I am sure that people who are as old as me can still recollect the famous NASTY SAVAGE show which took place at Spodek, Katowice, Poland, back in 1988. The Iron Curtain separating us from other democratic countries of Western Europe was still affecting Poland. It was however the time when the political system (that is, communism) in Poland was getting somewhat milder. As a result, more and more Western bands were able to show up in our country with their music. Of course, at the time, we didn’t get to see as many bands as other fans in Western Europe could, at the time. But after IRON MAIDEN and METALLICA had come Poland and encountered hordes of ardent metal music maniacs there, it seemed that many Western bands finally realized that Poland was, in fact, a fairly attractive place in which they could play their music live. Many years however had to pass until the situation changed for better. Sure, we got to see such bands as KILLER, BUDGIE, UFO, NAZARETH, IRON MAIDEN, PRETTY MAIDS, SAXON or ACCEPT….but the year of 1987 was a special one: METALLICA came to Poland and played live here (twice at Spodek, Katowice).

Those two shows were truly exceptional. The venue itself (Spodek) was considered a real metal temple; it was where Poland`s two most important metal music events: Metal Mania and Metal Battle, used to take place. Those fests (each of which used to take place once a year) were extremely important events for each and every metal maniac in Poland at the time. Unsurprisingly, since metal fans in Poland were hungry for music, both fests  always attracted plenty of people. In the same year, apart from METALLICA, we could also enjoy another overseas band: OVERKILL.

They played lived in Katowice together with two other, very popular bands - HELLOWEEN and  RUNNING WILD. All that took place thanks to Kris Brankowski who kept heating up our blood through his exceptional metal radio show – “Muzyka Mlodych.” And that very guy, Kris, convinced “Pagart” (the Polish label which dealt with those two bands) to get them to Poland. At the time, hunger for music was so great that many bands, as a rule, would perform two sets back to back. For instance, that happened at Metal Mania Fest, on April 16, 1988; RAGE, KREATOR and a bunch of most prominent Polish bands played two sets back to back on that day!! Two months before Metal Mania Volume III, Spodek was full of maniacs again. That was the day when Metal Battle was taking place, including such bands as ATOMKRAFT, EXUMER and of course, the band that we are dealing with in this very issue – NASTY SAVAGE.

Well, what can I say about their show? It was truly unique…their live music was very technical and simply stunning. Nasty Ronnie`s charismatic vocals matched with his wild gymnastics on the stage. He literally kept thrashing around, using the microphone like some sort of weapon. A gigantic red banner with band`s enormous logo was awesome. Man, there was no band like them to ever play such awesome power/thrash metal! What NASTY SAVAGE did in Poland was a breath of fresh music coming from overseas. We were stunned. If I remember correctly, the show started with “Stabbed in the Back” from the amazing “Indulgence” album. Plenty of energy encapsulated in a very technical performance. Really, at the time, most of European bands were not able to achieve such a level of skillfulness. Well, maybe beside CORONER.

The next song was “Gladiator” from their debut album. High pitched vocals and powerful riffs shook us really well. So, when “Indulgence” was on, many of us couldn’t stay still. Man, what was going on in the mosh pit was just wild. I am sure NASTY SAVAGE were pleased to see how people reacted to their music. As a result, they started to play their songs even more savagely. Alas, Ronnie didn’t resort to his standard behaviour, I mean smashing TV sets with a sledgehammer (or his head). But he still behaved like he was suffering from ADHD – he was all over the place, playing and throwing toilet paper into people, swinging the microphone stand and stuff like that. That was his natural habitat – that’s for sure. Yes, he looked like a professional wrestler and that, combined with amazing vocals, did the job – that was an unforgettable experience.

The guitar duo of David Austin and Ben Meyer was excellent. I had never seen anything like that. I was very happy to hear more songs from NASTY SAVAGE debut album: “Dungeon of Pleasure,” “Metal Knights” and the previously mentioned song “Gladiator.” Awesome tracks, plain and simple. I must confess that NASTY SAVAGE`s debut album has a special place in my heart. This stuff still holds up so well. I feel very sentimental about this album. Of course, other albums are great too. So, that night, NASTY SAVAGE played some more good songs from their repertoire: such as totally devastating “Abstract Reality.” That show was a really memorable one. Yes, it is true that most of us, at the time, were totally crazy about Teutonic thrash and bands like KREATOR, SODOM, DESTRUCTION, PROTECTOR or EXUMER. But the NASTY SAVAGE show had, nonetheless, a profound impact on plenty of Polish maniacs. And on many bands as well, who, in result, started to play more technical, more advanced metal music. Hard to believe the show I am talking about took place 34 years ago.

