Black Label Society

June 18 2011 (Hellfest - Clisson)

Even if it wasn’t really planned, I got the chance to catch BLACK LABEL SOCIETY’s bassist John Deservio who, without any obligations whatsoever, but just out of kindness, accepted a quick interview with me.Un grand merci à Elodie.

Fab: Thank you for your time. Happy to be here?
John DeServio (Bass): Oh, it’s awesome man, we’re fuckin’ psyched to play tonight, yeah.

Fab: One year after its release, “Order of the black” still strikes me with its power, its production, while order major bands not always achieve such a feat. What’s it’s your secret?
John DeServio: Well, I just keep Zakk (Wylde – Vocals, Guitar) out of the room (laughter). I make sure he’s not around, and then I can do anything, to make it sound good.

Fab: Was it a need for you to release «The Song Remains Not The Same» following «Order Of The Black”?
John DeServio: Well, we did it because we love to do acoustic versions of the stuff, you know, and on the bonus tracks on the record, in Asia, in Europe, in South America, they all had a different cover song on them. So we put them together, and we also re-did four songs of “Order Of The Black”, acoustic versions. And it turned out great man, I’m really psyched about this.

Fab: In one way, could we said that you kinda felt it was not yet complete?
John DeServio: No, it was complete. We just had this lying around, and we decided to do some new versions of the other songs.

Fab: How the choice of songs was done? Not always easy to find a good balance.
John DeServio: Pretty much we just talked about it, and that’s basically it.

Fab: Was it done at the “Black Label Bunker”?
John DeServio: Yep, yep. That’s why I got to produce and mix the last two albums. Pretty proud of those records, man. I think it sounds sonically really really good, so very psyched with that.

Fab: Has the BLS songwriting process changed over the years?
John DeServio: No, Zakk is the writer, but now, I’m co-producing and mixing the record, so that aspect changed, but the writing style is still the same. I can make suggestions and arrangements ideas, but it’s his music and melodies. I just try to get the best takes, and make sure that everything sounds good (laughter).

Fab: Is «Skullage» a good instant shot of what was BLS in 2009?
John DeServio: Yeah, I guess so. I just like to keep putting out new stuff, you know what I mean? Like “Order Of The Black” is our best representation of us, right now.

Fab: A word about the Farewell Priest Tour?
John DeServio: We were psyched to be on it. But I’m sad that it’s a farewell, you know? Because I love JUDAS PRIEST, so… And THE SCORPIONS are doing their farewell too, right? So, I’m sad for both of them.

Fab: Which bands would you love to see on this bill?
John DeServio: U.F.O., THIN LIZZY, THE SCORPIONS. I’d like to see JUDAS PRIEST, but they’re playing tomorrow.

Fab: You recently toured in France, but it was after a long hiatus (2005). How was the reception? Did you miss France? Because France missed you!
John DeServio: It was amazing, incredible. One of the best shows ever. They loved us and we loved them. It was awesome.

Fab: Have you a special ritual before going onstage?
John DeServio: Just drink, get high, smoke pot. Drink beer and vodka. That’s the ritual.

Fab: Is there a question that you would have love for me to ask you, but that I didn't ask?
John DeServio: About my band CYCLE OF PAIN? (laughter). We put out a record in 2009. It came out here this year on Metalville. I’m in a process right now of writing another record for CYCLE OF PAIN. So, hopefully, we get to come over here and tour. It’s a great band, so.

Fab: Is there a non-musician person who is/was a huge inspiration for you?
John DeServio: My parents, my family. My brothers.

Fab: What’s your favorite song to play live?
John DeServio: “Stillborn” ( ndlr: from “The Blessed Hellride” 2009). Because we got to do a solo and a jam, so. I like that one. We will play it tonight.

Fab: A last word for your French fans?
John DeServio: We love you so much and thanks for your support. I can’t wait to rock’n’roll with you guys tonight. Merci!