Widely considered the pioneers of the doom metal scene, Saint Vitus are currently slated to celebrate their 35th Anniversary with a US tour that kicks off next month. 35 years of sustained success in the metal underground, especially for a US band, is a major accomplishment. We all need to take a moment this weekend to listen to the Vitus and appreciate everything they've done for doom over the years (I'm currently blasting the 1984 self-titled album). I recently caught up with founding guitarist Dave Chandler to discuss the band's success and future plans, among other things.
First off, congratulations on making it to 35 years! Other than personnel changes, what’s the biggest difference between Saint Vitus then and Saint Vitus now?
Dave Chandler: Back when we started playing we were the only ones, so the majority of the heavy metal audience didn't care about Doom. All that has changed drastically - making it easier for a band like us to play for a broader audience.
To what do attribute the band’s longevity?
DC: To the fans and I guess the fact that we've never really changed much. When we retired in 1995 Doom metal started happening and people started listening. When we came back in 2003, younger people already knew about us and had been keeping us alive.
How has the doom scene changed in the last 35 years?
DC: There was no scene when we started, but the few people that came to see us were our age or older. Now, there are all generations coming to the shows.
Who are you favorite current doom bands?
DC: I'm still old school.
Besides doom, what are you currently listening to?
DC: Zodiac (from Australia), Red Fang, Pink, Patti Smith, and Wall of Voodoo.
What can fans expect from Vitus on the upcoming tour?
DC: A bludgeoning.
What kind of guitars, amps and pedals are you using live these days?
DC: Schecter guitars, Marshall amps, and whatever pedals I can find that work.
What’s next for Saint Vitus?
DC: After we finish the upcoming U.S. tour there's a possibility of South America, but we're definitely taking the 35th Anniversary to Europe for about six weeks in the fall.
First off, congratulations on making it to 35 years! Other than personnel changes, what’s the biggest difference between Saint Vitus then and Saint Vitus now?
Dave Chandler: Back when we started playing we were the only ones, so the majority of the heavy metal audience didn't care about Doom. All that has changed drastically - making it easier for a band like us to play for a broader audience.
To what do attribute the band’s longevity?
DC: To the fans and I guess the fact that we've never really changed much. When we retired in 1995 Doom metal started happening and people started listening. When we came back in 2003, younger people already knew about us and had been keeping us alive.
How has the doom scene changed in the last 35 years?
DC: There was no scene when we started, but the few people that came to see us were our age or older. Now, there are all generations coming to the shows.
Who are you favorite current doom bands?
DC: I'm still old school.
Besides doom, what are you currently listening to?
DC: Zodiac (from Australia), Red Fang, Pink, Patti Smith, and Wall of Voodoo.
What can fans expect from Vitus on the upcoming tour?
DC: A bludgeoning.
What kind of guitars, amps and pedals are you using live these days?
DC: Schecter guitars, Marshall amps, and whatever pedals I can find that work.
What’s next for Saint Vitus?
DC: After we finish the upcoming U.S. tour there's a possibility of South America, but we're definitely taking the 35th Anniversary to Europe for about six weeks in the fall.
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