They have not returned to Poland since that day. What our band have been up all those years you may ask? In 2004, they resurfaced with their new, very good album “Psycho Psycho” and then disappeared for another 20 years. So, when at this year`s Keep It True Fest I learned that NASTY SAVAGE were going to play live at the October edition of this cult fest I became very excited. And hey, they are currently working on their new album too, so I think it is a good reason to talk to Nasty Ronnie about a couple of things. Here we go.

 

 

 

 

We have been playing shows metal fests  all across America and beyond we see all kinds of bands it's all good hard core punk thrash metal death metal doom metal old school new school the more the better. Bring it on !  There are so many great bands working hard that we knew what we had to do. We had to create that twisted nasty Savage sound again but now more powerful even heavier more twisted with new energy and all new members since Psycho Psycho. Still old school from 1982 because there is history and respect earned over 41 years and this new album is gona blow you away ! The current metal scene is all good every band should work hard and smart every day to achieve their goal. We honor all bands who are working hard and producing metal to carry on the tradition and the love of heavy metal. 

When I saw the Keep It True Rising poster with your band name and your new album`s front cover, I was literally shocked. Man, I am so excited to know you guys are going to perform live in October!  

 

Yes my brother it will be a true celebration and we are honored to play for the great fans of Keep it True! It will also celebrate this new album Jeopardy Room and 40 years of Nasty Savage. I hope to see banners made from the great fans of Poland !!!! Let's go let's celebrate together like we did in 1988 ! Is every body in ? 

 

 

 I can still recollect the day when saw you at Spodek, Katowice, Poland (Metal Battle) together with ATOMCRAFT and EXHUMER (on February 7, 1988). That was a big thing - your music, for us, metalheads in Poland. Any memories from that event you would like to share with us?

 

 

It was 1988 and it was amazing  in Poland we played 3 shows with Wolf Spider a Polish band. It was still very opressed behind the Iron Curtin. So when we played the last show in Poland we called Wolf Spider into our dressing room and gave them.all the polish money we had. A big pile of cash. I think it was one of the best things I've ever done. It's a great memory but the whole experience was so awesome for us. That video blows me away watching Dave and the boys play those crazy   twisted nasty Savage songs. It was wonderful to see how strong the support from the great fans were to the music they love ! We will never forget the kindness and the friendships that were made. 

 

 

For years, Poland had been separated from other countries by the so-called the Iron Curtain. As a result, many awesome Western bands were not able to come to Poland and play live in our country. Luckily, the late 80s was the time when something began to change for better. The communist enslavement which had been suffocating Poland abated significantly – we got to have such fests like Metal Mania or Metal Battle. Those were true metal music events for us. Were you surprised that there were so many fans who came to see NASTY SAVAGE in Poland?

 

 

 It was a honor and the great fans of Poland were amazing ! I will never forget how special it was and how amazing the whole experience was. It seemed like just yesterday. You can Google this concert. Nasty Savage in Poland. Thank you for the memories.

 

 

 

 

Well, I am sure the fact that Keep It True Rising IV does not mean it`ll be just a one-off kind of live performance? Have you planned a full NASTY SAVAGE tour here in Europe, including Poland, of course? Man, it’s been 34 years since you last played live in our country! Time is flying, indeed, huh?  

 

 

At my age 62 it's hard to do a whole tour but you never know. You never know. Booking agents need to reach out to us and bring us to your country. Nothing is planned yet but we are always open to opportunities 

 

 

When I first contacted you, you were busy working on a new studio album. Can you please elaborate a bit on how the recording session is going? When is NASTY SAVAGE`s new album scheduled to be out?

