Lenny Rutledge (SANCTUARY) στο RockOverdose: “I feel a sense of responsibility to keep the faith and strive for quality material.”

Legendary American heavy/power metal band Sanctuary return to Greece for a highly anticipated live show on Wednesday, April 22 at Piraeus Club Academy in Athens. With a career spanning more than four decades and classic albums such as Refuge Denied and Into The Mirror Black, the band remains one of the most influential names in U.S. metal.

On the occasion of their upcoming appearance in Athens, we spoke with the band’s founder and guitarist Lenny Rutledge about the history of Sanctuary, memories of Warrel Dane, their special connection with the Greek audience, and the band’s current path. In this interview, Rutledge reflects on key moments from the band’s journey while also looking ahead to the next chapter of a name that continues to inspire generations of metal fans.

RockOverdose: When you started Sanctuary in Seattle in 1985, what was your original vision for the band? What did you hope to express or achieve through your music at that time?

Lenny Rutledge (SANCTUARY):We always thought really big. It was almost like we were trying to skip a few steps. Even before we started writing original music my cousin, Sean Blosl and I would spend time building stages. It took us a long time before we settled on other musicians. After Warrel joined we did our best to avoid falling into the local bar band scene. We were very driven to find a way out of Seattle.

RockOverdose: Your early demo caught the attention of Dave Mustaine, who went on to produce Refuge Denied and played a crucial role in your early career. Now that he has released his latest album with Megadeth and spoken about eventually stepping away, how do you reflect on his influence—both on Sanctuary and on metal as a whole? What did working with him teach you that still resonates with you today?

Lenny Rutledge (SANCTUARY):Yeah Dave is definitely a metal pioneer. So many iconic riffs and almost a punk rock type of attitude at times. Working with Dave was great. He was firm but fair. We all saw him as a big brother or mentor back in the day. We basically learned how to be prepared for whatever the touring world could throw our way. It was sort of a trial by fire. The Megadeth tour was our first legit tour and we had to learn fast. If I remember he would tell us to do whatever you can to constantly be out there touring . Especially at first. Say yes to as much as possible. One of his favorite tag lines was "Smile, eat shit and ask for more".

RockOverdose: Warrel Dane was widely seen as the voice and soul of Sanctuary. Looking back, which personal or musical moments with him stand out as most pivotal in the band's journey?

Lenny Rutledge (SANCTUARY): I think for us it was signing a record deal with a major label, recording our fist with Dave Musaine and getting the opportunity to tour the world. Then years later I was really proud of the fact that we could still record a decent record.

RockOverdose: After Warrel's passing, how did your relationship with music change? In what ways does his spirit or influence continue to live on in your compositions today?

Lenny Rutledge (SANCTUARY):Obviously it left a huge hole. First you struggle with the passing then later you have to come to terms with, how do you proceed musically. As far as Sanctuary is concerned, I try to use Warrel as inspiration and a benchmark. I feel a sense of responsibility to keep the faith and strive for quality material.

RockOverdose: The breakup of Sanctuary in the early '90s was a difficult chapter. What was the greatest challenge you faced during that period, and what lasting lessons did you take from it?

Lenny Rutledge (SANCTUARY):It was a bit difficult moving forward. Starting over in a sense. I wanted a break. The band was imploding and going in a dark direction personality wise. I felt it was a time to explore music in a different direction. Not always easy to do that back in those days. Lessons ? Power struggles and over excess can fuck up your band. 😊

RockOverdose: The reunion in 2011 and the release of The Year The Sun Died marked a powerful return. What motivated you to bring Sanctuary back, and what was the process of reconnecting creatively—especially with Warrel—like after so many years?

Lenny Rutledge (SANCTUARY): I would see Warrel around from time to time and we would talk about music. We started talking quite a bit around the time he was recording Obsidian Conspiracy. Eventually talk of a reunion came up. I offered to send him a guitar part that I came up with. That song was "One Final Day". He liked it and wanted to add a vocal idea. A short time after, we got together at my house and I played the guitar part for the song "The Year The Sun Died". We both agreed that this was the start of a new beginning. Still Sanctuary but with a fresh sound.

RockOverdose: You've performed several times in Greece. What images, emotions, or moments from your Greek shows remain most vivid in your memory?

Lenny Rutledge (SANCTUARY):Well I don't remember every detail of each show but I do remember the connections with friends we made in Greece. Always great atmosphere energy and beauty.

RockOverdose: In your experience, what makes Greek audiences unique compared to other countries? What has impressed or moved you most about their reactions?

Lenny Rutledge (SANCTUARY):The fans in Greece are passionate for metal to a whole different level. The enthusiasm is inspiring. We have actually made lasting friendships over the years. Always good experiences with the people, culture and food.

RockOverdose: Refuge Denied and Into the Mirror Black are now considered classic albums. With hindsight, is there anything you would have approached differently—either in the studio or in how the band was managed?

Lenny Rutledge (SANCTUARY): This is a loaded question because as a band you always wish you had more time or could have done things better. On Refuge Denied I think the overall sound is ok but sounds like one of those records that feels like its from a certain time frame. I wish the sound was a little more timeless. I would have liked to spend more time on my guitar solos. I thought Warrel nailed all of his parts and set the bar pretty high. He always had killer lyrics and got even better with time. On Mirror Black I think we had more of a cohesive direction. I think we were trying to shed the thrash metal label. Although I think Sanctuary had the ability to fit into multiple genres which is kind of cool. That kind of diversity provides more opportunity.

RockOverdose: How do you see Sanctuary's place in the global metal scene today, particularly in light of Warrel's passing?

Lenny Rutledge (SANCTUARY): I get why this is because Im sure I was one of those fans that was skeptical about a band continuing with a new singer but sometimes it works.

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RockOverdose: Some fans feel uncertain about Sanctuary continuing without Warrel, while others are excited about this new chapter. How do you approach these mixed emotions, and what do you hope audiences experience when they see you live now?

Lenny Rutledge (SANCTUARY): I know when the majority of fans who see the current band live are surprised by all of the old material we play from Refuge Denied and Mirror Black. Not only do we play all those old songs, but we nail the songs we haven't played for years. I think fans of the old school albums and the newer stuff are going to be psyched to hear it. I say come check us out. You wont be disappointed!