The endless voice of the great Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids and Nordic Union) gives us his first solo work "One Shot". And in the words of the musician himself, what prompted him to make this album, in part, was his state of health because, as we know, he has been battling lung cancer with good results at the beginning, although last year this disease returned, becoming incurable so which we do not know until when we will be able to enjoy his voice, making this album something very special. And it is special not only because of everything that the legendary vocalist has gone through but because it is a great album for which he has had the support of great musicians, especially guitarist / keyboardist Chris Laney (Pretty Maids) who supported him a lot in the development of the album. The other musicians who accompany him are Allan Sørensen (ex-Pretty Maids, Narita, Cornestone, Royal Hunt) on drums, Morten Sandager (ex-Pretty Maids) on keyboards and Pontus Egberg (King Diamond, Wolf, ex The Poodles) on the bass. Guitarists such as Pontus Norgren (HammerFall), Kee Marcello (ex Europe), John Berg (Paralydium, ex Dynazty) appear for the solo work, apart from Laney himself, while in choirs we can listen to Linnea Vikström (ex Therion), Olliver Hartmann (ex At Vance, Avantasia) and Bjørn Strid (Soilwork, The Night Flight Orchestra). Due to this release, we had an interview with the great Ronnie.
Lee la entrevista en castellano en: Entrevista a Ronnie Atkins
DARGEDIK: Welcome to Dargedik Webzine for Latin America Mr. Ronnie Atkins. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions. It is an honor for us to have this opportunity. Congratulations for "One Shot". For me, it is an album that touched my heart. I really like it. How do you feel about releasing your first solo album in your career? Why didn’t it happen before?
RONNIE ATKINS: Thank you! And I’m happy to hear that. I felt good about releasing it since it was a very personal album for me! Written and recorded under difficult circumstances indeed. So it was a big pleasure and relief to see the reception it had from fans throughout the world. I never really had the need or desire to do it before since I felt I had enough to do with Pretty Maids, Avantasia and Nordic Union. But now was the time for various reasons and I really couldn’t do much else during the pandemic.
DARGEDIK: It has been a difficult year for all of us because of the pandemic. The situation looks better now but we are still dealing with coronavirus. Was it difficult for you to work on your solo album under these circumstances? Also, considering your health condition.
RONNIE ATKINS: Yeah it was a challenge of course because of the fact that I wasn’t really sure if I would be able to finish what I started and the fact that I couldn’t meet people physically for a long time. My cancer diagnosis was in my subconsciousness 24-7 of course and still is to this day and that of course affected the whole thing quite a bit, in particular the lyrics. But here I am still around almost two years on. I’m grateful :-)
DARGEDIK: In addition, How could you find the inspiration for your lyrics and music? I assume It was not easy considering what you have been through.
RONNIE ATKINS: No as said in your previous question it was hard to get away from that topic. So therefore the lyrics naturally took a more personal and emotional turn I gotta say.
DARGEDIK: It is said that when tough times come, you know who your true friends really are. How important were your friends and family's support during the creation of this album? Also, the instrumental part in the album is awesome! How did you choose the musicians to work with?
RONNIE ATKINS: I had great support from my friends and family for sure. When the shit hits the fan you find out who your real friends are. I also had some really big disappointments from people I thought were friends while others surprised me in a very positive way !!! The musicians are basically based on friends in the business! A few old Pretty Maids members etc.
DARGEDIK: How are you feeling with your fan's reaction to the album until now?
RONNIE ATKINS: I’m feeling absolutely happy about it. I didn’t really know what to expect, to be honest. But the response has been overwhelming and that has been very heartwarming to me in my situation. All the love, support, and sweet messages I had on social media, etc. I’ll always cherish !!! It really helped me in a very difficult time.
DARGEDIK: I have seen on your Facebook Page that you show many beautiful presents from your fans. What are the presents that you most remember?
RONNIE ATKINS: Hard to mention one or some really. But let me just say I’m very thankful for them all cause it comes from the heart whatever I’ve received.
DARGEDIK: You have a long and respected career as a vocalist, turning 40 years if I am not wrong. What is the thing you most remember from the times that you released your first album with Pretty Maids. Did you expect such a long career in those early days?
RONNIE ATKINS: Ha ha! I bet I didn’t. I can’t really recall what I was thinking back then, but time flies when you’re having fun right? One year takes the other !!
DARGEDIK: What is the period of time or tour that you most remember? Any special concert that you remember a lot?
RONNIE ATKINS: There’s a lot really !! The monsters of rock festival in 1987, riding high on the success of Future World. The tours of Japan !! My first time in South and Central America with Avantasia, just to name a few.
DARGEDIK: If you hadn't been a vocalist, what other career would you have chosen? Is there something else that you enjoy a lot?
RONNIE ATKINS: I loved to play Tennis for many years until this crap disease struck me. Now I can’t really do it anymore because of sequels from the surgery and radiation. Got permanent pain issues with my back and shoulder. Or maybe I’d have been a record store or something? But they hardly don’t exist anymore, unfortunately :-(
DARGEDIK: What are your plans for the rest of the year? Are there chances to listen to you singing some of the new songs in streaming maybe?
RONNIE ATKINS: Well I’m working on something but that I can’t really tell you :-) Anyways it’s important for me to keep myself occupied with something positive to maintain a positive mindset. And that’s music in my case !!
DARGEDIK: Before we finish, Is there anything you want to say to your fans in Latin America?
RONNIE ATKINS: Yeah I would love to go there and play again some sweet day, god willing !!! My very big wish is to return to the stage one way or the other and to face a Central American enthusiastic and dedicated crowd would be on top of my list :-)
DARGEDIK: Again, thank you very much for your time, we really appreciate it. We wish you all the best!
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