Scott Weinrich aka Wino, has a long journey thoughout the decades, being the leader of the legendary The Obsessed, as well as with other seminal bands such as Saint Vitus etc . Over his forty year musical career and underground lifestyle he remains an icon to anyone with even a passing interest in heavy music.
Read below our chat on the upcoming special show in Greece, this weekend 30 Sept - 01 Oct.at Demons Gate Destival in Athens - Greece, where The Obsessed are going to give a special show, with many surprises to come.
RockOverdose: Please allow me first to express my gratitude to one of my all-time heroes. How do you do lately and what are you up to the current moment, as we all know you never find rest when it’s up to music.
Wino: Thank you. Yeah, we stayed busy. We are currently rehearsing for our
upcoming European tour, and our new record Gilded Sorrow comes out on
Ripple Records in February.
RockOverdose: “Sacred” is already six years old and can be easily considered as one of the best come-back albums ever. It still sounds so fresh but incorporated all classic elements of The Obsessed and your sound in general. How do you see it today as an album?
Wino: I love it. And with Sacred I took the opportunity to re-record a song that really needed it - Sodden Jackal. It was pretty comprehensive. The Thin Lizzy cover was a little spontaneous, and we also covered my favorite Mountain song - Crossroader. So yah, I like it.
RockOverdose: You have released so much albums, all being great and all with a different vibe to them. How could you know it was the right time to play the right kind of music and why was your spirit so restless so you would create so much new projects?
Wino:We have a saying: “create or die”. Basically, we consider art as a way of life, be it music, painting, sculpture, building a beautiful motorcycle, your beautiful wife, or whatever else.
RockOverdose: The Obsessed managed to stay alive despite the breaks inbetween. Being your first band, did you ever feel you owed them to go on and get what they deserved sooner or later? A father never prefers a child to the other, but in your case, is The Obsessed your most special child for obvious reasons?
Wino: Yes, because it was my first personally creative outlet, and yes I have played guitar in other projects/bands that I enjoyed, and I do enjoy collaborating, but to answer the question, yes, The Obsessed is my first and last love. I also want to give credit where credit is due to past members.
RockOverdose: It’s not a personal opinion but a reality proven through the years that you are considered rightfully as a godfather to the overall heavy sound in the States. I personally look up to you as my own Lemmy, as many people do. Has the love of people brought more responsibility to you, or do you go on doing things your way?
Wino: I haven't changed very much if at all, except I don't use. But the attitude is still there and even stronger.
RockOverdose: When did you realize you had the gift to create your personal sound and make people attached to it? A flame always starts with a spark, which was your own spark back in the day? Being around for 40+ years, what still gives you motive to go on?
Wino: I always felt like I was destined to play hard rock music from the start. I can’t tell you exactly what that is, but my guess is that its a special energy that comes from a different planet or star or something. Regardless, musically I will always stick to my guns, meaning I will continue to carry the flame for the underground.
RockOverdose: Allow me to express my deep connection with the “Adrift” album and the work you did on Townes Van Zandt related works. You know, it’s always been special to us listening to the godfather of heaviness being so transparent. Is there a chance we’d listen to some tracks off these releases on your acoustic show?
Wino: Absolutely. I will build my set from across my catalog. The acoustic set will be about 45 minutes.
RockOverdose: At last we’re going to see The Obsessed live for the first time. You’ve been to Greece before and kinda know what to wait, what should the fans wait from the two days’ gigs and how special are they going to be since you’ll be celebrating 63 years of age the day before you play?
Wino: The gig will be super special for The Obsessed, and you’re right The Obsessed have never played Greece, but I know from my past experiences there that it will be fantastic in all ways. And we are also very much looking forward to amazing Greek food.
RockOverdose: Did you ever believe a documentary of your career would take place and you’d be among people to share your point of view? Weighing the pros and cons of your life and career so far, would you do the same things if you started from the beginning? Was it worth the ride so far, and what would you change if you could or want to?
Wino:Those are deep and heavy questions. I never thought about the possibility of a documentary on me, but I’m glad it happened, and I think its accurate and we are looking forward to the Athens screening. One would like to think that you would go through life and not regret anything, but humans make mistakes and that's how you learn, right?
RockOverdose: Will we have a new The Obsessed album sooner or later? I believe “Sacred” is one of the most “loose” performances of yours and I can share many people’s opinion that it HAS to go on in the same direction.
Wino: Yes, Gilded Sorrow will be coming out in February, and pre-orders are now available. It has something for everybody that's into our music, and I personally think it's the best thing I’ve done so far. It's also the debut of The Obsessed with 2 guitars, and I’m really happy with everything we recorded.
RockOverdose: Unfortunately things took a wrong turn and I guess it’s impossible for a second Shrinebuilder album. I think I saw you mentioning it as one of the highlights of your career and the one you had more fun being a part of. Is there light at the end of this tunnel or will we stick praising the self-titled debut with no continuation?
Wino:Shrinebuilder is an enigmatic band for a myriad of reasons. I think it was super hypnotic and fun, but fate wouldn’t have it lasting. I was always up for another record but I don't think it will ever happen.
RockOverdose: Thousands of people would love to do what Wino did in his career so far. What does Wino want to do that hasn’t achieved already in his life and career and which is your “secret” all these years –if there is any- being filled with quality and moments that come to stay?
Wino:Aside from leading a revolution against tyrants, there are still a lot of places I would love to see, and a lot of songs to write, and yes, I still have lots of dreams because I believe that once your dreams die then it's over. To quote Ray Wylie Hubbard “Keep your gratitude higher than your expectations”.
RockOverdose: They say “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”, music industry constantly changes but your principles remain the same. Is it because you learned things your own way or does it take more guts to not care that much about what’s going on and do your own thing while everyone else follows trends?
Wino: The Obsessed is not gonna follow trends. Taking risks and enjoying a little adventure is the way it is, but we strive to always improve.
RockOverdose: They also say “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger”. You’ve been through a lot in your life but you’re still among us, alive and kicking. How easy is to stay on your feet again when life brings you on your knees and how much you have to sacrifice to start from the beginning again and again?
Wino: You don’t even want to know...but we had a lot of fun on the way. You learn something every day, and we are still learning. A lot of sacrifices are made, you gotta bring your music out into the world, which means you have to make choices, and a lot of times they’re hard.
RockOverdose: I would like to thank you beyond words and description for this interview, as well as for all you’ve been a part of throughout the decades. The last words belong to you, if you have any plans to share or anything important you feel hasn’t been asked, we would be grateful. We wait for you eagerly.
Wino: Thank you again very much! It's this kind of thing, this interview and your interest, that is part of the reward for playing this music. We can't wait to see you in Greece - ευχαριστώ !
For RockOverdose,
Angelos Katsouras
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