Ongoing safety restrictions in Germany, The Netherlands, and other countries, coupled with the continued uncertainty regarding the ability to perform large scale live events this year require MANOWAR to reschedule their planned April 2021 tour dates to April 2022.

“We are confident that with the recent release of vaccines, this crisis will soon be under control and permit large gatherings and concerts again” explained Joey DeMaio. “But with everyone’s safety in mind, allowing sufficient time to get back on track and moving the tour to 2022 is the right thing to do. And as fate would have it, 2022 will be an even more special year, celebrating milestone anniversaries of six of our albums with the greatest fans in the world”

The LAUT UND HART – STARK UND SCHNELL ANNIVERSARY TOUR ’22, named after a new anthem that is dedicated to MANOWAR’s loyal German fans, will be packed with fan favorites from the band’s career and will pay special tribute to six signature MANOWAR albums and their anniversaries:

40^th Anniversary of Battle Hymns
35^th Anniversary of Fighting The World
30^th Anniversary of The Triumph Of Steel
20^th Anniversary of Warriors Of The World
15^th Anniversary of Gods Of War
10^th Anniversary of The Lord Of Steel

Tickets for MANOWAR’s original April 2021 dates will remain valid for the rescheduled dates.
Further details will be sent directly to those who already purchased a ticket.

The new dates are:

Tue, April 12, 2022 – Rotterdam, NL – Rotterdam Ahoy
Wed, April 13, 2022 – Bremen, DE – ÖVB-Arena – Halle 7
Thu, April 14, 2022 – Berlin, DE – Velodrom
Sat, April 16, 2022 – Oberhausen, DE – König Pilsener Arena
Sun, April 17, 2022 – Zwickau, DE – Stadthalle
Thu, April 21, 2022 – Nuremberg, DE – Arena Nürnberger Versicherung
Fri, April 22, 2022 – Neu-Ulm, DE – Ratiopharm Arena
Sat, April 23, 2022 – Mannheim, DE – SAP Arena

„We can’t wait to see you on the road next year to celebrate this mega event with us! Laut Und Hart; Stark Und Schnell!” said Joey DeMaio.

Tickets are available on Eventim Germany respectively Eventim Netherlands and on other known ticket outlets. For tour details and ticket links go to manowar.com/tour

Follow MANOWAR on manowar.com , Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for constant updates.

MANOWAR – Confirmed Tour Dates:
Thu, July 1, 2021 – Barcelona, ES – Rock Fest Barcelona
Tue, April 12, 2022 – Rotterdam, NL – Rotterdam Ahoy
Wed, April 13, 2022 – Bremen, DE – ÖVB-Arena – Halle 7
Thu, April 14, 2022 – Berlin, DE – Velodrom
Sat, April 16, 2022 – Oberhausen, DE – König Pilsener Arena
Sun, April 17, 2022 – Zwickau, DE – Stadthalle
Thu, April 21, 2022 – Nuremberg, DE – Arena Nürnberger Versicherung
Fri, April 22, 2022 – Neu-Ulm, DE – Ratiopharm Arena
Sat, April 23, 2022 – Mannheim, DE – SAP Arena

Hail brothers and sisters!

My name is Asparuh Kostov and I am from the land of true metal – Bulgaria. I can not fully describe my relationship with Manowar with one or two paragraphs. I’ll try my best to give you a glimpse of my story and how important the band has been through most of my life.

It was the summer of 1997 and I was 11 years old at the time. A very dear friend of mine has mentioned me in the beginning of the summer holiday that he has found an audio cassette of “some kind of a metal band” under his desk at school. He didn’t had any interest in playing it, so some weeks later I borrowed it from him. I was just a kid back then and I was very curios to see what kind of music was this. Long story short, I was holding in my hands a bootleg cassette of Kings of Metal. I was familiar with the band logo, because of the shirts I have seen on people on the street. I immediately put it in my player, without even rewinding it to the start. Ironically the song which started was The Crown and the Ring. You could imagine how absolutely blown away a 11 year old kid can be. I have never heard this type of epic, grand, majestic music (and I’ve been listening to a lot of music since my pre-school years). Then I played the album in it’s entirety. Since this day I was spellbound. The music, the power, the might of Manowar just clicked with me since day one. I quickly started to look for more albums. The second album I got from another friend was Louder Than Hell, which he advertised it as the “new one”. The Triumph of Steel was the third I got before the end of the summer break. It was a re-recorded cassette and was without a booklet. It was my fix idea to acquire all the albums as soon as possible. Into Glory Ride was the first one I bought regularly from the record store, with a proper booklet. I was looking for all kind of magazines and newspapers, but back in the 90s in Bulgaria was hard to find any information about metal music in general.

