Greetings, I must say it has been a while since B&H have taken the time to ask about Brutal Attack! Thought you may have forgotten about us. During the last twelve months myself and the boys have been very active playing Spain, Austria x 2, Germany, Hungary, Slovenia and America all of which have been very successful.
However I expect 2003 to be a little quieter as three of us are expecting babies now or in the future.
2) As one of the longest standing figureheads within our movement, could you please tell us your thoughts, opinions and ideas on the direction Blood & Honour has taken?
Firstly I feel uncomfortable with the word figurehead as I see myself as no different from any of the people who attend our concerts. I think some people should remember that with out the support from our fans there would be no band! We are ALL as important as each other. I do not have any input into Blood and Honour so am in no place to complain. Although I don't see it as being run in the way originally planned.
3) Brutal Attack have played most theatres, how would you compare the American and Australian scenes/movements to Europe, many see these scenes really coming together now, do you agree?
Every country/continent has its own way of working all of which are successful I have noticed by way of revisiting countries in Europe 5 or 6 years after first playing, the dramatic change in organisation and professionalism none more so than this year in Slovenia, I was extremely surprised and even humbled by the hard work they had put in to ensure the gig was a success.
4) The Blood & Honour magazine was first launched at a concert in Croydon, with yourselves and Skrewdriver playing, over a decade ago! Have times changed the crowds and concerts, and your views on the magazine in its current independent form?
Time has changed our scene, but it has had to change to survive. B&H has been through some very traumatic times, but still survives and may be not as big as it was, I believe it is healthy.
Those who sought to destroy it have revealed themselves as traitors, spies and generally greedy self-promoting egotists. I still have a lot of hate for those people. An awful lot of hate!!
5) With Brutal Attack's history and achievements, what goals and ambitions do you still hold?
Brutal Attack's only ambition is to still be a valid mouthpiece for the W.P scene.
6) Have you any memorable incidents or recollections of your times with Ian Stuart that you would share with us?
I get asked this question quite a lot, my answer is always the same, my recollections and memories are mine and I will keep them to myself. Sorry.
7) Looking back on all Brutal Attacks releases, have you a personal favourite? And why?
This may sound odd but I don't listen to Brutal Attack that much I am always planning the next release. A lot of people cite 1987's "Tales of Glory" as a bit of a favourite so I would have to agree. Of our later releases I enjoyed "When Odin Calls" and our last release "Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned" which was our 20th anniversary album.
8) As a lead singer you have obviously experienced the highs and lows of being such a well known face in our scene, would you share with our readers what you recall as your finest/best moment with Brutal Attack so far?
There is a moment that will always stick in my mind. We were playing in Bratislava in Slovakia and half way through our set. While Brad was playing the intro to "Always Near" I started to clap my hands above my head. Suddenly 1500 people in the crowd were doing the same. Now this may not sound to exciting I know, but none of these people spoke any English but when we played those chords all these people suddenly reached out to us and we all were simultaneously paying respect to the greatest man I have ever met. I wont deny it I cried and I actually cry quite a lot during this one song.
9) Every band/type of sound/music has its fans, but what do you personally listen too and what direction do you see the musical resistance taking, do you see the heavier American sound becoming more prominent within Europe, or do you think the more traditional oi! /rock sound will stay true?
Its horses for courses really, no one sound try's to dominate another, what happens is when 4/5 guys form a band is the music normally defines the band. You cant force anything, I have respect for any band who genuinely believe in what they are doing regardless of style. My favourite band of the moment? The mighty Max Resist that track "ghost" breath taking.
10) What is your take on the political situation in Great Britain at present, can you see one of the Nationalist Parties taking more of a centre stage if the current trend of mass immigration continues?
Oh serious stuff! The present Governments policy on immigration is going to back fire, of that there is no doubt, however the leaders of all the right wing parties today are in no position to lead anything, to many petty jealousies, to much back, biting to much rivalry.
11) You have also branched out and recorded many very successful ballads, will you continue with this route and have you any new projects in the pipeline?
Not much time to elaborate there then? I enjoy recording ballads so will continue to do so, as it gives me another avenue for my story telling. Brutal Attack has a split cd on the way with America's Bully Boys also another project in the pipeline, which we will reveal shortly.
12) Blood & Honour would like to take this opportunity to thank Brutal Attack for continuing to be such an inspiration to so many around the world, would you please give us any closing comments and thoughts you would like to share with our readers?
My personal thoughts? Anybody who turns their back on B&H for whatever reason, leaves forever, there is no way back, this is not a hobby, pastime, this is for real this is for life.
Ken Mclellan
Nov 2002