A few days before his debut performance in Athens, the great Robben Ford talks to us about his career, some of his collaborations and how he sees the music industry today. A guitarist whose resume literally, stuns! Interview: Dimitris Kazantzis
Rockpages.gr : Robben, what have you been up to lately? Do you have any new work in the pipeline?
Robben Ford: I’ve been relocating from France to London which has been a big deal. I do plan on recording for a 2024 summer release but not sure of the direction yet.
Rockpages.gr : You have played many different things in music. Which one do you feel represents you the most?
Robben Ford: I’m primarily a Blues player. But, I like being creative, writing my own music. So, blues with a touch of jazz is what usually happens.
Rockpages.gr : Apart from the fact that you have worked with KISS, the other link on the so called KISS chain was Jimmy Haslip who had played bass with Blackjack that included Bruce Kulick on guitar. Have you kept in touch with Jimmy? What do you remember from those early days with The Yellowjackets?
Robben Ford: Jimmy and I are good friends and still work together from time to time. That original band which I put together, by the way, was a great band and destined, in some way. It’s rare to have the kind of chemistry that we had.
Rockpages.gr : You had played all the guitars on Rock and Roll Hell on KISS’ “Creatures of the Night” and a lick here and there on “I Still Love You”. How was the whole experience and what are your memories from those recording sessions?
Robben Ford: I played the solo on I Still Love You. It was fun and a nice way to make a living. Gene and I’m seemed to get along well.
Rockpages.gr : I would like you to give me your opinion on the way the music industry has evolved over the last years, especially in terms of how musicians are treated by labels and agents.
Robben Ford: Streaming has taken so much from musicians and artist that it is hard to quantify the devastation. I do not stream and always pay for my music – as should everybody else!!! I don’t ask to be on guest lists for shows. Why people think artist’s work should now be for free is beyond me. If I ever run in to the man who created Spotify I’ll have to hit him.
Rockpages.gr : The physical product in the record industry, I’m talking about vinyl and C.D., has become rather a luxury item for people who have to overcome living difficulties. Their prices on the market are very high. Can something else replace the physical product and at the same time maintain people’s love of music?
Robben Ford: I don’t know.
Rockpages.gr : Can you tell me some artists you haven’t worked with so far that you would love to?
Robben Ford: Chrissy Hynde, though I hear she’s a little scary.
Rockpages.gr : Have you ever been to Greece before and by the way are you familiar with any Greek musician whatsoever?
Robben Ford: I played in Thessalonika with the Blue Line many years ago and once took a short vacation on a Greek island. But this is my first time to be in Athens and I’m looking forward to it. I’ve played and recorded a lot with Toss Panos, born in Greece but moved to California at age 8. He introduced me to oud and guitar player Jimmy Malis, also born in Greece but moved to the US. These are the only Greek musicians I really know. And they are great musicians!
Rockpages.gr : What is the one thing you keep the most after 55 years of career?
Robben Ford: A love of true music, played from the heart.