I quickly educated myself with everything regarding the band. Manowar became a huge part my life and I knew that this was going to be a bond that will be for lifetime.

When the news broke that Manowar will finally play in Bulgaria for the first time, I was out of my mind. I couldn’t sleep from excitement in days before the show. You can imagine how emotional was for me to finally be able to withstand the power and the might of my heroes live for the first time. During the next decade I was able to attend plenty of shows around Europe, standing at number 17 at the time I am writing this. Meeting Joey in person three times was an amazing experience for me, especially the most recent one in Berlin, after the Spoken Word tour.

Now 23 years later, I stand proud, having Manowar in my heart for the most part of my life. I personally think that I became the man I am now, because of the Manowar way of life. I was raised by the code of honor and loyalty the band has preached. Manowar has guided me through some difficult times and the music was always the rock I hold on. So now, at the eve of the 40th Anniversary I say – THANK YOU! Looking forward to the 50th!

Manowar, born to live forevermore!

Hail and kill!

Asparuh

My name is Claudia L.  and I live in the Ruhr area in North Rhine Westphalia, Germany.

In 1987 I discovered Manowar for myself when MTV’s “Headbangers ball” showed the musicvideo “Blow your Speakers”.

I was so enthusiastic about the song and the video that I immediately bought the vinyl record “Fighting the world” and the previously released vinyls.

Manowar became my favorite band.

I attended my first Manowar show at the “Kings of Metal Tour” 1989 in Oberhausen. Since then there have been many concert visits, which are a great experience every time.

At the “Final Battle Tour 2017 I gave myself the “Ultimate Fan Experience Upgrade” as a present for my 50th birthday. This upgrade was a unique experience, where I met the Band backstage and also had a nice chat with Joey. I still fondly remember about this show in Cologne today.

Now I’m looking forward for the tour next year and I have already bought a ticket for the show in Oberhausen.

I’ve been listening to the songs from Manowar every day since I’ve discovered the band.

Once you are a Manowar fan, a Manowar fan for good and all.

Hail and Kill

Claudia

Hello,

My name is Andrei, 33, and I’m from Timișoara, Romania. I want to take this opportunity to share some great personal memories involving Manowar, and especially what Manowar has meant in life.

I first started listening to them sometime in the 8th grade (around the year 2000), when I realized I’m actually fond of rock and metal music. I asked a friend from school – the “rocker” of the class – to give me some music, and one of the CDs was a mix of songs from Battle Hymns and Sign of the Hammer.

Needless to say I was instantly hooked. I started looking for other albums and searching for more information about the band. Their songs gradually became part of my life. Some would carry my imagination on an inspiring journey. Others would get the blood flowing and provide an energy boost, pushing me to always give my best effort in all of my pursuits. Manowar has always been for me more than music. It’s not there only when you listen to it, it lives on in your heart. I will not go through my favourite songs, but will just say that if you are a true Manowar fan, you know that life is grand and there is always something important to discover if only you commit to it. You are strong if you believe in yourself and your close ones. Sometimes you need to make sacrifices, set some bridges on fire, but you will find the gold on the other side. And there will always be someone with the same values as you to give you a hand.

The first Manowar concerts I attended were huge ones: Magic Circle Festival 2007 and 2008. The first one included the glorious stage with the viking ship, while for the second one they played the first six albums in their entirety. Two once in a lifetime moments! The amazing MCF 2008 bracelet I kept on my wrist for some years, until it started to come apart and decided to put it away for safe keeping.

I want to take this opportunity and apologise to all fans that are angry that a big Romanian flag is waving right down the center of the stage on the MCF 2008 DVD.

Here is the story: I had hooked up with some people from the Romanian fan club that existed back then. They had this big flag with “Romania awaits the Kings” written on it. Initially we just put it on a branch we broke off from one the trees on the festival grounds, just like all other normal attendees did. (Just want to mention what an amazing feeling it was seeing all those flags from so many countries all around the globe lined up like that. Truly inspiring and humbling that we are part of a global brotherhood) We had also randomly met another two Romanians who hooked up with us. On the second day, one of them went to town and for some reason bought a fishing pole. And we had the brilliant idea that, hey, we could use that, and our flag would fly higher than all the others. And that’s what we did, until a desperate Neil Johnson appeared at the front barrier, waving his arms trying to tell us that he’s actually trying to film a DVD and if we would be nice enough to lower the flag, which we would recover at the end of the show.

So, sorry, Manowar, and sorry Manowar fans! But hey, it worked, because next year Manowar came for the first time to Romania and Joey received that flag on stage from the fan club.

