GLENN HUGHES Talks To U.K.'s TIGHT BUT LOOSE Magazine About BLACK COUNTRY 'Supergroup'

In an exclusive interview with Dave Lewis for the forthcoming Tight But Loose magazine, legendary vocalist/bassist Glenn Hughes (DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH) revealed the future plans for BLACK COUNTRY, the new group featuring Glenn alongside Jason Bonham (LED ZEPPELIN, FOREIGNER) on drums, Derek Sherinian (DREAM THEATER, BILLY IDOL, ALICE COOPER) on keyboards, and Joe Bonamassa on guitar.

"This is the real deal, a big rock statement and the right thing to do at the right time," said Glenn.

"We have recorded six songs and reconvene in March to work on another seven.

"We've worked really hard on this, changing arrangements, working on lyrics; we've really gone to boot camp with it.

"The album should be ready for release in September. We are looking to play some showcase gigs to announce the band around that time and then head out on a full tour next year."

"You might think with Joe involved it's going to be a bluesy record, and while there are elements of that, it's developed into a classic modern rock album. There's a real groove to it all, but with a Bonham involved, that's to be expected!

"Jason's drumming is amazing. He really feels the music and knows exactly what's going on in the songs. This is his best playing on an album ever, in my view. It's an honor to be in a band with him. His father helped me so much in my early days in TRAPEZE and was a real mentor to me. He really championed my music. It's amazing to think back and remember being at John's house and seeing him tutoring Jason when he was really young and now I'm playing in a band with him."

Talking about recording the debut BLACK COUNTRY album, Glenn recalled the sheer buzz of performing in this lineup.

"I remember we were recording the second track, 'One Last Soul', on January 3; it was a Sunday. We were doing it all live and I had this overwhelming feeling that this is the way it should be now. This is what I'm supposed to be doing.

"I'm back in a band and I feel totally rejuvenated. I need, for my own sake, to be involved in this. I love the variety we have and there's a real focus that allows us to grow musically. It's a real 'black country'-sounding album, too. Kevin Shirley's production is typical of his style; there’s a rawness and lots of live solos and not a lot of overdubs. There's a light and shade there, too, but as I said, it's also a very gutsy vocal record.

"This is me singing rock again and I'm loving it.

"I think Jason and I were destined to play together and there's no finer Hammond organ player than Derek. As for Joe, well, we already know he is the new top guy and he's going to continually bowl people over.

"As a live band, this is going to be pretty unstoppable."

The complete full-length interview, in which Glenn talks about the making of the BLACK COUNTRY album and reminisces on his early days in TRAPEZE and being in the company of John Bonham and Robert Plant, will feature in the new issue of Tight But Loose (issue 26),due out in April.

You can subscribe at this location.