 

 

The album is completed and should be out by October 2024 It's amazing and people are freaking out that have heard it and the metal world will be very surprised by this new Nasty Savage Album. Songs like : Jeopardy Room ,  Brain Washer ,Southern Fried Homicide , Witches Sabbath with John and Donald Tardy , Schizoid Platform , Aztec Elegance , Operation Annihilate, Blood Syndicate , The 6th Finger , Sainted Devil and Invocations.  Recorded Mixed and Mastered with Jim Morris at Morrisound Studios. It came out unbelievable! I'm so excited because it's been such a long time and sometimes bands can loose a step or 2 and go backwards but I think we went forward 100 steps of energy and raw power to offer you Jeopardy Room ! The 1st Nasty Savage Album in 20 years.

 

Wow that's amazing News :)

 

 

Ron, tell me please where you are recording your new album? Who`s responsible for the recording session? Can you please tell us which label is going to take care of releasing it, promotion and so on?

 

FHM Records from Germany is our record company and recording at Morrisound Recording Studio with Jim Morris who Engineered this project was so very amazing. I think the whole session w mixing was a total of  7 or 8 days total.  We weren't working with a big budget but we definitely plowed through and produced something very special. 

 

The “Jeopardy Room” front cover looks very old school. How about music then, is it old school to the bone too?

 

Oh yes yes yes Old School and New School that will blow people away. Trust me because it will. Pete Dave Jim and Kyle were ready and hungry for a chance to really record and deliver the goods. I'm very proud of these guys 100%

 

 

In 2018, Richard Bateman (bass) died. He was only 50. What happened? It must have been terrible news for you guys.

It was so sad he had left the band and we were still playing. We heard the news and we're devastated. He was a monster bass player but a great father 

soul. He is loved and missed. RIP Richard. Hear him.on Penetration Point and Psycho Psycho to see and hear how great he was. Rest in Power my friend. 

 

 

 

Can you please tell us about current NASTY SAVAGE`s line up?

 

 

They are all great guys who love to play record and be productive. I am honored to play with them. 

 

Ronnie Nasty- Voc

Dave Orman Guitar

Jim Coker Drums

Pete Sykes Guitar

Kyle Sokol Bass 

 

We are proud to be endorsed by Dean Guitar. These guys are the new chapter of Nasty Savage and they all deliver 100%

 

 

 

.At the time, your professionalism was something that many young, willing to play brutal music, bands really admired. NASTY SAVAGE used to support young and unknown bands by playing live shows together with them. Thrash music was very popular at the time and death metal, a new genre was not too appreciated. It was thanks to you guys that MANTAS` new incarnation – DEATH performed live at Ruby`s. Guys from R.A.V.A.G.E. (ATHEIST) say NASTY SAVAGE has always been their main inspiration. Seems like you guys influenced a lot of groups back in the day, huh.

 

Yes we were the 1st wave of the florida metal scene. So when the new kids saw us the had to create the next wave and that they did. Death Metal Extreme metal took it to another level.  Obituary  and many others have shown us respect and it feels good. I always wanted to build the tampa brandon Florida metal scene and i think we definitely put it on the map ! But now we are back to carry this flag with new music in 2024 so look out and make sure you get Nasty Savage Jeopardy Room! Last night I was at a small party and John Tardy and Terry Butler was there we played the new Nasty Savage record and they were very impressed. Not sure if you know but ......BREAKING NEWS .....John and Donal Tardy from Obituary recorded with us on the remake of Witches Sabbath ! We turned a 40 year old classic into a new EPIC song for sure ! Just wait till you hear it !

 

 

.You know, I think that old school metal is back where it all started. A full circle indeed. And it is doing extremely well. Who would have thought that vinyl records and audio cassettes were going to be so popular again. What do you think?

Hell yes ! The time is right and we have a new product and all new members that have kept the faith. We will have colored disks picture discs CDs as well. Ck # nastysavagewageofmayhem  on Facebook for updated information 

Well, time to wrap up, I think. Anything to add for our NASTY SAVAGE fans? Thanks a lot for your answers and see you at Keep It True

 

We love you guys ! Thank you for supporting metal and the bands who play it. Nasty Savage is back with Jeopardy Room and it will not disappoint you ! Thank you for your support ! Ck out our Facebook page nastysavagewageofmayhem 

 

 Ck out www.nastysavage.com 

 

I hope to see you soon

 

Thank you Nasty Ronnie XXX