That would be my personal view of Manowar, but there is also a social side. Because I’ve met many wonderful people from all over the world, both online and at concerts, especially at fan gatherings. And I’m always surprised that they always are great people, with a lot to share. It seems like when people put on a Manowar t-shirt it’s not just a statement of what band they like, but of what amazing people they are.

So thank you Manowar for existing and for finding your way in my life. Happy 40th anniversary!

Hello, greetings and Hails from England to the guys staffing the Frontrow from Ceri Sian. Maybe it’s even Ruxia reading this in which case hello my sister I hope you are all keeping safe and well. In these strange times I miss all my sisters and brothers so much and have loved reading the stories they are sharing. There follows my story which in many ways was tricky to write. It was hard to write something that was not too personal and instead produce something that could be shared with brothers and sisters I have not met yet. Perhaps this will be of use added to the history you are gathering, I enjoyed writing it in any case. (I know that my old photographs of my family and Joey and myself are already safe with Joey in the archives so I have just included one picture of two treasures, one old, one new).
My name is Ceri Sian and I am from Birmingham in the UK. My Manowar story is one of fandom, friendship and family.
I was at college and already a Manowar fan when one evening my father, an accomplished singer, spoken word artist and poet upon returning from a rehearsal with the Canoldir Welsh Male Voice Choir of which he was a founder member began, quite out of the blue, to ask me questions about Manowar. I was astonished to learn that he had been asked to read for Joey and that the choir had already been engaged to take part in a very special project. Can you even imagine my excitement?
It all seemed unreal to me even as I had the distinct privilege of helping my father rehearse.
When the time came for the choir and my father to be recorded Joey and his crew arrived with recording equipment that looked insane installed in St Paul’s Birmingham but I was there to witness heavy metal history being made. I watched Joey take charge, direct and conduct a choir well over a hundred strong with ease and when the choir had finally done their part and recorded those epic choruses for Kings of Metal and St Paul’s was calm and empty of all but essential crew I was there, perched in the pews as quiet as I have ever been in my life watching my father Arthur and Joey record The Warriors Prayer. As it turned out it wasn’t just metal history being made, strong, lifelong connections were also forged.
When the Kings of Metal tour reached Birmingham, I attended at my father’s side and surrounded as we were by both band and the wonderful crew that day is etched in my memory forever as one of the happiest days of my life.
The power of Manowar’s music and the words of The Warriors Prayer have seen me safe through the years and when the worst times befell our family and my father was lost to us, we were given the gift of Glory, Majesty, Unity and with it an astounding burst of strength that I do not think I would have survived those days without.
I have so many friends and gain more every year, amazing, remarkable and talented friends, every concert is a festival and every gathering an absolute affirmation of global brotherhood and all thanks to Manowar.

My name is Sam and I come from Carrickfergus; Northern Ireland aged a spritely 55 years old!

Back in the day when I first picked up and played Kiss Alive II, the double LP, probably around late ’77 and thought, hey, this is great stuff this “Heavy Metal”. Up to then we had the likes of Rod Stewart, Elvis, Abba, all manner of disco and that horrendous country music – something had to give.

So, with limited exposure, all we had in those days was to go to the local record store, search for a band you liked, buy an LP/cassette or if you had a cassette recorder, tape some Metal off some weird offshore radio station with a sub-standard microphone – ah, 20th century tech!

UFO, Zep, AC/DC , Ted Nugent, Priest, Sabbath, Motorhead etc were the go to guys but not so much a choice, more a lack of options.

Enjoying these bands was one thing but really getting into a music and being part of your “soul” and in my opinion, “How to play Heavy Metal” the right way was not on the agenda until by a bunch of newcomers came alone called – MANOWAR.
My brother had bought Battle Hymns in late ’82 after listening to Molly Hatchet, so I “borrowed” it off him so I could have a wee sneak listen.

Well now, with all the Metal Pioneers mentioned before, this was completely different – more heavier, clearer, ear shattering and in your face than any 18 year old could wish for.

Special attention came for the lead singer – this guy had a serious set of pipes that could shatter glass (but in a metal way)
All the tracks were listened to “ad nauseum” – and there was even a bass solo by some bloke called Joey DeMaio – different.

Anyway, back then, there was nothing at all to read about who these guys were, where they came from or what was happening next – except for maybe Kerrang but that wasn’t the best. In late ’82, I joined the Army of Immortals.
There was a UK version of the AOI that 2 guys from Leeds started but that ended after a while…still have a few of those newsletters.

