Vardis is back after 27 years. This band is celebrating their second rockin’ youth. Due to the re-release of “Vigilante” we grabbed the opportunity to talk with the band’s frontman & mastermind Steve Zodiac about Vardis’ past, present and future …
Hey Steve. It’s great to have the chance to talk about Vardis almost 27 years after their comeback!
S: Yes, it’s unbelievable that so much has happened in the past year. It all feels as though we never split up!
So, what happened back in 1986 and you called it a day after the release of “Vigilante”?
S: We had a big argument with our publisher/manager which ended in a court battle. We were sick of the dishonesty so I just walked away. (i.n.: It’s true that some so-called managers have ruin lots of great bands…)
Mid-80s was still a good time for a band to do their thing, even though the NWOBHM era was over in a way. Do you agree with the term NWOBHM and do you believe that Vardis was part of that movement back in the day?
S: Yes, I believe we are part of the NWOBHM simply because we are neither punk nor pure heavy rock (which where the 2 main ones at the time). Along with other bands it appears that we created a unique and lasting sound.
What was the driving force that led you to put the band together after so many years?
S: Gary Pearson had been trying to get hold of me for years. My life had changed and I moved on into education after I closed the door on the music business back in 1986. I never thought I would play again until Gary convinced me to have a rehearsal (just for fun) last year.
Which were the first responses on the first live shows by the band’s old fans and from the newer ones that have only just heard about Vardis?
S: I think that good music transcends generations. The Brofest show was very humbling after 27 years away from the stage. I was amazed that our music had meant so much to people. They came from all over the world. It was great as both the kids and the oldies dug it together.
So after you returned to music business what were the first things that you wanted to do and avoid?
S: I had never stopped writing songs even though I had stopped playing with a band. I am very excited that I can now record them the way I always wanted them to be. Studio recording was always frustrating to me in the past, as I always felt rushed and too many people messed around with the mixes. Now that I can produce myself I feel a lot happier.
I think that this generation in the music industry is much kinder and wiser than the old school. The big bosses seemed intent on an agenda of artist exploitation. Our experience now gives us a chance to help and advice others as well.
When did the decision to re-release “Vigilante” on CD & digital come about? Was it your call, or Hoplite Records came with the idea first?
S: I had the old “Vigilante” master tapes in storage and had forgotten about them. Bart Gabriel from Skol Records first asked about the possibility of putting them out on CD. When I first played them back after 28 years it was a great moment.
And how did you decide to work with Hoplite Records later?
S: One of my businesses interests is in a retail outlet for CD DVD etc. It made sense to use these experiences and contacts in the formulation of Hoplite.
Are you planning to release any new music? What will the other release be?
S: I have lots of new songs and we are working on them now. We will have a brand new Vardis album out this November and two more are scheduled for 2015.
What do you think of “Vigilante” now after these years?
S: I had not heard it for over 25 years and was amazed just how fresh and full of life it is.
Does the title “Vigilante” have a hidden message? Like taking things on your own hands etc.?
S: Yes, exactly but as a team you are stronger… we are all hoplites! I also like the subtitle, this is also very important!
Please comment on the tracks…
S: “Learn How to Shoot Straight”: Don’t do anything that affects others unless you are 100% sure you can pull it off. Practice and preparation is the key to achievement.
“Running”: It’s no problem to change your mind and run after other dreams. Run towards your destiny and not away from it.
“I Must be Mad”: I am mad and it did last forever!
“Radio Active”: “Ground control to Major Tom” – my little “David Bowie” moment.
“Radio Rockers”: “Always play a little Chuck Berry song cos the times you rock are the times you won’t go wrong”…
“Don’t Mess with the Best”: “Nemo me Impune Lacessit”…
“Guitar Hero”: Live your dreams…
“Wild Sound”: Rock music (like football) is one of the few things in life that is real so never forget this no matter what happens.
“Who Loves ya Baby”: Bonus Track – all about Love…
“Bad Company”: The story of my early music business life.
“All The Worlds Eyes”: All about a few idiots who think that infamy and fame are the same thing and all about the way the media then exploits this.
What about the bonus track “Who Loves ya Baby”? When did you officially record it and has it been in any of your previous releases – including the compilations?
S: Track 9 is the bonus track “Who Loves ya Baby”. We did some sessions at Jacksons Studios with producer Vic Maile this one we thought, would be good to add to the 2014 Vigilante as an extra.
One thing that you comprehend from the very first moment is the updated & louder sound of the re-release. Where did the re-mastering take place and are you satisfied with it? Did you superintend the whole re-master procedure?
S: I used the Stockroom Studio London to re-master the tracks. As I had been developing and running college courses for this kind of work, it made sense for me to do the re-mastering myself as I knew what I wanted to achieve.
