Interviews: Wasted

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Metal band Wasted from Denmark. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Was it planned, or did it just happen organically?

The band was at a Def Leppard concert in Copenhagen/Denmark in 1983, and were blown away by their fantastic song Wasted. And as I remember it, we agreed on the next day of rehearsal that we simply had to call the band Wasted, instead of Radon81, which was also a silly name. I don't dare to put my head on the block about the whole truth of how it happened, but I'm pretty sure that's how it was. And if not, then it's a good story.

2. Why did you choose to play this genre?

The band was founded in 1981, and when we started playing together, we only played cover songs by Kiss, Ramones, and other artists in that genre, as we were drawn to the delicious drive heavy metal reflects. And we were probably not the most obedient boys in the classroom, so metal music made our boys' dreams come true in one way or another.

3. Did you know each other before forming the band?

We are all from the same small town, so we knew each other well, but not personally to begin with. But that friendship was quickly created through our shared interest in music and meeting each other at the local pub for a beer or two where they often played some kind of rock music. That's where it all started. 

4. What is each band member's favorite band?

I actually don't know for sure, but with the new team that has been together for many years now, we all have references to everything old school as Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, Slayer, W.A.S.P, Metallica, Rainbow, Alice Cooper, Deep Purple, AC/DC etc., so our shared palette of rock bands is quite broad.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Here on our last album “FIVE”, it is primarily Jimi Hansen and Thomas Pede the two guitarists who have written the songs, after which we continue to work on track at rehearsal until we reach the finished result and everyone has had the opportunity to come up with good ideas and input for the song. The inspiration comes all by itself, once you are there, it is impossible not to. Most of us have been playing music for over 35 years, so there is a lot of routine and backbone involved in it too.

6. Where was your last gig?

The last job we played was at the Free Town Christiania open air stage late summer 2024. It was a great job, well paid and lots of nice and good people who showed up to see us.

7. Where would you like to perform in the future?

Our goal is definitely to get a few more jobs in Denmark 2025, and if possible, go to Germany to give a few concerts. Our ambitions for Madison Square Garden ended many years ago, after all – Ha Ha, and you have to be realistic.

8. Which artist or band would you like to collaborate with?

For me personally it would definitely be Alice Cooper, and I can't speak for the other guys, but I'll guess and aim high again. Could be Slayer, could be Metallica - but we'd be happy if we just collaborated with a good metal band that has been around and has the same common thread as ourselves.

9. Is there anyone you wouldn’t want to collaborate with?

The question above almost answers the question here. Same heavy style, same common thread means everything. And then there is a whole lot of abundance bad music that doesn't. So, the answer is YES MANY.

10. Have any of you ever experienced stage fright? Do you have any tips for beginners on overcoming it?

We are always a little nervous before a live job, but as I recall, never stage fright. You are full of adrenaline and just want everything to go well, and that can create a certain nervousness, but also the excitement in that it´s now, this is it, there is no going back. No tricks, no drugs, and be the best of yourself if you want to get through and survive in this industry. Just saying.

11. Which bands have influenced you the most?

I want to say that since 1980 when most of us in the band started playing in a band, a lot of water has flowed through the river and a lot of music has been heard. I say that everything that has a guitar with distortion, a thick, delicious bass and a hard-hitting drummer is our inspiration, and everyone in the band is musically connected to the time that was, and not the time as it is now, where there are hundreds of different metal styles with fancy names that I can't even describe. We like old school and we'll stay old school.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Smiles sinisterly. I haven't the faintest idea, at least there's nothing sexual I can think of, and if there was, it wouldn't be said here - all smiles.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We have the best fans in the world, who wouldn't say that? But we have an okay good and solid fan base that follows us most of the places we play. Most of our loyal fans are from the same generation as ourselves, and we all grew up with the same music and interest, which in that way binds us together, and of course, because we play really good and solid heavy metal music.

14. What do you think of our site?

Your site is nice and clear, I haven't dug deep into the heart of the site, but I find it nice as it appears. We will support you as best we can.

15. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I hope that the people who read this interview will feel curious and excited, and will be drawn to hear our music we make. We would also like to invite people to our Facebook page, which is called Wasted “the band" and maybe we could also entice people at the same time to download the album or a few of the songs from the internet or maybe order and buy an album by sending a message on the Wasted "the band" page.