INTERVIEW AND CONCERT PHOTOS : KISSING CANDICE

Mike Grippo : The current line-up for Kissing Candice is Joey Simpson, Tommy Sciro, Walter Dicristina,

Michael Pak, and myself (Mike Grippo). Right after Joey left his previous band (Dr. Acula), he entered the studio with producer Jeremy Comitas to get a new project going. Once he got rolling, the two realized that this was going to be a project that required a full band. A full band line-up was found quickly. Everything has sort of fallen into place since then with Michael Pak being the latest addition on drums.

Mike : We recently just released our debut full length through Victory Records titled Blind Until We

Burn. Before signing with Victory, we self released two EP’s titled Murder and Conjured. There is also the one

off single “Ghosted” we put out for free right when we signed with Victory. We are constantly working on new material, both visually and musically. There’s always a surprise waiting right around the corner with us.

Mike : The best part was getting to meet so many awesome people every day. The bands, crew, and all the fans who came and played/ran/supported the Victory Records stage this year were all amazing. The fact that a travelling stage on wheels can be built, played on by 9 bands, torn down, and be in another state the next morning really boggles my mind. The whole experience was amazing, it’d be hard to pick one moment in time that was my favorite. The people really made it.

Mike : Everyone’s welcome to have their own thoughts on this years Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival. I

find it unfortunate that Kerry King thought that way, but he can think and say whatever he likes. When it comes down to it, the main stage and Victory Records stages were almost two separate festivals. No one in the bands or crew of our stage let any of the bad press get to us. Every day, we all went out there giving it our all and having a blast to the waves of fans who woke up early to come check out the bands on our stage. Even if this is the last Mayhem Festival, something will rise up and take its place. Mayhem replaced Ozzfest when Ozzfest died off. Something will come and take the opening Mayhem will leave. Contrary to the remarks of some, metal is definitely not dead and there is still plenty of room for a touring metal festival.

 

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Mike : Non-stop touring. Our full length “Blind Until We Burn” was released during the first week of Mayhem Festival, so we will still be touring on that as much as we can until the wheels fall off of our van and our finger s fall off our hands. However, every time you see us, things will be different. We are constantly working and fine tuning an ever growing stage show. We like to try to leave a lasting impression on everyone who witnesses us perform.