What is that you wish to achieve with Vardis in this second youth?
S: Just to have fun and share the love!
How do you see the music industry these days and what are the cons and the pros it has compared with the music industry of the 80s according to you?
S: Social media and digital file transfers have definitely given artists more control over their destiny. Direct communication and feedback from supporters is awesome. The 2014 industry is far more transparent and open when compared to the 1980s. Again no censorship of the internet!
S: Yes, it’s unbelievable that so much has happened in the past year. It all feels as though we never split up!
So, what happened back in 1986 and you called it a day after the release of “Vigilante”?
S: We had a big argument with our publisher/manager which ended in a court battle. We were sick of the dishonesty so I just walked away. (i.n.: It’s true that some so-called managers have ruin lots of great bands…)
Mid-80s was still a good time for a band to do their thing, even though the NWOBHM era was over in a way. Do you agree with the term NWOBHM and do you believe that Vardis was part of that movement back in the day?
S: Yes, I believe we are part of the NWOBHM simply because we are neither punk nor pure heavy rock (which where the 2 main ones at the time). Along with other bands it appears that we created a unique and lasting sound.
What was the driving force that led you to put the band together after so many years?
S: Gary Pearson had been trying to get hold of me for years. My life had changed and I moved on into education after I closed the door on the music business back in 1986. I never thought I would play again until Gary convinced me to have a rehearsal (just for fun) last year.
Which were the first responses on the first live shows by the band’s old fans and from the newer ones that have only just heard about Vardis?
S: I think that good music transcends generations. The Brofest show was very humbling after 27 years away from the stage. I was amazed that our music had meant so much to people. They came from all over the world. It was great as both the kids and the oldies dug it together.
So after you returned to music business what were the first things that you wanted to do and avoid?
S: I had never stopped writing songs even though I had stopped playing with a band. I am very excited that I can now record them the way I always wanted them to be. Studio recording was always frustrating to me in the past, as I always felt rushed and too many people messed around with the mixes. Now that I can produce myself I feel a lot happier.
I think that this generation in the music industry is much kinder and wiser than the old school. The big bosses seemed intent on an agenda of artist exploitation. Our experience now gives us a chance to help and advice others as well.
When did the decision to re-release “Vigilante” on CD & digital come about? Was it your call, or Hoplite Records came with the idea first?
S: I had the old “Vigilante” master tapes in storage and had forgotten about them. Bart Gabriel from Skol Records first asked about the possibility of putting them out on CD. When I first played them back after 28 years it was a great moment.
And how did you decide to work with Hoplite Records later?
S: One of my businesses interests is in a retail outlet for CD DVD etc. It made sense to use these experiences and contacts in the formulation of Hoplite.
Are you planning to release any new music? What will the other release be?
S: I have lots of new songs and we are working on them now. We will have a brand new Vardis album out this November and two more are scheduled for 2015.
What do you think of “Vigilante” now after these years?
S: I had not heard it for over 25 years and was amazed just how fresh and full of life it is.
Does the title “Vigilante” have a hidden message? Like taking things on your own hands etc.?
S: Yes, exactly but as a team you are stronger… we are all hoplites! I also like the subtitle, this is also very important!
Please comment on the tracks…
S: “Learn How to Shoot Straight”: Don’t do anything that affects others unless you are 100% sure you can pull it off. Practice and preparation is the key to achievement.
“Running”: It’s no problem to change your mind and run after other dreams. Run towards your destiny and not away from it.
“I Must be Mad”: I am mad and it did last forever!
“Radio Active”: “Ground control to Major Tom” – my little “David Bowie” moment.
“Radio Rockers”: “Always play a little Chuck Berry song cos the times you rock are the times you won’t go wrong”…
“Don’t Mess with the Best”: “Nemo me Impune Lacessit”…
“Guitar Hero”: Live your dreams…
“Wild Sound”: Rock music (like football) is one of the few things in life that is real so never forget this no matter what happens.
“Who Loves ya Baby”: Bonus Track – all about Love…
“Bad Company”: The story of my early music business life.
“All The Worlds Eyes”: All about a few idiots who think that infamy and fame are the same thing and all about the way the media then exploits this.
What about the bonus track “Who Loves ya Baby”? When did you officially record it and has it been in any of your previous releases – including the compilations?
S: Track 9 is the bonus track “Who Loves ya Baby”. We did some sessions at Jacksons Studios with producer Vic Maile this one we thought, would be good to add to the 2014 Vigilante as an extra.
One thing that you comprehend from the very first moment is the updated & louder sound of the re-release. Where did the re-mastering take place and are you satisfied with it? Did you superintend the whole re-master procedure?