In 1987, I got the shock of my life when our local newspaper had a picture of Manowar and said they will be playing in Mandela Hall, Belfast – I nearly passed out with excitement – Manowar playing in Belfast.
I went down to the local record store to get a ticket for me and my Brother, (£7 a touch) hahaha- time stood still until 9th June when the gates opened.
Just before the warm up band came on my brother was waving to me from a wee door at the side of the hall. I went over to see what was happening and there, low and behold, in front of me, was Joey and Eric (in non-battle clothes)
Joey asked my brother did he have all our albums and he said “no, but my brother does” – I was then allowed in to meet these awesome blokes who had changed my listening and viewing experience forever.

We chatted about mundane stuff, the tour etc and it came to a photo opportunity – back then, there was little money about and all I had was this little, useless disc camera – not digital but with actual film in a round disc shape – ancient – anyway, I was so excited to get to see the band I didn’t check that the camera was working and missed my opportunity of Immortality with Joey and Eric – what a shame….there was to be a next time unbeknownst to me…
Of course, I was front row for that – Fighting the World tour, with leathers, fur, swords the works…..

My Army career put paid to following these guys but did catch up with the tour in Holland 2002 and then I decided when I finish the Army that I will make a plan to see as much as I could of these guys….

A few gigs were attended in between but then I brought Jen to a “small” gathering in Geiselwind, Germany called “Earthshaker” as Manowar were headlining – that was another turning point in my life as after that, she was “hooked” and we were going to be spending a lot of time abroad in front rows (for a long time)

After my Army career had finished, I was free to follow this band on as many tours as I could.
This brought me in contact with some of the most awesome Manowarriors and great people that anyone could ever meet…brothers and sisters from:
Italy, Bulgaria, France, Spain, Portugal, USA, Germany, Hungary, Estonia, Russia, UK, Brazil, Japan, Israel – the list is endless!!

In 2007, A festival was scheduled in Germany, Bad Arolsen called “The Magic Circle Festival” (MCF) – these were mega festivals which Manowar headlined and kicker serious ass!!

Again in 2008 – a double night of ecstasy for Manowarriors – Manowar’s first 6 albums played in full – 20,000 free beers, 4 of the band’s choppers given away via raffle!!

Those that had a UFP were treated to a backstage tour that any Manowarrior would give blood for…

During the 2010 Death to Infidel tour, I was offered what can only be described as a dream come true – a chance to sing a few lines of one my favourite Manowar tunes – “Let the Gods decide”
Standing at the side of the front row barrier, Eric called me over during the song and the rest was history – I will never forget that moment!!

To date – I have attended 134 Manowar shows – each unique – each superb shows of Heavy Metal at its best

On one memorable night in Dusseldorf, Germany, it just happened to be my 100th Manowar show.
My wife Jen had made up small badges for our friends and a T shirt was made to commemorate the occasion – during Joey’s speech, he came over to where I was on the from row and mentioned it was my 100th show and had a small speech for me in true Joey style

Several years ago, I was privileged and honoured to be offered the opportunity to become a Moderator for MANOWAR’s Official Forum – THE HOUSE OF DEATH along with my great friend from Bulgaria – DD.
Since then, the front row (and 2nd) of Manowar shows is usually personally known to me and the craic and good times is superb!!

So – since 1982, this band, its songs, its culture and fan following have been as much a part of my life as my own family are – these times will not be forgotten and surely there are more to come!
SEE YOU ON TOUR IN 2021!!!

ALL HAIL MANOWAR!

Scroll down for Russian

JOEY DEMAIO

Much-loved band MANOWAR has decided to repeat the Russian tour in the next year. On this occasion, we decided to talk to its main ideologue, before the Valkyries took him to Valhalla.

Joey, are you really going back to Russia with large tour over the cities?

We always felt sorry that we only perform in Moscow and St. Petersburg. I mean, playing in these great cities is, of course, a dream in itself, but we always knew that there are still a lot of fans in Russia who can’t get there. We talked to various promoters that we want to go through all the cities like Scorpions. Finally, we found promoters who said, “Yes, it can be arranged.” And it was amazing! You can’t even imagine what we felt playing in cities like Novosibirsk! There are wonderful people in Novosibirsk! And in Vladivostok and Khabarovsk and Yekaterinburg… Well, of course we were in Yekaterinburg before. But we wanted to get to Samara, Rostov-on-don and, of course, Krasnodar. Although, we have also been to Krasnodar. In general, it was fucking fantastic! People were Manowarrriors to the max.

I think they were grateful that you came all this long way.

