Up-Load UK, Gigs News & reviews Filter Interview

Up-Load - Filter took a 5 year break between 2003 and 2008, Did you ever think that you would not reform the band? and do you believe that the line up you have now is the strongest to date?

Richard Patrick - When I first put the band on hiatus, I went into rehab to get my life together but I never thought Filter would be done for good. I do think our lineup now is the strongest it’s ever been, in terms of talent and musicianship.

Up-Load - You are quoted as saying that your new material is more dark and heavily industrial and closer to the earlier work that you did. What has made you go back in this direction?

Richard Patrick - Actually we have been touring for over a year now and I’ve noticed that the audiences are reacting strongly to our heavier material. Filter has always had heavy tracks on every release; the only difference has been the sequencing on some of the albums, Anthems for the Damned in particular. Remixes for the Damned definitely sparked my creative juices, and we’ve already written some heavy, darker tracks for our new record.

Up-Load - You are currently touring with Papa Roach, have you toured with them before? And are you a fan of their music?

Richard Patrick - We’ve never toured with Papa Roach before but we are having a blast. I am a fan of Papa Roach and Jacoby Shaddix, they are great and they deliver every night.

Up-Load - You formed the band ‘Army of Anyone’ as a side project, with two of the former members of the Stone Temple Pilots and were also part of ‘The Damning Well’ with Wes Borland, Josh Freese, and former NIN member Danny Lohner. Do you have any other side projects or collaborations planned or do you think either of the other bands will be reformed in the future?

Richard Patrick - Who knows what the future will bring. I am still very close with the DeLeo brothers. But, right now, I am focused on Filter and making another Filter album.

Up-Load - You have been lucky enough to play in some great bands over the years and your career is going from strength to strength. What would you say has been the highlight of your career to date?

Richard Patrick - one of the highlights of my career has got to be performing for the men and women in armed services when we went to Kuwait and Iraq. It was a life-changing experience.

Up-Load - Where would you say is your favourite venue/city to play a gig in the world, and why?

Richard Patrick - It’s too hard to pick favourites but I just had a great time in Zurich, Switzerland. The venue was super packed and we had an awesome time.

Up-Load - You are well known for speaking your mind when it comes to war and political issues, has this ever caused you any problems?

Richard Patrick - I speak about what I believe. If you are true to yourself, it doesn’t matter what other people think. One of our rights is freedom of speech and I try to exercise that every day.

Up-Load - You list some of your hero’s as Bono from U2, Al Jourgensen from Ministry , Nivek Ogre from Skinny Puppy and Joe Strummer from the Clash. All are/were known for having strong political and human rights beliefs. Have you met any of them and what do you admire most about each of them?

Richard Patrick - I have met most of them and I admire their strong political beliefs and their ability to speak their minds without fear.

Up-Load - Frank Cavanaugh joined you on stage again when you played in Kuwait for the Operation MySpace last year, was it good to be playing with him again and do you think he will rejoin the band once he returns from war?

Richard Patrick - It was awesome to play with him and great to hand with my old friend. While I do love Frank, our bass player now is John Spiker

Up-Load - If you could share a stage with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?

Richard Patrick - I’ve always wanted to sing Pride In the Name of Love with Bono, the Edge and company… maybe that’s why I did it with Flyleaf.

Up-Load - If you had the chance to change one thing in the world what would it be?

Richard Patrick - I would make it so that people wouldn’t use religion as means to kill each other.
I would eradicate all religious based wars. I would make science and logic as the means of problem solving.

Now for a bit of fun. Finish these sentences:-

When I was 12 I wanted to be… Carl Sagan

When I was 12 my teachers thought I would be …. A rock musician

My ideal day would consist of …. Hanging with my daughter and wife on some beautiful tropical beach – maybe Lanai, Hawaii…

If my friends had to describe me in three words they would say … “He’s Fucking Crazy”

If I wasn’t in the band I would probably be .. an actor… and there’s still time for that.

In 40 years time I would like to look back on my life and think .. “I did my best and at least I tried my hardest.”