Greek Australian Orianthi Panagaris, better known simply as Orianthi, who was best known for being Michael's Jackson's lead guitarist and the lead guitarist in Alice Cooper's live band, talks to Rock Overdose and Apostolos Pantazoglou about her experience in the rock world and her solo works. Enjoy the interview...
Rockoverdose: Hello Orianthi, and welcome to Rockoverdose.gr. What are you up at the moment?
Orianthi: Well, I’m touring with Michael Bolton now. We have many shows all over the World.
Rockoverdose: Your latest album, “Believe” was released in 2009 and after that last year we had the EP “Fire”. What was the reception from press and fans?
Orianthi: Well, we can say a “premiere” for “Fire EP” 😉 the full albüm will come a little later.
Rockoverdose: When should we expect new material from you?
Orianthi: It will be after the tour with Iron Maiden but unfortunately I can’t give a certain date for it now.
Rockoverdose: Last August, Alice Cooper announced you as the new member of his band. How did that happen?
Orianthi: Well, his lead guitarist left the band and then died from a sudden heart attack. Alice was already met me in the American Idol so he chose me as the new member. He called me to meet up somewhere and he said that he wants me in his band.
Rockoverdose: How is it to play with one of the legends of rock and one of the innovators of this music?
Orianthi: It was like… like heaven =)) That was a veeeery good feeling that i can’t explain with the words.
Rockoverdose: You started playing and learning music at a very young age. How did your parents react when they understood that you would live the life of a rock star?
Orianthi: Hahahh! Well, esspecially my dad encouraged me a lot and as my mom said i was sensitivve for rhythms and the sound of guitar even when i was only 1 year old.
Rockoverdose: Who are the guitarists and musicians in general that inspired you and who was the one that made you say “I am going to be a rock guitar player”?
Orianthi: I’m inspired by Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and maaaaaany more. Well, Jimi Henrix’s “Voodoo Child” made me say “I’m gonna be a Rock Star.
Rockoverdose: Was it hard for a woman to become an established and respected guitarist in a let’s say man’s world?
Orianthi: Well, of course it’s really hard. Many men says “that’s not for girls , you can’t do it” and that really makes me sad but i’m just in lovve with music so i’m keeping on playing and i’m doing whatever i can do to inspire young girls to play guitar.
Rockoverdose: Your first support was at a Steve Vai concert right? What do you remember from that show?
Orianthi: Oh! Yes that’s right. Well, in that concert i was feeling like…i’m going to faint .. i was so excited.
Rockoverdose: You also opened for the great ZZ Top, again at a really young age?
Orianthi: Yes that was when i was 18.
Rockoverdose: So how did the Michael Jackson thing happen? Did he handpick you?
Orianthi: Well, yes he picked me up, he said that he watched some of my videos on Youtube and he picked me up.
Rockoverdose: How was it working with such a great artist?
Orianthi: It was like heaven again.. and those were the best days of my life i can say.
Rockoverdose: You are a very active user of social networking. Do you think internet helps musicians nowadays?
Orianthi: Aahahah! Of course it helps but use the social netorking just to connect my fans.
Rockoverdose: Who is the person or band that you would most love to co-operate with if you had the chance?
Orianthi: I would like to share the stage with Scorpions.
Rockoverdose: What are the goals and dreams of Orianthi?
Orianthi: Well, my goal and dream is to inspire young people to play music becouse music is a universal language.
Rockoverdose: Anything else you would like to add or say to your Greek fans?
Orianthi: Alright i can say “Σας αγαπώ όλους” (I love you all) to them.
Rockoverdose: THANK YOU for your time!
Orianthi: Thank you fort his great interview 😉
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