Metal is NOT Dead: An Interview with Skid Row

In Chinese, they are known as “Qiong Jie” (穷街), literally meaning “back street”. In fact, Skid Row is no stranger to local fans: Songs like “18 and Life,” “I Remember You” and “Youth Gone Wild” helped many a die-hard metal fan get through their teenage angst. Before their October 2 show at The Star Live, bassist Rachel Bolan explains what he knows about China, the good and bad of the ’80s, and all metal that matters.

the Beijinger: Have you been to China before?
Rachel Bolan: I have never been to China. I received lots of email from fans that are looking forward to us coming. I’m very excited!

tbj: Name three words about China that come to your mind.
RB: Wall. Food. Rock.

tbj: Is metal dead?
RB: Metal is NOT dead. Rock is NOT dead. If it were, bands like us wouldn’t have the opportunity to go to China to play. I got the chance to see AC/DC and Judas Priest this year and they were both AMAZING!! Metal is alive and well.

tbj: What’s good about the 80s?
RB: There was no such thing as Pro Tools and Auto-Tune and a band had to be good. Don’t get me wrong, I think Pro Tools is an amazing and efficient way to record if used in the right way. But now there are so many bands that over edit and fix too many flaws that it takes the realness out of the music.

tbj: What’s bad about the 80s?
RB: The 80’s fashion was hideous.

tbj: Who’s your hero?
RB: For me it would be David Bowie. He is so incredibly talented and artistic.

tbj: Do you listen to classical music?
RB: No.

tbj: What does metal means to you?
RB: The best music in the world. It scares people and that’s great.

The legendary Skid Row rocks The Star Live on Oct 2, joined by local metal heads Miserable Faith and The Face (RMB 290 for back area, RMB 390 for front area, RMB 690 for VIP. 8pm). The concert will also be dedicated to 10 years anniversary of Midi Music Festival.