Phil Soussan has spent decades at the heart of music, from writing Ozzy Osbourne’s Shot in the Dark to playing alongside some of the biggest names in the business. Yesterday saw the release of Cosmo Fighter Part One, the first in a trilogy of EPs that finds the bassist, singer and multi-instrumentalist tackling some dark themes while offering a message of hope.
Having recently spoken to MetalTalk about the project, we thought it was time to ask Phil something a little less serious.
For this week’s MetalTalk Lowdown, Phil recalls his worst gig turning out to be his best, playing in front of Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck, and the curious number of people who seem convinced he was once in Dio.
What’s the most Metal thing you’ve ever done off stage?
Banged my head at a Holst classical concert.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played, and why?
A jazz trio gig that I took unrehearsed in about 1980. I had the flu, could not see the charts and therefore faked my way through the entire show.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever played, and why?
The same gig. Later, I overheard some people say that they thought I was a great player.
Would you choose a platinum record or one perfect, legendary live show?
A legendary live show. Maybe Dingwalls in 1999 with Steve Lukather, Gregg Bissonette and Brett Tuggle, where we played for a bunch of my heroes including Jimmy Page and Jeff Beck.
What’s your greatest fear?
An uncontrollable need to go for number twos on stage.
What’s the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Spending way too long trying to fix something.
What’s the trait you most deplore in other musicians?`
Not spending enough time fixing things.
Describe yourself in three words.
I fix shit.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
At least one of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll.
What does a great riff feel like to write?
It makes the hair stand up on my arms.
What’s the worst thing a fan has ever said to you?
“Hey, I saw you in 1983 when you played in Dio.” I never played in Dio.
What’s the worst thing a critic has ever said to you?
“Hey, what have you been doing since you played in Dio?” I never played in Dio.
If you weren’t in music, what would you be doing?
Chef or restaurant owner.
What’s one album outside your genre you secretly love?
Johnny Burnette – And The Rock ‘N Roll Trio.
When did you last cry, and why?
When Fry’s electronics store shut down. It was an American institution, kind of like Radio Shack on steroids.
What keeps you awake at night?
Fresh Ideas.
Riffs, royalties or recognition, if you had to choose?
Well, if I was recognised, then that would bring up the riffs, and that would lead to royalties?
How do you want to be remembered?
As someone always eager to help others fix shit.
What’s the most important lesson the road has taught you?
To appreciate being in the studio.
What happens when the music stops?
Drum solo.
Phil Soussan’s Cosmo Fighter Part One is out now via BraveWords Records, bringing together four powerful tracks that explore some of life’s darker themes while offering a welcome message of hope.
It’s an ambitious opening chapter, with Phil handling virtually every aspect of the recording and Richie Kotzen making a guest appearance.
Parts Two and Three are already finished, promising further chapters in a project where every song has its own personality. If Part One is anything to go by, we are in for quite a journey. Read our in-depth interview with Phil Soussan for more on the music, the inspiration and what comes next.
Enjoyed this Lowdown? There’s plenty more where that came from. From Rock legends to rising stars, The MetalTalk Lowdown has featured Toby Jepson, Phil Soussan, Vanessa Warwick, James Kennedy, Arya Goggin, BEX, Krusher Joule and many more.
Same questions. Very different people. Explore more MetalTalk Lowdowns here.
