The complete interview with Ernst van Ee

As you may know, my friend and I did an interview with his drum teacher. He finally have his answers and here it is:

What is your whole name? Ernst van Ee. How old are you? Older than I feel *laughs* How long have you been drumming? Since I was 8, so a veeery long time. What are previous band youve played with? Highway Chile, Helloise, Vengeance, Lana Lane, Ayreon, Half Past Midnight, Threnody and Tamas. What was your first drum kit? A Tama Royal Star.

Do you play another instrument? Nope. Do you get frustrated if you cant play a certain part? Not really, I just keep practicing and then EVERYTHIING can be done. Is one of your previous bands split-up because of a fight? Yes, the original Highway Chile. As a child, did you dream of becoming a drummer? I think so. I started as a kid and I never stopped and Ive been earning my money with it for such a long time.. Did your parents like it? Yes they did. Especially my mother. She found it fantastic. They have been supporting me ever since. Im really thankful for that. Of all the records youve made, which one is your favorite and why? I think Fata Morgana by Helloise from 2002. I thought everything on this was cool. The songs, the production and the playing of the other musicians. Who was a big influence on your playing style? A lot of drummers, but especially Deen Castronovo (Journey, Ozzy Osbourne, Steve Vai), Cozy Powell (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy) and Ian Paice (Deep Purple) What is your favorite aspect of making music? You can just be yourself on every spot. If you could record a song whit anyone you like, who would it be? I think Judas Priest, because its my all time favorite band. What do you like about making music? Sometimes the waiting to travel and being on tour. What is for you the most memorable moment that happened on tour? Playing in De Kuip (Rotterdam) for 40.000 people. What was your favorite band for you as a child? The Sweet. Has someone in the crowd ever threw something to you? If yes, what? A drum stick that I lost. That was quite funny! What was the most fun band youve played with? Ive got to go with Helloise. How many records have you made in your career? I think like 35 (!!!) records. What was your biggest motivation to play? To entertain and inspire other people.

What is the best concert youve attended? Early Judas Priest and later it was Rammstein. Whats the best concert youve given? I dont know, but some memorable where in the, earlier named, De Kuip. Ahoy was also cool and the performances in Japan and America

Who do you find the best artist of all time? *stares* Is there a drumstick/sticks that has special memories and why? It should be your first pair, but no, nothing special Its just wood and it begins nice but as time passes by you hit the splinter in your hands. What is the first song you learned to play? Dance with the Devil by Cozy Powell. How would you describe your music? In general heavy rock and metal but also a bit of blues-rock. What are the future plans of your band? The well-known becoming famous and rich!!! But no, just keep on playing and release as much as possible cds, and performing. Have you ever met a fan? How was that? Haha, yes. Ive met a looooot of fans and its always nice to talk to fans unless they are acting stupid. That gets embarrasing. Do you have any advice for beginning musicians? A lot of practicing and trying with different music and keep your legs on the ground. Its the best way to keep it up.