And we can’t wait to do it again! We want to go around as many cities as possible, because Russian Manowarriors are the best fans, without a doubt. And you’ll see it in the movie we’re releasing. And after the new tour, we will release a live album and another movie. Exclusively in Russia.

Did you go sightseeing on the last tour?

Well, I saw the Moscow airport in details. We had endless connecting flights through Moscow. You perform somewhere in Siberia, and you need to fly through Moscow to get to the Urals later. In general, it is impossible to see anything else during tours. But we don’t make tours to go sightseeing! MANOWAR concert is a show where you put all your heart, all your soul, all your fucking blood. And after that, you’re just dead. You go back to the hotel and pass out, and you have to get up early in the morning, because you probably have to fly all the next day long. Sometimes we were on the road straight for 9-10 hours.

MANOWAR are proud that you have not changed yourselves for all the years. Haven’t you ever been tempted to play or look different? Many metal bands of the ’80s gave into this temptation, fearing the decline in popularity of Metal in the’ 90s.

And that’s why they’re fucked today! They were not committed to their music, their faith in music. This is exactly what we call “false metal”. They’re fucked, and we’re still here, growing and getting stronger.

Haven’t you even thought about getting a haircut?

No.

Cool. So which of the great ones stayed true to themselves?

You know them. Scorpions, AC/DC, MANOWAR. Yes, this is how it happens. But to be honest, I don’t care about other bands. And believe me, brother, they don’t care about us. People believe that the ballads killed Heavy Metal. Bullshit! Scorpions have one of the most beautiful ballads ever written by musicians. But they also have the hardest fucking songs you can imagine. A beautiful song is a beautiful song, whether it’s a slow ballad with an orchestra and acoustic guitars, or it starts softly, then the instruments come in, and then the whole power of the band comes in. Beautiful music is beautiful music. And shit is shit.

But when Scorpions released the ballad Wind of Change, they became much more popular around the world. Weren’t they tempted to write more ballads after that?

I don’t think they wrote a ballad on purpose – let’s make it a hit. They just made a beautiful song, and many of those who do not listen to Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, appreciated its beauty and loved it. And that’s fine; they didn’t write the song to make it popular. We’re talking about the band that has been successful since the early ‘ 70s. They didn’t have to prove anything to anyone and kiss someone’s ass. But brother, you must understand something. The world is full of envious fuckin’ losers. They’re assholes who sit at home all day fiddling with their fuckin’ balls, surfing the Internet, and writing shit about other people. They’re finished. And they can’t accept this fact, so they will find a way to shit on someone else’s success and talent.

At one of your concerts in Moscow, I noticed that you pull the girls out of the audience and take them backstage. I always wondered what you were doing with them. Eat? Sacrifice to Odin?

Strictly opposite! We make them very happy. Our problem is that we love girls and treat them as they deserve. We have the atmosphere of Disney cartoons, just like in “Cinderella”. For us, any girl is a Princess. That’s why we have more girls at our shows than any other Metal band.

Have you ever counted how many women you’ve made happy in this way in your entire life?

You mean, from 10 years to this day? I think about 20,000. I’ve never counted, but it’s an educated guess.

But brutal masculinity is no longer in fashion…

You see, people don’t understand this! This is nonsense! We don’t believe in any brutal masculinity. We are epic heroes, like in the movies. We are the good guys who come to a city captured by scoundrels, rescue the inhabitants, banish the scoundrels, and at the end drive off into the sunset, as befits heroes, along with beautiful rescued girls. It’s a classic storyline, and it’s a typical MANOWAR tour.

Have you had any problems with feminists?

It’s not a problem; it’s just the thing people don’t understand. We would never disrespect a woman. Hell, we would never disrespect anyone! We’re not like that. Our business is music and fun, we respect everyone, men and women.

Joey, you’ve always been such a perfect rock star with all the attributes – muscles, motorcycles, sex and alcohol. This lifestyle takes a lot of effort, and you’re not young anymore. Didn’t slow down?

Age is a state of mind, not of a body. When I was at school, we had guys aged 16-17, they already behaved as if they were a hundred years old. And they looked the same way. At the same time, I have met people all over the world who are over 80, but they did not think of themselves as old and looked great! Young! Because they kept themselves in shape. You know what I mean? I exercise every day, and I pull iron three times a week. If I take my shirt off now, any 18-year-old boy will cry with envy. So I intend to continue doing the same thing – performing and playing music until the last day.

By the way, you’ve always sung a lot about heroic death. Are you afraid of death?

