Interview with Vocalist Bobby Lucas of Attacker

June 24, 2024

Interview with Vocalist Bobby Lucas of Attacker

By Mick Michaels

Cosmick View: Hello, Bobby, and welcome to The Cosmick View. Thanks for taking some time out of your day to speak with us. It's greatly appreciated.

Bobby Lucas: Hi Mick, the pleasure is all mine!

CV: So much has been said about Metal fans overseas. What do you feel differentiates European Metal audiences and American Metal audiences? Is there really any difference in your opinion?

BL: Metal fans overseas tended to be a bit more passionate when I first started going over to Europe in 1997. Although the first 2 times that I went to Germany it was to record and not to perform, I did get to attend a show or two whilst I was there, and most of the Metalheads have "Battle Vests" showing off patches of their favorite bands. Hell, I even have 2 now myself!

Also, as many times as I've been overseas I haven't witnessed one fight at the clubs. Here in America I'm happy to say they are becoming fewer and further between at least. It also depends on who you're going to see perform. One can't go to a Slayer show and expect to see people sitting in circles singing "Kumbaya" I'd also like to point out that the scene is exploding here in the U.S. over the last decade. It almost feels like 1981 again to me! The Battle Vests are becoming more prominent here now as well.

CV: With the recent rise of tribute bands on the local and regional stages and now even with many brand name artists going the same route, Joey Belladonna, Zakk Wylde… especially following the COVID pandemic, do you see such a surge of cover acts as a result of venues and fans not wanting to take a chance on something they never heard before like original music? Or do you feel it has more to do with the artists themselves and working in a turnkey

environment?
BL: Well, I can only speak for myself when talking about Tribute and Cover bands. Fact of the matter is that when an older crowd goes out to the bars, they want to shoot some pool, BS at the bar, and the band that is performing that night is usually there to give them some background music that they are familiar with…and if you're good enough at it? You may get some women shaking their heinies as well. And that is always a plus!

But I mainly do it to make some extra pocket money to pay the bills. It helps to be in bands that play music that I love and grew up listening to. It's an added bonus that I have a versatile voice and I'm able to cover a wide range of bands. It keeps the sets interesting.

CV: And with this rise current of tribute acts, where do you feel that leaves purely original bands that are working to make their own mark and build an audience? Do they still have a place with music listeners? Is there an audience for them?

BL: I honestly do not see the Tribute/Cover band scene becoming a problem for Original bands.

Original bands aren't ordinarily going to be playing small Dive Bars. It isn't usually the same kind of setup. No showcases with 4 or 5 original bands selling tickets. A cover band will usually do either 2 long sets or 3 smaller sets. You may see one other band on the bill as openers here and there, but it isn't common practice in my area.

Photo by Mad T 2024

CV: Tell us a little about the new Attacker album, "The God Particle." What do you feel separates this album from other Attacker records in your opinion?

BL: This one is darker and heavier. But it was more of a natural progression for us. We didn't sit down and say "Guys, let’s get heavier on this one"... this album is a product of its environment. The world is a darker place. And the subject matter reflects that as well. But it's not as if you'll be shocked by the subject matter. I've always been into conspiracy theories and things like Biblical prophecy, horror movies, and history.

CV: How has Attacker maintained its relevance in a now seemly over-saturated market? And what can young, up and coming bands learn from Attacker's approach and legacy in your opinion?

BL: I'm glad you said it and it wasn't me LOL... the market is DEFINITELY becoming over-saturated. It's as if someone said "Hey, Joe Shit The Rag Man from High School's band got to play a Festival in Europe! Metal must be Hot again, so let’s stop sounding like The Grateful Dead and be more Maiden-ish!!!"

Photo by Mad T 2024

The only other time I have seen something like this happening was in the Mid-to-late 80's. And you want to know what happened? Too many great bands fell through the cracks. I'm seeing these brand new record labels springing up out of NOWHERE, and they all can't have every one of these bands' best interests at heart. They just can't. But now we have Bandcamp, and Spotify… and Social Media, of course. The days of stapling flyers to telephone poles are over. "Mailing Lists" are a thing of the past too, Thank God.

But ATTACKER has remained true to its roots since 1985. And that is a large part of the reason this band continues to kick much ass.

CV: Do you feel the multitude of genres and sub-genres has possibly affected how both critics and the audience regard music today as compared to 30-40 years ago? Is there less of a connectivity to the music because of this splintering?

BL: Personally I detest all of the "Sub-Genre" labeling that has infected the scene as of late. I can understand having Classic Metal, Power Metal, Prog Metal, Thrash Metal, Death Metal, Doom Metal, and Black Metal… even Nu-Metal.

But it seems after "Symphonic Metal" entered the fray we began getting more and more genres..."Dark Progressive"..."Depressive Metal"..."Melancholic Metal"..."Post Metal"..."Post Grunge"..."Post Punk"...and the list goes on. It has made things just a tad too confusing IMHO. People enjoy putting Labels on things it seems.

And that's coming from a DJ!!!

Photo by Mad T 2024

CV: How has touring changed for Attacker since the pandemic?

BL: Well, Attacker doesn't Tour. The longest stretch we've ever done was around 18 days back in 2013/14?

The guys have good jobs, and families. And I have 3 cats... LOL.

CV: What more can fans expect to see coming from Attacker in 2024 and beyond?

BL: Well, we shall continue to play more shows in support of "The God Particle" and we hope to play more festivals as well. We'll usually head overseas for 4 or 5 days and then fly back.

I'll continue to play cover gigs, and DJ at Metal Messiah Radio on Thursday Nights… SCREAMS From The Metal Crypt is my show, every Thursday night from 7pm to 11pm EST.... I also use my radio show to help Local and Up-And-Coming musicians, so bands. Hit me up on Facebook and send me your submissions!

CV: Thanks again, Bobby, for taking the time to share with our readers. We wish you all the best and continued success.

BL: No Thank YOU...the honor is mine! Everyone Stay Blessed! Salud!!!

Check out Bobby at:

Metal Messiah Radio: www.metalmessiahradio.com
Denim and Leather: https://www.reverbnation.com/denimandleathertribute

http://www.metallandnj.com

Email: leatherlungslucas@yahoo.com

Attacker
Bandcamp: https://attacker1.bandcamp.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AttackerBand

www.cruzdelsurmusic.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.