Former HELLOWEEN Singer MICHAEL KISKE Discusses His Involvement With AVANTASIA

The webmaster of EDGUY frontman Tobias Sammet's official web site recently conducted an interview with former HELLOWEEN singer Michael Kiske about Kiske's involvement with Sammet's AVANTASIA project, both in the studio and on the road. The question-and-answer session follows below.

Q: Michael, in 1999 when Tobias first approached you to sing on his first AVANTASIA "Metal Opera" album, what were your thoughts? What was it about Tobias and his music that made you want to sing his album while at the same time you were turning down other opportunities?

Michael: Of course I have to like the music. But with me it always also has a lot to do with the people who ask me. Tobi called me up and was kind of an ass, eh... I mean nice (kidding!). When he asked me the first time, I was still in the state of rather fading out the rock/metal world, that's why I called myself Ernie on the album. I find that funny myself now. Today I am a lot more relaxed and since I met fans again in a few countries and played live, I am okay with the idealistic and non-satanic parts of the metal world again.

Q: Of all of the songs you've performed on in the AVANTASIA discography, do you have a favorite or favorites? If so, what makes that song or those particular songs special or more meaningful to you?

Michael: I don't have them all in my head right now, I will have to re-learn them again first, but one of my personal favorites is "Lost In Space" where my version didn't make it on the regular edition of the album, unfortunately.

Q: Recently it was announced that you'll also be touring with AVANTASIA in December. What are your thoughts and expectations of being part of this extravaganza?

Michael: I really don't know what to expect at all! Everybody tells me it'll be fun, so that's what I expect. Am thinking about getting myself a nice small full-HD camera for it. I am happy to get around again and especially to finally get to South America, because I never have been there before.

Q: Incredibly, your ex-HELLOWEEN mate Kai Hansen is also part of the worldwide touring "metal opera". After so many years, what are you looking forward to the most about sharing the stage with Kai once again?

Michael: Sharing the stage with Kai again .... after over 20 years! Also that Amanda [Somerville] is part of it is fun, because I like her very much.

Q: Many AVANTASIA and metal fans in general are very excited to have the opportunity to see you on stage and to have the chance to hear you sing these amazing AVANTASIA anthems. What are your thoughts... are you excited to take the stage and join in the energy of those shows with them?

Michael: Sure! But as I said, I don't really know what to expect, I just wait and see what happens. For me personally this is also another chance get more live routine back for UNISONIC next year after almost 17 years of no live playing.