Brian Bell interview

Brian Bell Fan Interview



Question: What can you remember about the songs that Weezer rehearsed and recorded in late 1998? This was around the time that "Velouria" was recorded as well as some of your songs that later became Space Twins tunes (i.e. "Butterfly Collector"). This is a hazy period of history for most Weezer fans.

-Casey

Answer: There was some metalish sounding thing with alot of energy. I can’t remember the title, it’s foggy to me too.
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Question: What was a favorite experience from your many years on the road?

-Casey

Answer: Any involving Brasilian girls.
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Question: Rivers has talked about a song called East Coast or West Coast where you and him trade vocals. could you give me some more info how this song would sound?

Answer: Never heard of it, but I’m glad he included me.
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Question: have you been writing any new material for weezer?

Answer: No, but Rivers and I co-wrote a song which I titled “Hand to Hold” for The Relationship record, which I don’t think I’m going to put on it, but it’d make a great B-side.
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Question: since you have been singing some of the classic weezer songs on tour this past year. Would you have a thought on singing new weezer songs in the future?

-Rather dashing

Answer: If River’s wishes, I’ll give it a try.
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Question: Brian, could you describe to me your rig ( amps, pedals, strings etc.)?

-Joey

Answer: My thing now is a Silvertone amp called a Twin Twelve. I have some secret weapons in my arsenal which I used on The Relationship recording but then it wouldn’t be a secret.
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Question: Brian, you and Rivers were both Fender Stratocaster guys in the Blue Album era, but Rivers switched to a Gibson Explorer briefly and now only plays Gibson SG's. Yet, you have stayed loyal to the Stratocaster (with the exception of the Les Paul you use time to time). What causes the cganges in Rivers' yet you don't change you axe?

-Joey

Answer: The important thing to remember is technique and your ear. But by far my best electric is my 67 Fender Tele Thinline I acquired during Pinkerton. On The Relationship album we used Luther’s 67 Gibson SG.
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Question: What is the most memorable Weezer show to you?

-Millhouse

Answer: Playing in Taiwan, when rock starved kids rushed the stage.
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Question: How does it make you feel to see the giant crowd of people cheering for you as you walk out before each Weezer show?

-Millhouse

Answer: Nervous.
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Question: Do you think you’ve changed at all as a person since 1994 and the release of the Blue Album?

-Millhouse

Answer: Of course, I was in my early twenties then and have learned to separate celebrity BS from reality.
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Question: I know that you fingerpick opposed to using a pick. As a guitarist I use a pick but find it alot less awkward to fingerpick, however with alot less clarity and crispness. How do you keep your sound so crisp?

-Alexander

Answer: In Weezer during “Jonas” I use a pick. I do what the situation calls for, but my favorite guitar playing is finger style country blues a long the lines of Mississippi John Hurt.
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Question: What was your first guitar/first song you learned how to play/first role model growing up?

Answer: Metallica’s “The Four Horsemen”
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Question: Who/What have you been listening to lately?

Answer: Dylan’s new album “Modern Times”
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Question: Which is your favorite song both weezer and outside of weezer?

- Rachel C.

Answers: Dylan’s “All Along The Watchtower”
Weezer “Suzanne”
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Question: What advice do you have for aspiring young rockstars according to your experiences? Thanks!

Answer: Stop trying to be a rockstar and work on musicianship instead.
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Question: there are a bunch of space twin songs that never saw a real release. songs such as "forgot to ask", "burn in black", and "final voyage" (final voyage being amazing!). there are also songs out there we never even have heard like "seventeen" and "lara". will these songs see the light of day for fans. before you decide though, please consider that while they may be tunes that to you that are "unfinished", to fans, these tunes make us feel, yet all we have poor quality recordings of these tunes that we listen to repeatedly. fan of yours appreciate these efforts, don't let these gems die.

keep in mind, releases can be in many forms, such as an mp3 release with profits going to good cause, or simply home to help pay the bills for more good touring and