Tony Moore has never been particularly good at standing still. From his early connection with Iron Maiden to the immersive Awake project that began during lockdown, recent years have seen him take his music around the world. Indeed, following a recent “dream-come-true appearance” at EDDFEST at Knebworth, it was back again across the pond to North America.
But there is rather more to Tony Moore than Awake. He has a pilot’s licence, considers a 2 am kebab and chips in Fulham a guilty pleasure, cries at The Sheep Detectives and has learned one particularly important lesson from life on the road: “Don’t poo on the tour bus.”
He also admits that coffee and plotting the next stage of Awake are among the things keeping him awake at night.
What’s the most Metal thing you’ve ever done off stage?
I have a pilot’s license. One day I flew a small plane to the Isle of Wight at 2 pm to pick up my friend from the Isle of Wight Festival. He was engineering the Zombies at the festival. I flew him back to Goodwood, got in my Toyota Celica sports car and got us both to Marble Arch for a wedding by 6:30 pm.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever played, and why?
EDDFEST. To open this iconic and unique festival was a fantastic and amazing experience.
Would you choose a platinum record or one perfect, legendary live show?
One perfect and legendary live show.
What’s your greatest fear?
Dying before I have time to take Awake to the next level.
What’s the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Keeping on working on something when I should have left it alone a long time ago.
What’s the trait you most deplore in other musicians?
When, after introducing a song, they say, “I hope you like it.”
Describe yourself in three words.
Determined, Passionate, Short.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Kebab and chips at 2 am from the Kebab Kid on the Kings Road in Fulham.
What does a great riff feel like to write?
Ecstatic.
What’s the worst thing a critic has ever said to you?
“Too slick.” When I was in my early 20s.
If you were not in music, what would you be doing?
Acting.
What’s one album outside your genre you secretly love?
Randy Edelman – Farewell Fairbanks
When did you last cry, and why?
Watching The Sheep Detectives.
What keeps you awake at night?
Coffee and planning what do next with Awake.
Riffs, royalties or recognition, if you had to choose?
Recognition. I have spent a long time doing what I do, and I want to be able to share this with more people.
How do you want to be remembered?
For making people happy.
What’s the most important lesson the road has taught you?
Treat people with respect. Let the shit go when it happens. Don’t poo on the tour bus.
What happens when the music stops?
The party starts.
