In Corona Corner, we are asking musicians how the outbreak has effected them, how did they adapt to the situation, what did they learn. Last time I have seen Suicidal Angels in Budapest in December 2018 and today I can say it’s my pleasure that Nick Melissourgos accepted my invitation to participate in Corona Corner.
Hi! How are you doing during corona outbreak?
Hello and thank you very much for this interview! These are difficult times and hopefully everybody is safe and sound! Actually we all are trying to stay strong and sane above all.
What have you cancelled/postponed due coronavirus?
Lots of stuff got cancelled unfortunately. Concerts, vacation, meeting with people, parties, festivals. Anyway, hopefully everything will come back soon to normal, we will get our lives back and we will be able to continue all the stuff we did beforehand without being afraid of whatever “pandemic”…
How the global coronavirus pandemic is directly impacting bands?
It is a huge negative impact on the bands. We all had arranged tours and festivals and we were planning stuff within 2020 and out nowhere, we end up locked up in our homes, not being allowed to do what we do best. The loss is big, the hit is hard but i believe that it will give us some extra inspiration for writing music, writing lyrics and having some time to re-think everything and next time to be more careful.
How are you keeping your fans during this chaotic period?
Whoever sends a message or comments on anything we are trying to contact back as well. But the thing with fans is that they are dedicated. They are patient, they are strong. That’s the moshing crew, that’s their faith and loyalty. Soon we will be out there again and we will share some more unforgettable moments!
What will metal look like when we re-emerge from isolation?
I think and i hope that metal will re-emerge like rising from the ashes and becoming greater and bigger! I believe in this music, i believe in its people, i believe in this passion. It’s not an easy music to listen to, has lots of enemies but this music has space for everyone. That’s why will never die and that’s why no corona bullshit is gonna affect it!
Who will suffer the most after all: musicians, organizers promoters…
Unfortunately we are all affected and we all suffer from the current situation. There are lots of people involved in music industry and all of us get affected in every perspective. I don’t know and i cant predict how normality will return and when…As soon as there is a restriction from the governments and we are not allowed to tour or play concerts generally, we are all bounded and grounded. As soon as the restriction is over, then gradually we will all try our best to bring music back to life. For now, unfortunately, we all are fucked.
What is your isolation soundtrack?
Oh, I didn’t have a specific one, there were many. Music is generally good company of mine and always gives me the inner power to hold on and struggle with anything. I was listening to music either at home or when I was outside doing my everyday 10 km running.
Besides gigs, what/whom do you miss the most?
The road… Generally speaking touring! It is a big part of our lives and we enjoy that much being on the road. This is what mostly is missing apart from the concerts. There’s so much fun when being on tour which now is missing because of the whole thing. In any way, we try to communicate with each other, band and crew, talking about funny moments of previous tours etc. Soon and hopefully, everything will return back to what we knew as normal.
Do you have any rehearsals during quarantine? If yes, how do they look like?
No, we have stopped the rehearsals. We all practice at home. Personally it is a nice time to concentrate and try to work out some new ideas. Of course nothing solid yet and I am working on some stuff, I am restless haha. It is too early to talk about new album soon, but I always like to steal some time and write down stuff!
Thank you so much for your time. Stay safe!
Thank you very much for this interview, it was a pleasure. I want to wish everyone to be safe, to be sane and strong. This bullshit soon will be over and we will be able to have our stolen lives back! Cheers!
