"I like it when people get creative with an interview... I think that fans like that better than all the typical stuff..." Mandy
I’d like to think that we here at D-Day’s Revenge are not only the coolest Metal Site writers on the web but are also top-notch investigative journalists out to provide our readers with the “inside scoop” about the artists out there entertaining the fans. As far as WWIII goes, many people will tell you about members Vinnie Appice and Jimmy Bain due to their well-publicized history, but what about Mandy Lion? What about “The Cat Under The Hat”? Fear not, my friends. Your awesome editor is on the case with an exclusive, in-depth interview that will answer all the important questions that are on your mind. Mandy answers hot topics like:
Why do shitty bands steal his look? Is he really a Barry Manilow fan? What all can hot twins do with a snake? It’s all right here, only at D-Day's Revenge! I hope you enjoy it….
D-Day: I’ve recently listened to “When God Turned Away” and enjoyed it. Do you have anything else in the works for WWIII at this time?
Mandy: I already have enough material for the next WWIII CD. It is up to the label now to decide when they want me to get started putting them down. I am glad you liked the last one...
D-Day: How about touring? Anything on the horizon?
Mandy: I have a few things I am working on but nothing I could talk about just yet. This business is very flaky (to say the least) and one never knows what might happen...
D-Day: How long was the process for “When God Turned Away”? Did it come flowing natural to you when you started or was it a long labor of love?
Mandy: When God Turned Away was basically written in the studio while recording... It came together very fast.
D-Day: There’s two versions of “Let The Flesh Rule The Mind” on the album. How did that come about and why?
Mandy: At the time I felt that i wanted to
have an old school and a modern version
of those 2 songs... I like both versions for
what they are. I tend to go for the more
organic sound most of the time though.
D-Day: I notice in your bio that several
other bands are mentioned as ripping
off your style (or look). While most of
those bands mentioned pretty much
suck anyway, it was at least cool when
Johnny Cash posed in a trench coat with
two dogs at his side for his first American
Records release, right?
Mandy: LOL... I don't claim to have invented the trench or K9s... What fans have noticed is that there are quite a few guys that used to wear their mothers clothes and steal their sisters make up before they started raiding my wardrobe and try to grow some vocal balls... I think that fans like guys that are real... By that I mean musicians that don't "play" a role when they are onstage and are totally different off stage. I believe that when a fan meets a person he knows from pictures, videos and CDs and the person looks like his dad, sister or Mom, he ends up being disappointed.
D-Day: The general sound of “WGTA” doesn’t sound much like a typical 80’s “hair band”. How did you end up on the Metal Sludge Extravaganza bill and how was the show?
Mandy: The show went great! It was the first time Vinnie, Jimmy and I were on stage together in over a decade and having almost no rehearsal time didn't hurt it at all... Great fun. My sound was never really a part of any movement anyway... I do what I do and hopefully people enjoy what I give them... I absolutely love the people from metal sludge. Everyone did a great job and hopefully we will do it again some time soon.
D-Day: The last news I caught about WWIII said that Jimmy Bain and Vinnie Appice were back in the band. Is that a permanent situation or for a few shows? Who all is in the band at this point?
Mandy: They are back in the band... The current WWIII line-up is Moni Scaria (guitar), Jimmy Bain (Bass), Vinnie Appice (drums) and yours truly on Vocals.
D-Day: Are you still active in any other projects? If so, tell us about that.
Mandy: Yes, I am doing a lot of shows and recording with "Mandy Lion" which is keeping me more than busy when WWIII is taking a break. This line-up consists of David DuCey on drums and again Moni Scaria on guitar, The bassplayer is whoever happens to be playing that week...lol
D-Day: If you had the choice of any 3 bands for WWIII to go out on tour with, who would that be?
Mandy: Ozzy, Judas Priest and Rob Zombie...
D-Day: Why?
Mandy:Ozzy cause he is the biggest, Judas Priest because they are the hardest and Rob Zombie because I think it would be great to show his audience the difference between a live show and lip-synching.
D-Day: Your website has made the offer to provide free MP3 songs to interested fans. What are your thoughts on music downloading in general? Do you think it takes away from sales to a large degree?
Mandy: Of course it takes away from sales. Having said that I feel that if you take care of your fans they will take care of you. I believe that most of them will still buy a CD because they understand that recording artists need to make a living too. If everyone stopped buying CDs no one could make the music they love anymore... On the other hand I think it is a huge problem when a label doesn't make sure a fan can buy a CD at their local store... This happens more and more and if a fan cannot get the CD then they should still be able to get the music. Why should the fans have to suffer just because someone isn't doing their job? Not every kid out there has a credit card to get something online, not every fan wants to have his or her information floating around on the net. So, if you cannot find it in your local store, I will fucking send it to you... FOR FREE!
D-Day: Time for a multiple choice question…. Mandy Lion is suddenly surrounded by all of his “Lion Girl” winners from his site. Just as he is thinking about how great this is, they all request that he sings their choice of Barry Manilow songs before he gets any action.
Would Mandy Lion:
A) Throw up and leave.
B) Do your best to talk them out of it because
these girls are hot.
C) Send some of them to D-Day because he at
least knows parts of “Copacabana”.
D) Go ahead and sing some Manilow songs
because you don’t think anyone will find out
anyway.
Mandy: Since my alter ego is Barry Manilow I will have no problem getting them to put out. I write the songs that make the whole world sing...
D-Day: I’ve read that you were in some bands at a young age in your native Germany, but the other members tried to change your style to fit the current trend. What sound were they wanting?
Mandy: They just wanted me to sound like other singers that were successful at the time. Even though I respect many of the singers they wanted me to sound like, what is the point in trying to be anyone other than yourself...? Bruce Dickinson is great but do we need another Bruce wannabe...?
D-Day: Have you been back to Germany while on tour?
Mandy: Not in a while but there is something in the making...
D-Day: Do you have a memorable road story that sticks out in your mind that you can share with us? Feel free to elaborate.
Mandy: Shit... There are too many... I remember that one time I totally forgot my words because the show in the front row was distracting me. There were these ultra hot twin sisters that had a live snake with them... First they lifted their skirts to show me they weren't wearing panties (I fucking love that), then they started getting way too friendly with each other while looking into my eyes. Then they started deep throating the snake from either end until they were french kissing each other... Needless to say I forgot my words and just about everything else along with that, including my name...LOL
D-Day: What would be your ultimate goal for WWIII?
Mandy: I would say that if I can spread the word about how fucking evil panties are throughout the world via WWIII... I have done my part. I say: Fuck Willy... Free Vagina!!!
D-Day: Any final words for the fans out there?
Mandy: Just want to say thank you for being loyal and patient all these years. You guys are the reason why this is still the greatest job on earth... See you on the road...
Thanks Mandy!
Thank you guys!
All photo's courtesy of Mandy Lion and their respective owners.
11/16/04
