Chad Bowar: What are your expectations for the CD?
Zakk Sandler: I hope that this album makes people feel like it's filling a void in music that hasn't been there since Van Halen dominated the world of music.
How did the title come about, and what does it signify?
The title came about because it’s the last song on the album and it’s just so epic that we all just love what the name means to us.
Give us a brief history of how Black Tide got together.
Black Tide was originally called Radio and we got together through seeing each other at school and just being into the same music. I personally use to not be in the band and there was no bass player, so I gave up guitar and grabbed a bass instead. We all loved the sound of Guns N Roses and AC/DC.
How did you decide to sign with Interscope?
How could we not want to sign with Interscope! To be on a label that has no 2 artists alike and be associated with label mates like Beck and Marilyn Manson is just unreal. They really care about their artists and believe in what each artist has to offer.
How was Ozzfest this summer? How was a new band able to play the main stage?
Ozzfest was a dream come true. We had so much fun just getting to watch some really great bands tear it up every day. We were able to play main stage because Jagermeister wouldn't allow us to play on their second stage, and instead of just booting us, they bumped us up.
What are your upcoming tour plans?
At this very moment the plan is to tour until the end of time.
Any pre concert rituals?
My pre concert rituals consist of drinking some hot tea, some vocal exercises and watching a little adult entertainment.
What are your van/tour bus essentials?
Touring essentials are my iPod, toilet paper, tuna, and maybe a coloring book to get creative.
What was the first concert you attended as a fan?
My first concert as a fan was Cheap Trick and Meatloaf back in like '93.
Any tour horror stories?
We got stuck on icy roads in seattle on the Avenged Sevenfold tour, and we've had amps blow out on stage, but nothing major...yet.
How did you get started in music?
I got started in music because I wanted to be just like Jim Morrison. Everything about him and The Doors just made me wanna rock.
Was there a song or album that inspired you to want to perform music?
Probably hearing Van Halen's “Ain't Talking 'Bout Love” made just wanna get up and run around on stage.
Who are some current artists you admire?
Currently I'm really into System of a Down, Regina Spektor, Dredg, and Avenged Sevenfold.
What are the best and worst things about being in a band?
Best thing is probably just doing what I love for a living. Worst thing about being in a band, I miss my bed and my cat.
What's your biggest fear?
Not making some noise in life.
What's your worst habit?
I have a lot of bad habits...biting my nails is pretty bad though.
What's the best movie or DVD you've seen lately?
Best movie I've seen lately Walk Hard...It put rock'n'roll in perspective.
What CD do you own that people might be surprised about?
Sinead O'Connor's I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got.
Do you have a celebrity crush?
My celebrity crush is between 2 people, Ellen Page from the movie Juno, and Humphrey Bogart....I'm kidding about Humphrey Bogart, but he was a great actor.
Tell us about your tattoos.
I have a Tribal/Psychedelic sleeve that I'm working on my left arm. I also have a tattoo of the Velvet Revolver girl on my right arm and a Death Bird on my right arm. Before you ask what a death bird is, check out Wes Freed's art work and the artwork of the Drive-By Truckers.
Do you have any nicknames?
I've had a couple growing up; Potter, Possum Face, Pinkie, and a few more that I'm not gonna name for good reason.
