ThrillCast - Interview with Chad Gracey, First week of July 2022 Options

[Voodoo Lady]

what 2 covers?

Sorry, ‘twas 1. Two covers were in setlist. The mediocrity runs together sometimes.

[gerrycan70]

I would like to ask:

How difficult/frustrating has it been to maintain the silence for so long?

My second question would be:

Given this is the third coming of Live, will consideration be given to playing a much deeper mixed setlist in the future? Would the band be open to a fan poll on song choices?

[Bob]

Given this is the third coming of Live, will consideration be given to playing a much deeper mixed setlist in the future?

Excellent question, but I'll bet a Local 717 EP that he won't answer this because not only is it too early (the ink's barely dry on kicking CT out of the band), but no shows or tours are even announced yet. I'd love to be proven wrong, but CG hasn't likely touched his drums in months (I'll bet a second 717 EP he hasn't played since their last show in 2020), so this probably hasn't even crossed their minds.

If it were me, I'd use the last setlist as a starting point and go from there, but it really depends on who the guitar player is and who makes the sets. We've had uninspiring setlists for years. I can't help but assume that won't change, but maybe this move will reignite the passion in ECP and we'll get some deep cuts. If it's Zak or Adam, that'll be an easier task than if it's a totally new guitarist that has to learn Live's back catalog. Ooooh... can we get Christopher Thorn? We need to resurrect that "who will be Live's next guitarist" thread.

Then again, if they play a bunch of stadium shows with another headliner (Altimate Part Deux), they're not going to waste precious time pulling out songs the general fans don't know when they've got 12 radio friendly hits they can play blindfolded, regardless of if it's Zak, Adam K, or a different guitarist on stage.

Let me get my bag of popcorn and settle in. This should be good.

[gerrycan70]

Excellent question, but I'll bet a Local 717 EP that he won't answer this because not only is it too early (the ink's barely dry on kicking CT out of the band), but no shows or tours are even announced yet. I'd love to be proven wrong, but CG hasn't likely touched his drums in months (I'll bet a second 717 EP he hasn't played since their last show in 2020), so this probably hasn't even crossed their minds.

If it were me, I'd use the last setlist as a starting point and go from there, but it really depends on who the guitar player is and who makes the sets. We've had uninspiring setlists for years. I can't help but assume that won't change, but maybe this move will reignite the passion in ECP and we'll get some deep cuts. If it's Zak or Adam, that'll be an easier task than if it's a totally new guitarist that has to learn Live's back catalog. Ooooh... can we get Christopher Thorn? We need to resurrect that "who will be Live's next guitarist" thread.

Then again, if they play a bunch of stadium shows with another headliner (Altimate Part Deux), they're not going to waste precious time pulling out songs the general fans don't know when they've got 12 radio friendly hits they can play blindfolded, regardless of if it's Zak, Adam K, or a different guitarist on stage.

Let me get my bag of popcorn and settle in. This should be good.

I'm sure CAG would pick up the songs in no time.

I mean he doesn't even read sheet music. It would be in his DNA to recall how to play the majority of Live songs even if he hasn't played them in some time. (well at least the ones they've played over various tours).

Most bands only need a maximum of 3 days of rehearsal before going out on tour.

I sincerely hope they can move away from the static festival setlist they played in the last few years.

Change is good, let's hope it reinvigorates them to go deeper

[Pingfah]

Most bands only need a maximum of 3 days of rehearsal before going out on tour.

Yeah, I broke my main band up a year ago, but we could get back to where we left off in a matter of days if we decided to do a one-off gig or something. When you've done something for years, it comes back to you in minutes.

[Bob]

I'm sure CAG would pick up the songs in no time.

I mean he doesn't even read sheet music. It would be in his DNA to recall how to play the majority of Live songs even if he hasn't played them in some time. (well at least the ones they've played over various tours).

Most bands only need a maximum of 3 days of rehearsal before going out on tour.

My main point wasn't concern for Chad/Ed/Pat's abilities, it was more for the new guitarist they're going to have. Any "deeper" cuts with a new player likely will take more than 3 days to sound good. I don't think Zak or Adam would have a problem since they've got massive history with the band, but any new-to-Live guitarist will likely need to at least practice on their own to get the gist, then with the band to make it sound like they've been playing together for more than 3 days.

[dangum]

Robin Diaz learned 20 Live songs in a couple of days. Plus Ed could always take over the guitar playing for the deep cuts. Either way I wouldn't hold my breath for any major changes to the setlists.

In terms of questions I'd like answered by Chad Gracey:

• What's the status of the anniversary edition of Secret Samadhi?
• Will any unreleased tracks from Secret Samadhi, The Distance to Here and V ever be released?
• Do you have any objections to Ed performing solo, collaborating with other musicians or releasing solo material while he's in Live?
• How many minutes would you like a Live set to be?

[Liveman94]

Hi people, great to see some action in LiVe Land.

Just listening to V on repeat today at work, I got to say in retrospect the album gets IMHO alot of unwarranted hate.

Simple Creed - it's a rocker.

Deep enough - lyrics aside, it rocks.

Like a soldier - same.

People like you - has some epic guitar work and the choir at the final refrain so good.

Transmit your love - same. And IMHO one of cts best solo's.

As a few early examples....

The sonic profile of the album is really interesting, so different from TDTh and anything that comes after.

I'd ask Gracey for his thoughts on V - some of the drum work is top shelf, but how did he view the departure from previous work and then in turn the mixed reception the album received and still holds among fans?