No. Because if you are afraid all the time, you will not enjoy life. Bruce Lee, I think it was him, said that only those who are not afraid of death, really enjoy life. I’m walking down the street and I’m happy that I can just walk. I’m happy that I have home and I can look up at the sky and say “Wow! Today is a great powerful day!” I’ll go to the gym and work out, and then I’ll go home and take a shower and eat something. I’ll go into the Studio and play my fucking guitar and hope I write something inspiring. Something that will allow people to be happy, to be happy for themselves, to become more positive. In short, I intend to live every day 100%. There’s no reason for me to start worrying about death, just when you think about how much I fly and travel. I’m always on the plane, in the car, on the train or on the bus. And I have a much better chance of dying with this lifestyle. It’s easier not to think about it. After all, a car might hit you at your own door.

Well, after you die, you’re obviously going to feast with Odin in Valhalla?

I hope so. I like to think that our soul goes somewhere, leaving the body. That this energy doesn’t just disappear. I don’t know exactly where it’s going, but if I die before you do, I’ll let you know when I get there.

Yes, please give me a sign.

I’ll call you “Bro, we’re here waiting for you!”

What is the greatest moment you will remember before you die?

To be honest, it’s hard to choose one. I am very lucky in this life. I’ll just be grateful that I wrote music that people all over the world liked. Liked so much that they decorated their bodies with tattoos with our logo and our lyrics. And special moments… Our record label recorded sir Christopher Lee, made his dream come true – he always wanted to sing, and I was his first producer. We recorded with Orson Welles… In general, I was very lucky.

Translation by Kirill Mizonov

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ДЖОУИ ДЕ МАЙО

Всенародно любимая группа MANOWAR решила в новом году повторить всероссийское турне. По этому поводу мы решили поскорее поговорить с ее главным идеологом, пока валькирии не забрали его в Вальгаллу.

Джоуи, вы действительно возвращаетесь в Россию с туром по городам?

Нам всегда было жалко, что мы выступаем только в Москве и Санкт-Петербурге. То есть выступать в этих великих городах – это, конечно, само по себе мечта, но мы всегда знали, что остается масса фанатов в России, которые не могут туда доехать. Мы говорили с разными промоутерами о том, что хотим, как Scorpions, проехать по всем городам. И наконец нашли промоутеров, которые сказали «Да, это можно устроить». И это было восхитительно! Ты даже не можешь представить, что мы чувствовали, выступая в таких городах как Новосибирск! Там замечательные люди, в Новосибирске! И в во Владивостоке и в Хабаровске и в Екатеринбурге… Ну, мы конечно были и раньше в Екатеринбурге. Но доехать до Самары, Ростова-на-Дону и, конечно, Краснодара. Хотя, в Краснодаре мы тоже бывали. В общем, это просто fucking фантастика! Люди были Manowarriors по максимуму.

Думаю, они были благодарны, за то что вы приехали в такую даль.

И мы ждем не дождемся, чтобы это повторить! Мы хотим объехать как можно больше городов, потому что русские Manowarriors самые лучшие фанаты, без сомнений. И вы увидите это в фильме, который мы выпускаем. А после нового турне мы выпустим концертный альбом и еще один фильм. Эксклюзивно в России.

Получилось что-нибудь увидеть в прошлом туре?

Ну, я довольно хорошо разглядел московский аэропорт. У нас были бесконечные стыковочные рейсы через Москву. Выступаешь где-нибудь в Сибири, но чтобы попасть потом на Урал, нужно лететь через Москву. В общем, в таких турах невозможно что-то еще увидеть. Но мы ездим не разглядывать достопримечательности! Концерт MANOWAR – это шоу, в которое ты вкладываешь всю душу, все сердце, всю fucking кровь. И после него ты просто мертв. Ты возвращаешься в отель и отрубаешься, а утром надо рано вставать, потому что, скорее всего весь следующий день предстоит лететь. Иногда мы были в дороге по 9-10 часов подряд.

MANOWAR гордится тем, что не изменил себе ни разу за все годы. Неужели у вас ни разу не было соблазна играть или выглядеть как-то иначе? Многие металлические группы 80-х поддались этому соблазну, испугавшись падения популярности металла в 90-е.

И поэтому они сегодня в жопе! Они не были преданы своей музыке, своей вере в музыку. Это именно то, что мы называем «фальшивый металл». Они в жопе, а мы все еще тут, растем и крепнем.

Даже постричься ни разу не думал?

Нет.

Круто. Так кто из великих остался верен себе?

