Tony Moore Interview | Former IRON MAIDEN keyboardist [2015-02-24]

Tony Moore Interview – English singer/songwriter, musician, radio presenter and music promoter. He was also a early member of Heavy Metal legends Iron Maiden playing keyboards. As well as playing keyboards for English rock band Cutting Crew.

Tony Moore Interview

– What’s new in the world of Tony Moore?
The last few years I have been wearing many hats. I have been a promoter of new music through the venue I run called The Bedford in Balham (London) – Where I have been excited to play an early part in the careers of emerging artists. We have had Ed Sheeran, Paolo Nutini, James Morrison and many more cut their teeth with us. I have a radio show on Soho Radio London every Saturday morning where I interview and give live session to some great new acts. One of my biggest thrills, though, has been working as manager/producer and writer with a fantastic singer called ILONA (www.ilonamusic.com) – she has a massive voice and we have already achieved an enormous amount in a short space of time. We are currently planning some live shows in New York for end of July start of August this year and her new single called BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY comes out on April 13th.
However, personally, I am very excited to announce the release of a new single from me on March 16th – It’s a song a I wrote a number of years ago called ROCKSTARS DON’T RETIRE and after recording & mixing, it sat on my shelf as I got distracted by other projects. So I had been working on the artwork and getting the track Mastered ready for release this year when all this renewed interest in Maiden 77 suddenly took off. The irony of the song, is that the lyrics tell about what happens when Rockstars get older and the industry seems less interested in them and more interested in younger performers. It is an upbeat song and actually has a positive message and makes people smile when the recognize some of the Universal truths in the Lyrics.

– How did it feel to be reunited with your former Iron Maiden members ?
It was very emotional for me, the last time I was in the same room as the other 3 was when I was a teenager, filled with hopes and dreams and aspirations to have a career in the industry. So to be reunited after having lived many lifetimes was both wonderful and a little overwhelming. I was also touched and moved by the dedication of so many of the fans that really have been so supportive and engineered this meeting.

– To have been a part of something as big as Iron Maiden must have been special. Had you ever imagined the group gaining worldwide success as it did?
I don’t think anybody could have known just HOW massive Maiden would become, but Steve always had a laser like vision of where he wanted to go and we constantly talked about having stage shows that would rival Genesis and Pink Floyd. I was impressed with his drive and energy and I loved the vibe and community of the band. We all put money in the box to pay for rehearsals, we all were evangelists for the band and I liked all the guys. I actually moved (by coincidence) to the same road that Terry Wapram lived on, so I would drive us both to rehearsals and we built quite a bond. To see him again and talk about the “old days” was such a lovely experience.

– How crazy was it touring with Cutting Crew in the 80’s? How does it compare to touring today?
The 80’s were fabulous, we had a number one hit and were touring with acts like The Bangles, Starship and Huey Lewis as well as doing our own smaller headline shows. The travelling and promo was hard work – but I loved every second of it. There was a real sense of fun and great energy on the road and the 80’s themselves had such an air of love for music. Those big shows taught me so much about what entertainment needs to be, Huey Lewis, in particular, was an inspirational performer to watch – He was honest and passionate about what he did and his audience loved him.

– Could you describe some of your earliest influences in life and in music?
I grew up listening to my Father who was a classical pianist and trained tenor. I knew all the Neapolitan love songs in Italian an a young age. My mum loved the Beatles and I treasured and played constantly the singles she brought home, like ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE, Again and again and again !
When I was a young teenager I was into Bowie, Alice Cooper, Marc Bolan and Roxy Music before discovering Genesis and wanting to be Peter Gabriel

– What would we be surprised to find in your music collection at home?
I have a great collection of Monty Python Comedy records !

– What goals as a musician have you yet to achieve?
I would love to have solo success with my new music as well as watch ILONA grow and develop and become a success in her own right with the music that we are creating together. I never take a day for granted and wake up each morning looking forward to another 24 hours of opportunity and adventure.

– Where do you see music in general going in 100 years from now?
Music will always cycle and evolve. The 60’s will come back with a new flavor, then the 70’s and 80’s will have their own updated twist etc – However, each generation will bring something new and original to the mix that has a nod to the past and keeps things fresh – The big changes are in technology and delivery of music, this is where I have no idea what it will be like in 100 years (and maybe for the best, I won’t be there !)