Interview with John Gallagher “RAVEN”
We have the great pleasure of interviewing the lead and founder of the Pioneer of Heavy Metal band “Raven” John Gallagher.
SUNRAY: Hi John, first thanks for giving us this interview, it is a big honor. To start the interview, as many of us know Raven is are pioneer of Heavy Metal, you with your brother Mark created the band in 1974, why “Raven”?
John Gallagher: Hi! Yes, as young kids we decided to form a band with our friend from the next street .. Paul Bowden.. bear in mind this was 1974..no internet – no instructional magazines- no tablature – no instructional DVDs… we only had an acoustic guitar! But we got cheap electric instruments that Christmas and worked hard learning how to play. Our 1st show was on December 1975 at our high school.
SUNRAY: The band gained international acclaim in the early ‘80s The three albums that managed to take off to the world were Rock Until You Drop (1981), Wiped Out (1982) and All For One (1983), How was that moment for you?
John Gallagher: From the moment we were asked to do a single on Neat records things started moving very very fast! We moved from playing places like working men’s clubs in the North East of England to opening for Ozzy’s Blizzard of Oz within a month of the 1st single “ Don’t need your money” coming out.. exciting times for sure!
SUNRAY: Throughout the band’s career, you have released several albums, which one is your favorite?
John Gallagher: it’s always got to be either the one you just put out… or the next one! We already have some KILLER songs in the pipeline for the next album as we are constantly writing… Wevr always been held to the standard of the first 3 albums but feel with the last 3 ( Extermination, Metal City and All Hells Breaking Loose) we are reaching new heights for sure!
SUNRAY: Has your attitude towards making new albums changed through the years?
John Gallagher: No, you set the bar with the last album and then you move heaven and earth to make the next one better!! It’s always been the way.. you may not achieve that but I feel that starting with Walk Through Fire in 2009 we certainly have.
SUNRAY: Raven is known for these incredible live shows. Were you guys from the beginning a great live band?
John Gallagher: Yes! It’s our life blood … what we live for. Back in the late 70’s playing those working men’s clubs we had the reputation as “ the crazy band that smashed their equipment “ so we have always had that “ crazy” edge… we have fun .. we like to connect with & involve the audience!
SUNRAY: And what is the song that can never be missing from a show?
John Gallagher: Well, nothing is sacred but there’s been very few shows where we haven’t played “ hell patrol” or “ rock until you drop” … we put “ on and on” back in the set around 2008 and that’s another fixture I guess! But we do try to mix it up .
SUNRAY: How do you think about the music industry today?
John Gallagher: lol you mean the t shirt industry? Luckily for us the metal fans want the actual CD or vinyl albums… so the download thing is not so popular.. we joke that we used to sell t shirts as a promo item to sell the CDs… now it’s the other way around! The internet is simultaneously amazing and “ the great Satan” so we just have to use its powers for good!!!
SUNRAY: What’s kept Raven going while through the years so many heavy metal acts have fallen by the wayside?
John Gallagher: Tenacity, stubbornness, the willingness to work hard and never stop. We do this because we love the music… not because we want the money, do drugs get drunk and chase women!!!
SUNRAY: Next September, you will be touring Latin America, Argentina we have our editor, who will cover the concert on September 25th, So, I won’t spoil too much, but, What can you tell us about the next concerts?
John Gallagher: It’s our 50th anniversary so we will be playing a cool mix of songs… it’s gonna be LOUD and CRAZY!! B
Interview by Maria Fernanda Capici
Photos by Mike Savoia and Moris DC
“RAVEN” Will be performing in Argentina Next September 25th with “Southamerican Inferno Tour 2024 (50th Anniversary)” at the GIER MUSIC CLUB, (Av. Alvaréx Thomas 1078 C.A.B.A)
Get your tickets here
https://www.passline.com/eventos/raven-southamerican-inferno-tour-2024-50th-anniversary
Produced by Icarus Music, Press Marcela Scorca.