a wonderful experience playing with Candice, Ritchie, and the band.  We have a lot of fun on and off stage.


What do you do when you are not on tour? What are your hobbies?

Some of my hobbies include experiments in quantum physics involving the manipulation of Hydrogen molecules and shouting obscenities at Bingo parlors.


What is your opinion about street teams and fanclubs? What was there receptation?

The street teams and fan clubs are incredible.  We are very grateful for their support and all the work they do!


Do you have any memories about Hungary where you play one and half years ago?

Hungary is a beautiful country.  I remember telling myself I have to come back to Hungary and explore it more.  I also remember having a constant craving for food while I was there.


Would you like to say anything to the Hungararan fans?

Köszönöm mindenki!  Remélem, hogy hamarosan!  A légpárnás hajóm tele van angolnával! (SIC!!!!!)

Thank you for your patiene and the interview!

Köszönöm Károly!