Surely the drummer will have an interesting take on some of these tunes...

Forever may not be long enough....wow blast it at some volume, it's good....it's not ghost...but it's LiVe.

[Voodoo Lady]

On the topic of the album V, I’ve revisited it and never thought it would happen, but Hero of Love has actually grown on me. It has decent lyrics. “I caught a glimpse of heaven last night, to the left of your body, to the right of your mind” I think the chorus could have been better because it’s a little soft, but I wish I’d appreciated this song more long ago.

[Bob]

Three questions I'd ask Gracey, from one drummer to another:

1. For Live's next album, would you prefer to release another EP or a full length one?
2. Which do you prefer: playing in smaller/more intimate venues, or larger stadium events?
3. Which model of drumsticks do you use now?

Is anyone going to listen in and ask any of these questions for those of us that cannot attend?

This post has been edited by Bob: Jun 30 2022, 9:30 am

[Bob]

Hi people, great to see some action in LiVe Land.

Just listening to V on repeat today at work, I got to say in retrospect the album gets IMHO alot of unwarranted hate.

Simple Creed - it's a rocker.

Deep enough - lyrics aside, it rocks.

Like a soldier - same.

People like you - has some epic guitar work and the choir at the final refrain so good.

Transmit your love - same. And IMHO one of cts best solo's.

As a few early examples....

The sonic profile of the album is really interesting, so different from TDTh and anything that comes after.

I'd ask Gracey for his thoughts on V - some of the drum work is top shelf, but how did he view the departure from previous work and then in turn the mixed reception the album received and still holds among fans?

Surely the drummer will have an interesting take on some of these tunes...

Forever may not be long enough....wow blast it at some volume, it's good....it's not ghost...but it's LiVe.

V is near the bottom of my "favorite Live albums" list, but there are a few gems:

Simple Creed: I've always liked this song, and it was a good opener, though nothing beats WFG. For a quick rockin' intro song, it's pretty good. Given Ed's proclivity for lyrics and messages about love and hope, this song would be a good way to start a concert. It'd be neat if they brought it back.

Deep Enough: IMO they butchered and overproduced this song on the recording, but they crushed it live. I think this is the only song in their catalog that actually sounds better live.

The Ride: I think this is my favorite song on the album. I still get chills in the bridge. This would be a deep cut I'd like to hear live, as I don't believe it's ever been played live because of the production, but I'd love to see them make it work.

[Voodoo Lady]

V is near the bottom of my "favorite Live albums" list, but there are a few gems:

Simple Creed: I've always liked this song, and it was a good opener, though nothing beats WFG. For a quick rockin' intro song, it's pretty good. Given Ed's proclivity for lyrics and messages about love and hope, this song would be a good way to start a concert. It'd be neat if they brought it back.

Deep Enough: IMO they butchered and overproduced this song on the recording, but they crushed it live. I think this is the only song in their catalog that actually sounds better live.

The Ride: I think this is my favorite song on the album. I still get chills in the bridge. This would be a deep cut I'd like to hear live, as I don't believe it's ever been played live because of the production, but I'd love to see them make it work.

Just went back and listened to The Ride and you’re right, bridge is excellent. Can you imagine if the reworked it and made it heavier? Most likely is the best song on the album instead of Forever May Not Be Long Enough.

I think Simple Creed is actually better live. Wouldn’t mind at all if they brought it back as set opener.

Now that I’ve matured in my ways , V is an album that deserves more love. Except for People Like You. I still can’t make it through a complete listen to that one. All other tracks, yes. I believe my favorite is definitely Hero of Love.

[Liveman94]

Just went back and listened to The Ride and you’re right, bridge is excellent. Can you imagine if the reworked it and made it heavier? Most likely is the best song on the album instead of Forever May Not Be Long Enough.

I think Simple Creed is actually better live. Wouldn’t mind at all if they brought it back as set opener.

Now that I’ve matured in my ways , V is an album that deserves more love. Except for People Like You. I still can’t make it through a complete listen to that one. All other tracks, yes. I believe my favorite is definitely Hero of Love.

Yes!!! 'As you ascend in silence, all doubt behind thee, you reach the summit my friend and find your destiny...yeahhhhhhhh" - to me this is as good as classic LiVe as their is on V. Brilliant.

Overcome is in a league of its own.

Hero of love is a solid song too.

I'm partial to the little counter melodies and filigree they put into songs like transmit your love call me a fool and FLOW. Which the intro is just amazing.

So happy, that V is getting some love and time and contextualisation of the material makes a difference.

See what Bob says about over producing deep enough - the remix at the end of the cd is quite good.

[SJN1279]

Yes!!! 'As you ascend in silence, all doubt behind thee, you reach the summit my friend and find your destiny...yeahhhhhhhh" - to me this is as good as classic LiVe as their is on V. Brilliant.

Overcome is in a league of its own.

Hero of love is a solid song too.

I'm partial to the little counter melodies and filigree they put into songs like transmit your love call me a fool and FLOW. Which the intro is just amazing.

So happy, that V is getting some love and time and contextualisation of the material makes a difference.

See what Bob says about over producing deep enough - the remix at the end of the cd is quite good.

It has gotten quiet again, hopefully things are still moving forward.

[LanceManion]

Nobody Knows is my favorite song from V. Transmit Your Love is a close 2nd. I'm not a big fan of the "rap rock" sound but it was all the rage at the time V was released.