Вы их знаете. Scorpions, AC/DC, MANOWAR. Да, так это и происходит. Но, честно говоря, мне нет дела до других групп. И поверь мне, брат, им нет дела до нас. Есть мнение, что медляки убили хэви-метал. Херня! У Scorpions одни из самых красивых баллад, когда-либо написанных музыкантами. Но у них и самые хардовые fucking песни, которые только можно представить. Красивая песня – это красивая песня, не важно медленная это баллада с оркестром и акустическими гитарами или она начинается мягко, потом вступают инструменты, а потом подключается вся мощь группы. Красивая музыка – это красивая музыка. А дерьмо – это дерьмо.

Но когда Scorpions выпустили балладу Wind of change, они стали намного популярнее во всем мире. Разве у них не возникло после этого соблазна писать больше баллад?

Не думаю, что они специально сочиняли балладу – давай сделаем хит. У них просто получилась красивая песня, и многие из тех, кто не слушает хард-рок и хэви-метал, оценили ее красоту и полюбили. И это нормально, они писали песню не для того, чтобы она стала успешной. Мы вообще говорим про группу, которая была успешной с начала 70- х. Им не надо было никому ничего доказывать и целовать чью-нибудь задницу. Но брат, ты должен кое-что понять. Мир полон завистливыми fuckin-лузерами. Это придурки, которые целыми днями сидят дома, теребят свои fuckin яйца, лазают по интернету и пишут всякое дерьмо о других людях. Они конченые. И они не могут смириться с этим фактом, поэтому найдут способ обгадить чужой успех и талант.

На одном из ваших концертов Москве я заметил, что вы вытаскиваете девчонок из партера, и их отводят за кулисы. Меня всегда волновало, что вы там с ними делаете? Едите? Приносите в жертву Одину?

Строго наоборот! Мы их делаем очень счастливыми. Наша проблема в том, что мы любим девчонок и обращаемся с ними как они того достойны. У нас царит атмосфера диснеевских мульфильмов, прямо как в «Золушке». Для нас любая девушка – принцесса. Поэтому на наших концертах их больше, чем у любой другой металлической группы.

Ты никогда не считал, скольких женщин ты осчастливил таким образом за всю жизнь?

То есть с 10 лет по сей день? Я думаю около 20 000. Никогда не считал, но это обоснованное предположение.

А ведь брутальная мужественность уже не в моде…

Вот, видишь, люди этого не понимают! Это чушь, мы не верим ни в какую брутальную мужественность. Мы – эпические герои, как в кино. Мы те самые хорошие парни, которые приезжают в город, захваченный негодяями, спасают жителей, прогоняют негодяев и в конце уезжают в закат, как и подобает героям вместе прекрасными спасенными девушками. Это классический сюжет, и это типичный тур MANOWAR.

У вас не было проблем с феминистками?

Не то чтобы проблемы, просто люди не понимают. Мы бы никогда не проявили неуважения к женщине. Да мы бы никогда не проявили неуважения ни к кому! Мы не такие. Наше дело – музыка и веселье, мы уважаем всех, мужчин и женщин.

Джоуи, ты всегда был такой идеальной рок-звездой со всеми ее атрибутами – мускулы, мотоциклы, секс, алкоголь. Такой образ жизни требует немало сил, а ты уже не молод. Не сбавил обороты?

Возраст – это состояние духа, а не тела. Когда я учился в школе, у нас были ребята лет 16-17, они уже тогда вели себя как будто им лет сто. И выглядели кстати также. При этом я по всему миру встречал людей, которым за 80, но они не мыслили себя старыми и выглядели отлично! Молодо! Потому что сохраняли себя в форме. Понимаешь, что я имею в виду? Я занимаюсь спортом каждый день, три раза в неделю тягаю железо. Если я сниму сейчас рубашку, любой 18-летний мальчик расплачется от зависти. Так что я намерен продолжать делать все то же самое – выступать и играть музыку до последнего дня.

Кстати, вы всегда много пели о героической смерти. Ты боишься смерти?

Нет. Потому что если ты все время будешь бояться, ты не получишь удовольствия от жизни. Брюс Ли, кажется это был он, сказал что только тот, кто не боится смерти, по-настоящему радуется жизни. Я иду по улице и я счастлив, что могу просто идти. Я счастлив, что у меня есть дом, и я могу посмотреть на небо и сказать «Ух ты! Сегодня отличный, энергичный день!» Я схожу в зал позанимаюсь, а потом вернусь домой и приму душ и что-нибудь съем. Я пойду в студию, буду играть на своей fucking гитаре и надеяться, что сочиню что-нибудь вдохновляющее. Такое, что позволит людям порадоваться, порадоваться за себя, стать позитивнее. Короче я намерен проживать каждый день на 100%. Мне нет смысла начинать волноваться о смерти, просто если подумать, сколько я летаю и вообще путешествую. Я ведь все время в самолете, в машине, в поезде или в автобусе. И шансов погибнуть при такой жизни у меня намного больше. Проще не думать об этом. В конце концов машина может сбить тебя у собственных дверей.

