Rock Monsters Romania

The quarantine was a really hard period for bands and artist. We talked to some bands from all over the world to see the real effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic in music.

Today we talk to Tony Benn!

How can you describe the changes generated by the pandemic in the band’s activity?

Well they downside of course is that I can’t do gigs or practice with a band but the plus side is that my voice has had a nice rest and I’ve have been writing a lot so I’ll have loads of new material when I get back out there.

What daily activity did you miss the most during quarantine?

Luckily I live a semi hermit life at the best of times so there is nothing I did every day that I couldn’t do but the activity I miss the most that isn’t playing gigs (which I really really miss) is training for aikido twice a week two towns over it was great fun and social without being linked to music which is good for me.

Were there any pluses for this period without concerts? I have tried to use my time off as well as I can so there has been a lot of pluses.

I moved (not the easiest process mid pandemic), but it’s been great .

I have had loads of time to refine old songs and write new ones also I’ve had loads of opportunities to think about how I go about gigs they way I put a set together and even the equipment I use.

How does it feel to hear the idea of returning to some normalcy?

It’s very exciting ,the idea of getting back out in the world playing tunes is incredible but also a huge wake up call because I’ll have to get back in giging shape ,I’ll be like Sly Stallone in Rocky 3.

What plans have you got for 2021?

I will be very hopeful in my answer and say I have my sights set on a small tour and releasing two more singles.

Do you have any message for the bands or artists who are still in lockdown/quarantine?

I’m still in lockdown over in the west of Ireland and my advise for everyone else is the same thing I keep telling myself take it one day at a time and try to do something positive with the time at home (my middle name is d.I.y now I’ve even bought a drill).

What message do you have for the people who are going to read this interview?

I’d like to start with hello and thank you reading I hope you like my music check out my latest single “If We Make It Through The Winter”on Spotify and I hope to see ye all at a venue near you soon.

Interview by Radu Mihai