INTERVIEW: BELVEDERE (PRH 2.4)

 I was really looking forward to interviewing Belvedere, punk rock band from Canada - going strong for 30 years, but sometimes unexpected happens and you try to get the best out of it. So everything was running late for the guys and at the end we all got just a few minutes of their time for the interview. To be precise, I got 3! So I just tried to get as much as I can at that situation. This is what I got:

Hi! Can you please introduce yourself?

Steve: Hi, I'm Steve and I play in a band called Belvedere.

This is your second time here at Punk Rock Holiday?

Steve: Yeah, we played a few years ago, 2022.

What happened in those two years?

Steve: Not too much. We've just been playing a lots of shows. We've been in Japan and Australia, that is sort of the newest, the most recent tour that we did. We've been to Europe a lot in last couple of years, than there was lots and lots of US and Canada tours, so I think that we've probably got some more gray hair this time...mostly me! And probably a few pounds as well from all the good food in Europe...

And a good beer?

Steve: And a good beer, yeah!

Currently you are touring with Strung Out, a great band. And you did tour with Mad Caddies. I saw you in Mostovna, a great show...

Steve: Yeah, yeah...it was! Thank you. It was lots of fun!

You have been on the scene for almost 30 years. Since 1995? What were your role models?

Steve: I think if, like growing up, it was all kind of bands that I'm working with right now, like I'm booking Strung Out and Mad Caddies in Canada and bands like Cigar and No Fun At All and Satanic Surfers. So, if you told the 15-year-old me that that's what would happen - I don't think I would have believed you. So those are all my superheroes growing up so yeah...I feel great!

You have been through some changes. You had a pause for 5, 6 years, and you are the only original member in the band?

Steve: Yeah, but it's been like that since 1998, so... Casey has been in the band for 10 years, and the other guys Ryan and Dan have been for 5.

Last album was released in 2021? Any new music coming up?

Steve: Last album was in 2021, but before that was The Revenge of the Fifth in 2016, and a split in 2003 with Downway.  So, we are writing stuff right now, so you can expect new stuff within a year.

Where do you still find the energy for touring and playing shows?

Steve: Well, I think it's because I still feel like a 15-year-old kid deep down. I know, I mean, even though I don't feel like that physically. But the kid inside, he still feels like this is pretty amazing and I still feel that way. I still love what I do. So sometimes, when it's hard to get up in the morning, I just do it anyways, 'cause I feel like that kid...

What can we expect today? You are opening main stage...

Steve: You can expect jumping, bad jokes and fast music.

So same shit?

Steve: (laughing) Yeah...same shit...well said!

Thank you for the interview, I know you are in a rush. It was short and sweet. 

Steve: Thank you for understanding. See you in a bit...

Written by I.