What started as a casual reunion jam in a Los Angeles rehearsal room between former DIO bandmates in 2011 has grown into a full-fledged band that has taken on a life of its own. Last In Line founders, Vinny Appice, Jimmy Bain, and Vivian Campbell, were Ronnie Dio’s co-conspirators and co-writers on the “Holy Diver”, “Last In Line” (the album from which they took their name), and “Sacred Heart” albums. These records have gone on to become part of metal history, as anyone can tell you.
During that first jam, it was apparent that the chemistry of the original band was very much intact, even after a 27 year hiatus. The excitement generated by that rediscovery led to a second session, where this time they called in acclaimed vocalist Andrew Freeman. Hearing Andrew’s interpretations of the original DIO songs was a revelation and the inspiration to move forward as a band. Over the ensuing years, a handful of local LA shows led to a handful of overseas shows in the U.K. and Japan, and eventually to an offer from Frontiers to record an album of original material.
During the course of 2014 and 2015, the band wrote and recorded 12 new songs and chose longtime friend Jeff Pilson (Dokken, Foreigner) as producer. Jeff very much captured the organic vibe of the band and the very best in Andrew’s voice and delivery. Last In Line’s debut album, “Heavy Crown” was released in February 2016, hitting number 1 on the BillboardHeat-Seekers Chart, with the singles “Devil In Me” and “Starmaker” leading the charge. But the release was preceded by tragedy, when Jimmy Bain passed away at the age of 68 on January 23, 2016.
Last In Line brought in renowned bassist Phil Soussan (ex-Ozzy) to fill Bain’s spot and kept playing shows in support of the album, headlining festivals and playing with such bands as Saxon and Megadeth.
In late 2017, the band gathered again in LA to start the recording of the second album, again under the direction of producer Jeff Pilson. Having really gelled as a band during the touring for the debut, the songwriting is now fully realized, personal and the band’s sound is now immediately recognizable as “Last In Line” thanks to the unmistakeable Vinny Appice rhythms, thunderous bass from Soussa and theamazing vocals from Freeman combined with the roaring guitars from Campbell. This album is going to be on many people’s best of lists in 2019, without a doubt!
Phil Soussan Interview
– What’s new in the world of Phil Soussan?
LIL and finally sharing our recording work of the last year with the public.
– How was it recording and writing the Last In Line II album?
This album was a true collaboration in every sense of the word. We approached the writing coming into the studio with nothing pre-prepared. The idea was to jam on new ideas and turn those jams into songs and that is exactly how it happened. All four of us worked together on every aspect of the songs and the chemistry had evolved to the point that the album became a very natural and easy process.
– With the passing of Jimmy Bain it is great to see the band continuing and honoring him. I am sure it’s a big honor for you to be doing this?
Jimmy was an essential part in the formation of Last In Line. His untimely passing was a hurdle that brought into question any future for the band. At the end of the day the other guys felt that it was their duty to bring the music to the public through live dates, and for me being given the opportunity to play Jimmy’s parts, it became my honor to do this for Jimmy’s legacy. As the band played together we started to gel in a way that was different yet not so far from the original styling of the band. Jimmy’s legacy will always remain in the band and so this stage is a natural evolution.
– With the debut album being a masterpiece. This one will see the same results. Everyone in the band delivers that Dio sound to perfection. Considering it’s the original lineup of Dio playing. I am sure you are fitting in perfectly since you come from the same era with Ozzy Osbourne.
Definitely. In the 80’s Ozzy and DIO were somewhat “sister” bands. Both coming from the Sabbath camp we were somewhat similar in origin. Regardless of the relationship between Ozzy and Ronnie, we in the bands had a great deal of respect for our counterparts and my counterpart was Jimmy. In fact Jimmy and I had been friends for a long time and so playing in LIL was very natural for me. I understand that it was very natural for them too.
– Will the band be going on the road to play some dates this year?
We already are!
– How many shows do you play per year on average, and how crazy does the schedule get now compared to let’s say 10 years ago?
I personally play a lot – last year I played 110 shows. 10 years ago we went on the road in tour buses. Without cellphones or the internet in its embryonic stage we were out of touch for the entire tour. Today we play more fly dates, that is to say we fly out for 2 or 3 shows and then return home until the next outing. With never being out of touch you get the feeling that you are never really “on tour” as much as out playing shows.
– Do you think lyric videos are going to get more popular then music video sometime? Instead of making regular rock videos that can take up a lot more time to make?
Yes, but they can still be very creative. Look at our “Year of the Gun” video – it is a lyric video but carries the spirit of the song as much as a traditional video.The song was written about the gun shooting in Las Vegaas as well as much gun violence attacks. It looks like it uses newspaper print lyrics and is very effective in getting the point across. It is improtant for me to make the statement that we do not support any one side of the debate over the other. Both sides have credible arguments but we wanted to raise the awareness of the subject.
– What would be some of your main musical influences today?
Anything that I like! It could be jass or blues artists, it could be attitude music – I really liked STP when they came out. My influences go back from Anthony Newley to Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. From Elvis Presley to the Clash and from David Bowie to Killing Joke.
– How important is it for a musician in this generation to spend time on social media?
It is necessary. I don’t love it but it is something that has to be done and in marketing it is essential.
– What would we be surprised to find in your music collection at home?
Haha! …as said before, Anthony Newley or maybe Aimee Mann ! A lot of classical music too.
– Where do you see music in general going in 100 years from now?
I have no idea. Maybe it will sound like that band in Star Wars, but I will still be playing loud music that breaks down the walls and wakes up the neighbors.
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