Held Hostage who formed in the 80's has released a handful of material over the years, including most recent an EP title "Show Me The Way Back Home", with a follow-up titled "Epic" in the works currently. As of now, the band has a few shows lined up for the remainder of this year, with more to follow, with the release of the new material. Guitarist Tom Collier discloses these matters and such.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Tom: Held Hostage was formed in 1984 By Tom Collier. It has had many members since its inception. 6 members have passed away. The Current lineup is Tom Collier Lead Vocals/Lead Guitar, Scott Gregg Rhythm Guitar, Frank " The Tank" Smith Bass Guitar Backup Vocals. On Drums, our good friend Rock Legend "Carl Canedy" (The Rods / Canedy / St James) is helping us out by filling in for live shows when he's not touring with the Rods or St James. We are currently seeking a full time drummer. We have to mention our great Road Crew, Eddie Spears, Alex Abbott, Don Schmidt and Randy Neal Photographer and also our "fans" are the best. We consider all of them to be members of the Held Hostage Band/Family.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
Tom: Held Hostage name came from when the Iranians Held the Americans Hostage. We did a song called Set Me Free.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
Tom: We are in the Syracuse, New York Upstate area. The Music scene here is alive and well for us. As for local band/artist I would recommend. I would have to say Debbie Abbott. She is great singer solo artist and she actually opens some shows for us and we even have her on stage to sing a few of our songs. Her and husband Alex have been great friends for many years.
4. How would you describe your style?
Tom: Diverse, our music is so diverse and High Energy Rock but we also sit down in the middle of the show and can do one of our great acoustic ballads. It is nonstop rock we put on a show beginning to end.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
Tom: A year ago we released or self produced CD Fallen Brothers, We just released our new EP Show Me The Way Back Home produced by the great Carl Canedy. Carl is not only one the greatest drummers of all time but he is one of rock's best producers. He has produced bands like The Rods, Anthrax, Overkill, Etc. the list goes on and on.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
Tom: Yes we are working a new CD which is also being produced By Carl Canedy. This new CD is going to be what one can only call "Epic". It is going to feature some of rock's biggest names including a track that features one of rock's greatest singers Joe Lynn Turner ( Deep Purple, Rainbow, Joe Lynn Turner Band). Also prior to his death Scott Columbus ( Manowar drummer) did a complete CD with Held Hostage and we will be releasing three tracks with him on drums and of course also Rock Legend Carl Canedy will be drumming on the other tracks. It is going to one great CD.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
Tom: We are doing select live shows until the end of 2017 . On Octeber 21, we return home to the small town of Fair Haven, NY to do a "Thank You" show. Carl Canedy will be drumming with us for that show. Then we are headlining a show in Syracuse on Veterans Day Nov 11. We have been raising a lot of money for Veterans which I feel it is such a great cause.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
Tom: Our immediate plans is to continue recording and doing live shows and stay true to the music we believe in.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
Tom: We are for sale on CDBaby, Amazon, iTunes, Google Music, Apple Music, Spotify etc. most all digital outlets.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Tom: Our music is true to life from helping Veterans heal to taking on the issues such as runaway kids and what happens to them and most of all it is about, never give up on what you believe in. That has been our motto and the reason why we have been able to survive the test of time from 1984 to present. Stay true to yourself and your music.
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