Tygers of Pan Tang, one of the most beloved NWOBHM bands, have recently played in Athens and they loved it! Rockpages pays respects to music, honors the band and spits directly in the faces of those who believe these bands are “dead” and make relevant statements. And they better keep away, cuz we’ll spit again... We had a fabulous talk with Robb Weir, guitarist and co-founder of the band. We learnt plenty of stuff via this talk. About the new album, the re-releases, the concerts, the band’s philosophy, their way of thinking.
Interview by Costas Koulis
Rockpages.gr : How did the gig go, on June 6th? Was it fun? How about the audience? Was it like you expected it would?
Robb Weir : Firstly, Hi Greece once again... You always have that special feeling for a country you have just played in and especially one that has welcomed you with such open arms. We have been trying to play a show in Athens now for two years and on all occasions the shows have been cancelled or postponed at the last minute. The weekend was very enjoyable, the hospitality was first class, the crowd was fantastic and overall the weekend was one we will remember for a very long time. We get quite a mix of Tygers fans at our shows but never so many beautiful women rocking out at the front of the stage. It was a real privilege and pleasure to play for you guys and I am sure we will be back very soon.
Rockpages.gr : “Animal Instinct” was released last year. How’s it going so far?
Robb Weir : “Animal Instinct” is an album we are very proud of, it’s already become an underground classic although sales have exceeded our own expectations. The album has sold well all over the world and re-established the band with both the fans and the media alike. The reviews we received were unbelievable and we thank everybody who bought the album. We are looking to re-release “Animal Instinct” on July 13th with bonus material and a free DVD, which will give us more exposure and this time the album will be available in countries that missed out before.
Rockpages.gr : Any news regarding the new album? Ideas, titles, anything?
Robb Weir : Our management is very keen that we always plan the recordings at least two years in advance so that we have enough time to ensure the product is spot on for the fans. As mentioned we have just recorded 5 bonus tracks for the re-release of “Animal Instinct”, which includes a brand new track, “Don’t say Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Gonna Die”, three oldies, “Raised on Rock”, ”Love Potion” and “Gangland”, plus a special song we did for Whitley Bay FC. At the end of the year we will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of “Wildcat” by releasing an EP, “Back2Beyond”, which will include another brand new song and four or five songs from “Wildcat” re-recorded. The EP will be on sale early 2010 via the fan club. We will then start to go into the studio and lay down the tracks of a new album for release May/June 2010. We have a working title for the album “Ambush”.
Rockpages.gr : When are you going to release a live DVD? Including also a tygermentary?
Robb Weir : We have talked about a documentary before but I think Anvil have taken the Oscar for that one with a fantastic DVD, only when we can reach that quality entertainment will we pursue the idea. We will however, as mentioned, be giving away some live footage recorded over the last two years on a free DVD with the re-release of “Animal Instinct”.
Rockpages.gr : What made you revive the band? What did you do, during the time the band was inactive?
Robb Weir : I just wanted to play Tygers songs for the fans who wanted to hear them and record new music. During the inactive time I was involved in all sorts of business ventures outside the music industry but you miss writing, recording and playing music every day.
Rockpages.gr : Do you sometimes regret the fact that you had to split, back then?
Robb Weir : I do yes, the band was very special and looking back we were doing things that were years ahead of its time. “The Cage” album, which is not my favorite album I have to say, should have been released in 1985; it would have sold 10 times the number it did and raised the band to worldwide artist status. We were young; we had management problems and no direction. We just wanted to play music but we needed a stable business infrastructure around us. A young band needs to be managed well and looked after; we needed somebody to mediate sense between the record company MCA and us, over the musical direction. It all could have been sorted if we had good management and who knows what we would have achieved.
Rockpages.gr : Do you think that if Jess Cox hadn’t done your songs with Blitzkrieg in 1998, the band would still be “buried”?
Robb Weir : I think there was always a fondness for the Tygers from Rock fans as we were the band that ended too soon... but Jess certainly brought some publicity from the performance, no doubt.
Rockpages.gr : Whose idea was it to write “Tygers” instead of “Tigers”?
Robb Weir : Rocky came up with the name and spelling, he was very educated and did a lot of reading especially sci-fi books. “Stormbringer” by Michael Moorcroft was the inspiration.
Rockpages.gr : What is the essence of the band now?
Robb Weir : We have no egos and just love music. We are all fans of the type of music we play, so we carry all our influences and heroes into the studio with us for ideas. We also now have a solid Management Team, who keep us all together and make sure we are organized and motivated. We plan everything ahead and try to stick to that plan. When you have this infrastructure behind the scenes, then the band can focus on making music and having fun, which I think we do. When you see the band live, there is more energy than ever before, we have a great back catalogue of songs and great new songs so you get a 90 minute set of good time British Hard Rock. Check out the new album if you have not heard it, you will not be disappointed I promise. Hopefully we will back in Greece soon so make sure you also check out the show.
Rockpages.gr : Thank you so much for your time.
Robb Weir : Thank you everybody in Greece! We appreciate your loyalty to classic Rock and see you soon.