Eric Singer Fan Q&A - Autographed ESP CD Contest

The release of ESP CD is scheduled for July 20th. To celebrate the release, KISS ASYLUM is giving online fans a chance to ask ESP drummer & vocalist Eric Singer questions about the ESP album, his possible tour with the Alice Cooper band, his days with KISS, or anything else you want to ask Eric! Of course Eric won't be able to answer every question sent in, so be sure to be creative and original with yours.

To further celebrate ESP's release, a copy of the limited edition European version of the CD, fully autographed by the band, will be given away each day from now until the release on the 20th! Daily winners will be selected from only those entries received on the day of each drawing, so if you send a different question every day you'll have 8 different chances to win! And as a grand prize, the daily winner selected on the 20th will receive an autographed copy of the Japanese release of ESP, and a phone call from the ESP member (Eric, Bruce Kulick, John Corabi, Karl Cochran) of their choice!

NOTE: The giveaway portion of the Ask Eric/Autographed ESP CD contest is over and all prize winners have been selected and announced above. Eric's answers to the questions submitted during the contest will be available and posted for your reading pleasure shortly!

ERIC SINGER Q&A

MUSICAL TIES - PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE:

A lot is know of your modern career, from Alice, Sabbath, KISS and Badlands to your current gigs with Gilby and ESP. My question is what was it like when you were just making a name for yourself? Was Drive your first band and album?

With you doing work with half of the band UNION, why is it that you don't do the drums for UNION?

You did drums on the STREAM album; how did you get involved with that project?

What is your ideal situation? Would you like to be in one band as a full member, or do you like doing several projects?

Are there any plans to work with Brian May again? Have there been any live recordings of the tour which could see the light of day?

GEAR & TECH QUESTIONS:

Any plans to do another instructional video?

What song that you have played was the hardest to get down (style, tempo, signature, etc.)?

Did you ever try to use any drum machines and, if yes, which did you find to be the best in terms of realistic sounds, recording ease, etc.

How did you manage to incorporate your drumming style into KISS without losing your individuality when playing songs whose drumming parts were originally recorded or created by other drummers?

What kind of drums, sticks, cymbals, pedals did you use to record the new album?

What number would you tune your drums to if you used a drum turner (e.g. I usually tune it to 80?

In an Ergonomics class I first learned about Carpel Tunnel Syndrome. I was wondering if you worry about getting Carpel Tunnel and do you perform any special exercises to prevent this condition?

I am a drummer and I have finally taken the opportunity in using the double pedal. My left foot is not as strong and steady as my right and I need some guidance. How did you get your left foot to have the same impact and strength as your right foot?

Do you build your drum solos for the audience you're playing to, or to the song which the solo originates? For example, if you're doing a drum clinic with an audience of mostly drummers would you play differently than to a "metal" audience at a concert?

THE KISS YEARS:

During your tenure with KISS were there any songs that were never performed live that you would have liked to play?

On KISS Alive 3, apparently the some of the vocals were totally rerecorded in the studio as overdubs. Did Gene/Paul ask you to redo any of your drum tracks, and if so, how did this make you feel considering it was supposed to be a live album?

On KISS ALIVE III, is it true that "I STILL LOVE YOU" was a sound check recording? If so, where from?

Did you ever get hit by the collapsing Statue of Liberty on the Revenge tour?

THE ESP ALBUM:

There are 3 releases of the ESP disk, each with a different number of tracks. Are there still unreleased tracks from the recording sessions, and if so what are they?

On ESP, did each musician play "their turn" or did you do a more "live" recording? How did it come about that Ace played lead on Foxy lady?

Are there any plans at all to do a volume two of Lost and Spaced with other old favorite songs of yours?

THE BUSINESS:

What do you think of todays "artists" becoming famous worldwide for just sampling old songs by other artists?

You've managed to always acquire great references from bands you've been employed by. Could you give a few tips on how you maintain your personal musical integrity while adapting to someone else's demands?

Do you think with all of the record labels starting to merge and the pressures to sell larger quantities of CDs it will be harder for an established band to change their "style", as KISS did on Carnival of Souls, for a new album?

With the growing trend in "re-masters" & "reissues" and extra pressings with bonus tracks, who makes the decision to add the songs and release the same CD again?

PERSONAL & MISCELLANEOUS:

Which artist, dead or alive, would you like to work together with the most and why?

You are the first from KISS to visit Russia (with Brian May band). I would like to know what you thought about this gigs? Did you change your opinion about Russia and people here?

Eric, I have noticed you have tattoos of Animal from the Muppets and Woody Woodpecker. Which of these characters matches your personality closest?

If you could name one song that represents your drumming the best, what song would it be?

I believe you¼re a bit of a watch collector. How did you get into it, what are the highlights of your collection, and what is your "dream watch"?

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