Grand Slam is an European super group originally formed by the iconic Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy and UFO’s Laurence Archer. The current lineup of Grand Slam is Laurence Archer, Mike Dyer, Dave Boyce and Benji Reid. Grand Slam have released a phenomenal new album called Hit the Ground available everywhere. Here is Gland Slam’s Bassist Dave Boyce.
You have a new album entitled Hit the Ground. How did that come to be? And what was it like to record it?
HI everyone at Rock Revolt magazine. Hope you are all well and rocking!! We decided we wanted to record in a residential studio and Laurence found the fabulous VADA recording studios in Alcester, near Stratford- upon-Avon. The studio is set in a chapel founded in 1260, with 20 acres of fields and gardens and was a truly inspiring place to create music. Owner & producer Matt Terry came to see us at Powerhouse rehearsal studios, where we were rehearsing and writing material for the album. Matt, loved what we were doing and agreed to produce the album at his studio and the sessions were booked. For me it was just a fabulous, inspirational place to be recording. And the team of producer Matt and engineer George Perks made it so much fun…. You can hear and feel how much we enjoyed it in the tracks. A big thank you to them both from me. The album was originally gone be called ‘Gone Are The Days’ the first new track, until we recorded ‘Hit The Ground’ I believe it was the second to last track to be laid down. When we played it back, the energy and lyrics, just made it the obvious…. We all looked at each other and agreed it had to be the title track..
Did you write all the lyrics or was it a collaborative effort?
All the new material on the album, ‘Hit The Ground,’ ‘Long Road’, ‘Gone Are The Days’ & ‘Grand Slam’ are all joint collaborations. I remember sitting at breakfast, lunch and dinner, throwing lyrics about and working the melodies…. Even as Mike prepared to go in for his first take of ‘ Gone Are The Days’ last min edits were happening….. Great fun.
Are the lyrics written first or do you vibe off the music once it is written?
A bit of both regarding the writing – Lawrence has a few riffs bouncing about his head and we run them all putting ideas in and making the riffs songs. I have to say it’s worked so well, everyone putting their DNA into every song on the album.
There are some acoustic songs on the album. How do you approach those differently from the full blown electric rockers?
Now, this was fun…..We actually recorded them in Benjy’s studio in Cambridge – Laurence chose ‘Sister Of Mercy’, A big rocking in ya face rocker and a fun challenge to strip down to basics and still maintain its energy but, it show how good a song it is and works so well as an acoustic track. ‘Long Road’ A track close to our hearts a great ballad for me and one Mike and Laurence put the lyrics to, again, just works as a ballad, probably more so as an acoustic. ‘Crime Rate’ is my fav out of the three acoustic tracks. The electric version like ‘Sisters of Mercy’ is a big productions and we wanted to strip them down to the bare min and totally change the feel – Benjy Reid (Drummer) had laid down the drum track where he felt the track would sit better for the acoustic version, totally changing it from the electric version, and I must admit he nailed it – We sat and tried a few ideas before we ended up with the backing track we loved for Laurence and Mike to weave their magic. Not sure they were that happy were we had taken it, but, I feel it works. I love it, it has that old speak easy, film noir feel about it.
What are your favorite songs on the album to perform?
OH, my god what a question…. Favourite tracks you ask? They are all so much fun to play live to be honest – From the opening track 19 to the final track of ‘Sisters of Mercy’ They all become your favourite as you start each song (laugh). It’s truly a fabulous set to play live – So I’m gonna dodge that question and say all of them.
How have you been keeping your positivity up during lockdown?
Always positive, it’s the only way to be – I have been playing, writing and doing DIY and some keep fit – Gotta look god for the live shows when they happen.
How did you get to play bass? Did you receive any professional training?
My first experience of playing a bass – was in a very well-known jazz club beneath St, Giles church in the crypt. Two friends we rehearsing down there many years ago, and I popped in to see what they were up to, and was asked, if I would like to join their band and play bass. ‘Yes’, I said, not really knowing what I had to do or what it really was (laugh) So, my first bass lines were on the bottom 4 strings of an acoustic guitar to the Cream song ‘Sunshine of Your Love’ and I was hooked from that moment on and never looked back (laugh). I have never had any professional training and you can hear that in my playing (laugh)
Do you play any other instruments?
I do not – I love Saxophone and I always wanted to play one, but, I never got round to it. Maybe I should get on with it during the lockdown, what do you think?
What have been some of your favorite concerts you’ve performed and favorite bands you’ve played with?
I have a few great memories. My first band as a young wiper snapper ‘Ore’ playing Main Stage Reading Rock Festival. 2nd main stage at Download Festival and St Jakobs arena, Basel, Switzerland opening for Guns & Roses & Saxon & Thin Lizzy tours with the Quireboys and Sweden Rock with Buckets Rebel Heart 2018 was a special gig. Fav bands The Quireboys – Skyscraper – Buckets Rebel Heart.
When the All Clear is sounded what action will Grand Slam take to get back out there?
We are ready to rock NOW!! We have a UK tour lined up for December 2020 so fingers crossed for that and Shawn & Lee from Music Gallery International are working on USA dates. Really wanna get out to America again.
What is a Grand Slam concert like?
Kickass rock n roll!!! Get ready to party!!
What are your personal goals for the rest of the year and 2021?
To get touring, record at least 3 more albums and like everyone else enjoy my life and rock n roll!!!
Anything else you would like to add?
It’s been an absolute pleasure talking to you and your readers and hope to see you all in 2021 and party together…. I hope you enjoyed my answers and you love the Grand Slam album ‘Hit The Ground’ as much as I enjoyed making it xx Stay safe and get ready to party!!