Ну а после смерти, ты очевидно собираешься пировать с Одином в Вальгалле?

Я надеюсь на это. Мне нравится думать, что наша душа куда-то, оставляя тело. Что эта энергия не просто исчезает. Не знаю точно куда она отправляется, но если я умру раньше тебя, я сообщу, когда доберусь.

Да уж, пожалуйста, дай мне какой-нибудь знак.

Я позову тебя «Братан, мы тут и ждем тебя!»

Какой самый великий момент ты вспомнишь перед смертью?

Честно говоря, трудно выбрать какой-то один. Мне очень повезло в этой жизни. Я просто буду благодарен судьбе за то, я писал музыку, которая нравилась людям во всем мире. Настолько, что они украшали свои тела татуировками с нашим лого и нашими текстами. А особые моменты… Наш рекорд-лейбл записал сэра Кристофера Ли, воплотил его мечту – он всегда хотел петь, и я был его первым продюсером. Мы записывались с Орсолном Уэллсом… В общем, мне очень повезло.

With kind permission of Maxim Magazine Russia.

www.maximonline.ru

Hello everybody!
I am Alessandra (Alina), Manowar fan since 2002.
Usually we discover our musical heroes during childhood, but I had something more important to do at the time. My battle against Hodgkin lymphoma started in 1984. I was an adolescent and even if I recovered in a few years, I was shocked for the illness itself and for the aggressive chemo therapies I got. I felt it was so unfair, I didn’t deserve such sorrow!
I had to leave the school for a whole year, I stayed in the hospital for a month, while doctors tried to find out what was happening, I got surgery for a biopsy, then they were sure and I started chemotherapy. After that, I had to go 500 Kilometers away from home for a month, to do radiotherapy. I felt so bad, I felt alone (even if my grandmother was with me and did everything in her power to make me feel comfortable), and I must admit I desired to die, but I survived.
Yes, I survived, but I lost my love for life. Nothing had ever been the same since then.
But I was so lucky to meet a true friend some years after, and it was her who introduced me to Manowar, giving me Warriors Of The World CD. She had been listening to heavy metal since childhood, and it was her old boyfriend who introduced her to Manowar, and then, she did the same for me.
So, MANOWAR music came into my life and everything changed, because I found out the warrior inside me. I listened to their music, learned lyrics, and entered the world of true metal, I bought all CDs. I found courage, I found something inside my heart, something which probably was there already, but I didn’t know I had it. There aren’t enough words to express my gratitude to Manowar: they took me to a better level.
I saw MANOWAR live a couple of times, I experienced the fantastic event of the fan convention, I met all Manowar musicians, some great brothers and sisters, I bought CDs, DVDs, shirts, and yes, I became addicted. Proudly addicted.
Sharing such great moments with the greatest sister on earth, was a daily gift, and still is. We are sisters of steel but also, we are real sisters, not by blood, but by spirit.
I can say I became a Manowarrior since my first touch with true metal. I know there are many other bands out there, some good, some others not, but I don’t care. There is MANOWAR, fuck the rest! I don’t need others! I breathe Manowar and keep them in my heart.
There was a bad period, when some events and people prevented me from going to concerts and I had to stay apart from the world, to change my lifestyle, but my love for Manowar never stopped. It was so painful, I am sure that every Manowarrior can understand what could mean being prevented from seeing Manowar live, but no one could prevent me to keep my dreams alive, to listen to a song whenever I wish, or I need it.
This is what I got from Manowar: I learned to never give up. And believe me, I will never give up on something I really want (“we fight ‘til we win or we’ll fight until we die”).
Every single day, when I am low, sad, angry, I just put a Manowar CD on my stereo, and everything turns good: I have the strength to fight my battles and to face my enemies.
But also, when I am happy or proud, I party with Manowar music.
I took part in Joey DeMaio’s Spoken Tour, in November 2019. Joey’s words about “never give up” lighted another great fire in my heart, and I got much more motivation to win my battles.
Joey is not just a great musician and composer, as we all know, but he is also a true inspiration and you can feel it clearly if you spend some time talking to him. He has such an incredible charisma! I hope to meet him once again, as he makes you feel great … Well, he told my friend and I “I want to see you again”, so let’s do it as soon as possible!
One little note to all fans: everyone of us would like to have MANOWAR in our own cities, but let me say that I always traveled abroad to see them (I am Italian), and every time it was worth it!