Rock band HELD HOSTAGE have an array of content, since their formation long ago. As of currently, the band does have all new music in the works, so much in fact that it can go across an assortment of several albums! The band will head out on the road, touring as much as possible as well. Find out what else had to be said from the band, talking about a little bit of everything below.
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
Held Hostage current lineup is Tom Collier founder/producer/lead guitarist/lead singer, Scott Gregg rhythm guitar/backup vocals, Ian Evans drummer, Joe Reppert bass guitar/backup vocals, Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest, Iced Earth) as special guest vocalist. Held Hostage is a national recording/touring artist. While on the road we earned their reputation as a hard working band with a genuine compassion for those in need raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in Charity events across the USA. Their compassion may be rooted in the many adversities and tragedies the band has endured for the past thirty five years.
Since it's inception in 1984 Held Hostage had six members pass away. (Don Averill, Mike Tondeur, Doug Bennett, Andy Phillips, Ray Mcdermott Scott Columbus) The losses had profound effects on the remaining members that brought forth soul searching as well as fortitude. Forging ahead, Held Hostage has made the decision to no longer mourn but to celebrate and honor those friends/brothers who have passed on. By continuing to rock harder than ever.
Current, past members, and special guest artists include Tom Collier Founder/Lead Guitarist, Producer, Singer, Tim Ripper Owens Singer (Judas Priest, Dio Disciples, Yngwie Malmsteen), Joe Lynn Turner, Singer (Deep Purple, Rainbow), Mike Lepond Bass (Symphony X , Ross the Boss Band) Carl Canedy, Drummer (The Rods, Canedy, St James), RIP Scott Columbus, Drummer (Manowar), Freddie Villano, Bass Guitarist (Quiet Riot, Dee Snider’s Widow Maker, American Mafia), Giorgio Mongelli, Bass Guitarist (Ethan Brosh), Scott Gregg, Held Hostage Rhythm Guitarist, Ian Evans, Drummer and Joseph Reppert, Bass Guitarist.Paris Hansen ead guitar, Ray Dorgan Bass, Ron Waterhouse drums.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
The origins of the name is an interesting story. I named the band 4 years before it ever became a real band. I go the name from when the Iranians held the Americans hostage. I wrote a song called set me free. We have continued through the years to help Veterans of war and people in need.
3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
We are based in Upstate NY Syracuse area. The music scene is really happening here. So many people say rock scene is dead. I say the opposite. It’s on a rise. We have some great venues to play here. As for local bands I would recommend. There are 2 local bands that are very talented. The first is a great blues band called Dam Dog. It’s three brothers that have been together since the seventies. The second band is a great cover band they have some fantastic musicians called “Off the Reservation ”It seems everyone in the band could be a lead singer. Powerful harmonies and stellar guitar players.
4. How would you describe your style?
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
In the last 3 years we have 3 releases. Prior to that we did an EP in 1990. We had two songs on the rockshop USA radio that made the top 90 of 90. In 2016 we returned with self-produced album fallen brothers is sold thousands of copies worldwide and is still selling. In 2018 I released and EP Show Me The Way Back Home, with Joe Lyn Turner singing (Deep Purple, Rainbow) that got is in the finally selection round for a Grammy and that sold thousands of copies also. On December 15 2019 we released Epic featuring Tim Ripper Owens on vocals, digitally worldwide and January 17 2020 we just released Epic on CD in stores. We are very happy with the success of Epic. The media and radio stations have been unbelievably supportive of all of our releases. We have gotten rave reviews on for Epic has been getting so much attention. We released with only 2 weeks left in 2019 and many magazine/webzines have it in the best of 2019 album releases. I am very honored to be in that category. The radio stations here in USA such as Castle Blakk, Boston Rock radio to name a few and around the world have been playing songs from Epic nonstop.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
The answer is yes. We have enough new music to do 5 new albums. I am constantly writing new music. A band needs to continue to evolve in order to stand the test of time in this business. I am excited about the next album it going to be even more diverse. It’s going to have everything from mellow to metal. I think a lot of people are going to be surprised with the next record. We already have 2 songs done in the studio.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
The pan is now that new record is out. To go out and support the record with live performances. Our new record label Metal Mania Records/MVD (music video distributors). Is behind the band 100% They have been flexible with us and feel we are building this thing together. We have many up and coming tour dates in here in USA.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?
We are gearing up for some major touring. We are in talks with going out with some of the biggest bands in the world as direct support for USA tour. We are also talking about doing some European festivals in 2020 and 2021. We have many fans around the world who have been waiting for us to play live in their countries. We have several big outdoor concerts we are playing in the USA this summer including a big album release party which will be a sold out show. Held Hostage is also planning a follow up full length album to Epic. We have already wrote the next record and plan on doing some of our never before heard music on tour this summer. I think it is important to always be writing new music. I have a 24 track digital recorder that works great for writing music. In this day and age people can get inexpensive digital recorders. Bands make mistakes trying to live off past success. I am always looking for the next road to success.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?Currently it is available on CD or digital on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Apple Music, iTunes, CDBABY, Spotify, Tik Tok, and several outlets around the world. If you type in Held Hostage Epic you will see it for sale in almost every country around the world.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
The word we hear the most is “memorable”. Our songs have such great hooks in them when we are playing live people start to sing along with the songs. We were in California at the house of blues doing direct support for Metal Allegiance and the whole crowd never heard us before and they were singing our songs. It’s such a great feeling. Thank you for the interview Tom Collier.
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