Interview with Vocalist Rick Hughes of Sword (Canada)

December 28, 2020

Interview with Vocalist Rick Hughes of Sword (Canada)

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello, Rick! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

CV: What types of emotions are stirred up knowing it has been 30 years since the band last released new material?
Rick Hughes : I’m stoked I’m proud and I’m anxious for everybody else to hear it.

CV: What prompted the band to make its comeback now? Have the events of 2020 shed new light on the phrase, "no time like the present?"
RH: Since our un-official split in 1992.... We never really broke up, we just all took some necessary time off, and worked on other things. Fans all around the world kept asking the question: “Are you guys going to come back?” So I guess I kept asking myself the same question: “When are we going to come back?” And the time is right now!

CV: Music has changed a great deal since 1985. Do you see Sword picking up where it left off 30 years ago or does time provide a different set of eyes for the new road ahead?
RH: We have the same drive and the same reasons to make music that we had back then, nothing has changed. The passion to deliver the goods will always remain the same.

CV: What can fans expect from the new single, “In Kommand,” as well as the band’s anticipated upcoming album? Will veteran fans of Sword be surprised?
RH: I think that the fans will be happy to hear the drive and the power that “In Kommand” delivers.

CV: Were there any concerns for Sword living up to the legend with regards to writing new material? Or is the music like fine wine, it only gets better with age?

RH: Once you decide to spill your guts, and create a new opus, you have to get ready to get criticized for your work.

The most important thing is that when you’re finished, you put down your sword, look back, and if you’re happy with it, then you’ve done good!

CV: What are your thoughts on how the Metal Genre has evolved over the last few decades? Are you at all shocked at its continued popularity and almost mainstream acceptance today as compared to back in the mid 80s? These days, Tipper Gore is nowhere to be found, thankfully.
RH: I’ve always thought and looked at music as being an art form that has no boundaries, no limit, no expiration dates.

Metal, like Rock ‘n’ Roll is here to stay!

CV: How does it feel knowing that current CEO of the new Combat Records and Megadeth bassist, David Ellefson, is a big fan of Sword from way back when? Does that type of celebrity fan support only add credence to the band's return in your opinion?
RH: It feels really good to know that we have the support from a metal legend like David Ellefson…and for a lot of reasons, but mainly because Sword has been a fan of his…since the beginning of Megadeth.

CV: The music is not the only thing that has changed these past couple of decades. The business of music itself has had a rebirth during the digital age. And now, with the additional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic placed upon the industry as a whole, things are more on their heads than ever before. Where does all this put the band's thinking when looking to release a new album and consider tour support?
RH: I’m pretty sure that if you ask the same question to any artist, they will answer that touring will one day reconvene, and the pleasure will be doubled what it was before.

CV: What’s next? What can fans expect to see coming from Sword as the New Year approaches?
RH: We’re letting “In Kommand” sink in...but we are already at work on the second single which will be released with a video.

CV: Thank you again Rick for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.
RH: Thank you for your questions, and your support. We are looking forward to getting back on stage and rock the world. We are ready!!

Check out Sword at:
Bandcamp: https://swordmetalized.bandcamp.com/

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.