Sometimes rock star interviews are like stump speeches. When posting this interview with Judas Priest's Glenn Tipton on the Cream last week I was quick to point out that "like most bigger artists, [he] was pretty hard to get off of his script." There was only one solitary comment in response to the interview and that one comment, courtesy of Ryan, who said "Sir Tipton interviews like a politician," turned out to be quite astute. This morning I came across this Tennessean article—written by my fellow Nashville media mogul Dave Paulson, who also spoke with Tipton—in which the legendary metal guitarist makes statements that are almost identical (some verbatim) to those made to the Cream, essentially proving my point and Ryan's as well. Here are some comparative examples for your entertainment. Priest plays their classic British Steel in its entirety Wed. night at Municipal Auditorium. Tickets are still available here for the low price of $17.50 if you buy four or more.
Glenn Tipton on Guitar Hero: "I've never played the game, but I think it's a great idea. I think that in this day and age when you get video games that advocate bad things like guns, violence, and drugs a lot, I think it's great to have these games based around musical instruments like the guitar and to encourage kids to pick up an instrument you know. I'm very much for that and it's a great way to introduce kids to our music. It's an excellent idea" (Cream).
"There are so many video games out there that are based upon violence and the use of guns and death...we think it's an alternative that actually encourages kids to pick up and play an instrument. It's a much healthier attitude...we've never advocated the bad things, like the use of drugs or violence" (Tennessean).
