Most people know Fozzy as the band fronted by WWE Superstar Chris Jericho, but they have come a long way since those days and are now an accomplished metal band with four albums under their belt and a diehard fan base. Chris Jericho is joined by guitarists Billy Grey and Rich Ward, drummer Frank Fontsere and bassist Sean Delson. Rich and Frank are probably best known for being in the band Stuck Mojo.
Guitarist Billy Grey was kind enough to answer some questions for us before hitting the stage for Fozzy’s last show of the UK/European tour.
You’re relatively new to Fozzy. How did your joining the band come about?
Billy Grey – Rich and I have known each other since high school. I have been an on-and-off touring member since 2001.
How do you split your time between Fozzy and Dangerous New Machine? Do you prefer playing with one band over the other?
Billy Grey – It just works out, and I love playing with both bands.
What’s your favourite song to play live?
Billy Grey – ‘Pray for Blood’ and ‘Enemy’
If you had to choose one Fozzy song to introduce a stranger to the band and most sums up what Fozzy is, which song would that be?
Billy Grey – ‘Enemy’
Was there a moment for the band where music fans started to recognise you as Fozzy rather than just Chris Jericho’s band?
Billy Grey – Yes, lately, over the past year. It has become more about the band, with Jericho as the frontman.
Do you have a stand-out moment from being on tour?
Billy Grey – Playing Sonisphere
Are there any plans to release a live DVD?
Billy Grey – Yes, very soon.
What was the idea behind the awesome VIP opportunities you give to fans?
Billy Grey – We just wanted to get to meet some of our fans, sit down and have dinner with them, and put on an awesome rock show for them.
Do you prefer playing the smaller shows like Dingwalls tonight or the festivals like Sonisphere?
Billy Grey – I like both. Small, intimate shows are fun to play, but it’s always fun to play in front of thousands.
Out of all the countries you toured, do you have a favourite and why?
Billy Grey – So far, the UK fans have been extremely supportive.
If you could tour with any band, who would it be and why?
Billy Grey – Iron Maiden, just to be able to get to know and learn from an iconic metal band every night.
If you could only watch one movie, listen to one album and read one book for the rest of your life, what would they be?
Billy Grey – Talladega Nights, Avenged Sevenfold’s ‘City of Evil’ and The Bible
Who are your biggest inspirations, musically or otherwise?
Billy Grey – Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Dimebag Darryl, Tom Morello, Lindsay Buckingham, Paul Tuetel Sr. (from American Choppers)
Have you ever met one of your heroes?
Billy Grey – I got to meet David Coverdale, and it was awesome – a pleasure. He was definitely a hero of mine.
Who’s on your iPod at the moment?
Billy Grey – Bullet for My Valentine, Eminem, Jay-Z and Paramore
You’ve obviously come to the end of a very successful tour. What’s next for Fozzy?
Billy Grey – Canadian Tour in October, back to UK and Europe in November and a new record for the new year.