S: I used the Stockroom Studio London to re-master the tracks. As I had been developing and running college courses for this kind of work, it made sense for me to do the re-mastering myself as I knew what I wanted to achieve.
What is that you wish to achieve with Vardis in this second youth?
S: Just to have fun and share the love!
How do you see the music industry these days and what are the cons and the pros it has compared with the music industry of the 80s according to you?
S: Social media and digital file transfers have definitely given artists more control over their destiny. Direct communication and feedback from supporters is awesome. The 2014 industry is far more transparent and open when compared to the 1980s. Again no censorship of the internet!
How did you first come up with the name Quo Vardis and why did you make it Vardis later?
S: We always liked Latin & Greek names Quo Vadis means “where are you going” and it seemed a great name at the time. We then decided that there is only one “Quo” band so we dropped it and also added an “R” to the Latin to make it different to the classic film.
Time for our weird questions! Which is your beloved Vardis album & song and why?
S: “Vigilante” is our best studio album to date and was the one I was most satisfied with in the 80s as it captures the essence of the band. I think “Running” is one of my favorites as at the time I knew things had to change and it’s about running towards something and not running away.
Which band from the NWOBHM movement made it without necessarily deserving it and who didn’t who actually deserved it?
S: I think all the bands that made it from that era all deserved it. Unfortunately some have a better break than others and if you have contractual “bad company” this can make progression very difficult.
What do you think of the ‘extreme’ music that comes from the UK in the last decade or so?
S: I still believe there are some great new artists and writers but unfortunately the technology can make them all sound the same, so capturing the essence of a performance in a sound recording can be more difficult than ever with all the options now available.
Which do you consider to be the best music era of all time & why?
S: I have 2 the first one started when I was not even born.
1956-62: Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, The Sun Recording Studio etc...
1968-74: Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, T. Rex, Jeff Beck, Abbey Road Studios etc…
Do you think that funding platforms like Kicksatrter, Indiegogo etc. can give any kind of solution to the “legal downloading” matter? Can bands/artists only be supported by their fans in order to make music?
S: I think any fundraising towards investing in the arts is worthwhile so long as the copyrights still belong to the artist. At the end of the day people will always download music legal or otherwise. I think it’s far more important for the internet to stay uncensored and away from political/corporate control that way new music and opinion will always get heard and shared. It doesn’t matter where the support comes from.
Imagine that your wife/girlfriend is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
S: I would say go ahead I can still hear the music in my head!
Thx for talking to Grande Rock Steve. I wish you the best for the future to come. Say anything you like before we close… take care!
S: I hope you all enjoy the “Vigilante” album and look forward to playing live in Greece very soon!
S: We always liked Latin & Greek names Quo Vadis means “where are you going” and it seemed a great name at the time. We then decided that there is only one “Quo” band so we dropped it and also added an “R” to the Latin to make it different to the classic film.
Time for our weird questions! Which is your beloved Vardis album & song and why?
S: “Vigilante” is our best studio album to date and was the one I was most satisfied with in the 80s as it captures the essence of the band. I think “Running” is one of my favorites as at the time I knew things had to change and it’s about running towards something and not running away.
Which band from the NWOBHM movement made it without necessarily deserving it and who didn’t who actually deserved it?
S: I think all the bands that made it from that era all deserved it. Unfortunately some have a better break than others and if you have contractual “bad company” this can make progression very difficult.
What do you think of the ‘extreme’ music that comes from the UK in the last decade or so?
S: I still believe there are some great new artists and writers but unfortunately the technology can make them all sound the same, so capturing the essence of a performance in a sound recording can be more difficult than ever with all the options now available.
Which do you consider to be the best music era of all time & why?
S: I have 2 the first one started when I was not even born.
1956-62: Elvis, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, The Sun Recording Studio etc...
1968-74: Hendrix, Rory Gallagher, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, T. Rex, Jeff Beck, Abbey Road Studios etc…
Do you think that funding platforms like Kicksatrter, Indiegogo etc. can give any kind of solution to the “legal downloading” matter? Can bands/artists only be supported by their fans in order to make music?
S: I think any fundraising towards investing in the arts is worthwhile so long as the copyrights still belong to the artist. At the end of the day people will always download music legal or otherwise. I think it’s far more important for the internet to stay uncensored and away from political/corporate control that way new music and opinion will always get heard and shared. It doesn’t matter where the support comes from.
Imagine that your wife/girlfriend is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
S: I would say go ahead I can still hear the music in my head!
Thx for talking to Grande Rock Steve. I wish you the best for the future to come. Say anything you like before we close… take care!
S: I hope you all enjoy the “Vigilante” album and look forward to playing live in Greece very soon!