Interview with Steve Blaze:
March 2002

Q1) Well Steve, let me first say that is good to see you still keeping active in the music business with your band Near Life Experience. I have been reading a lot of rumors going around about a Lillian Axe reunion. I know you guys have played a few gigs a while back, but any chance of a full blown reunion? With a new CD perhaps?

A1) We decided last week in Houston that we would work towards another studio album. We're just working the kinks out.

Q2) If the reunion were to happen, would your brother Craig take over Tommy's (now in Godsmack) place on drums?

A2) Ken Koudelka from Dallas is the official Lillian Axe drummer.

Q3) I know you have been working on a solo CD for a while now. Do you have any news as to when the CD will be released or is this something that you are just taking your time with to make sure it's exactly what you want?

A3) I am working hard on it, and I am a third of the way finished. I want it to be perfect so I am letting it grow in its own pace.

Q4) What will you be shooting for with this CD? I know you probably want to do something different (than NLE or LA), but how would you classify the songs? Will this be totally experimental, or a CD for guitar lovers, etc...?

A4) It is a variety of strange interludes, acoustic pieces, guitar masturbation, etc. Anything that comes to mind that I think will move people.

Q5) Not only do you have your hands full with NLE and recording a solo CD, but you also have a Black Sabbath tribute band called Black Earth (for those who didn't know). How was this project spawned (and how do you find time for it all)?

A5) Kyle and Kevin Thomas from Floodgate got together with me and my brother. I grew up on Sabbath, so we decided what better band to pay respects to.

Q6) And if that weren't enough, there were other notes flying around about you auditioning for a reunited Angel. What ever became of that?

A6) It's true, we toured the states in limited areas and played Sweden a few months ago. We are playing St.Louis on 10-27, and Frank Dimino, Barry Brandt and I will start writing the next Angel album!

Q7) Back to NLE. Will you guys be releasing any videos to MTV2? If so, which ones?

A7) Until we have a deal,nothing can be submitted.

Q8) With everything that you have going on right now, what is your main priority?

A8) NLE

Q9) I know you probbaly have nothing to do with this, but do you know if the Lillian Axe web site will ever be updated? It seems a little out dated to me and there isn't really anything there anyway.

A9) Unfortunately I have no idea. It would be nice to have one that stays current.

Q10) And finally Steve, where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

A10) In 10 years I will be doing the same thing: touring, writing, playing,recording and maintaining a happy lifestyle.

Well, thanks for your time Steve. I hope you someday get to come by Pittsburgh on one of your tours real soon. I'd really like to check out NLE and would definitely be there for a Lillian Axe show.

Take care.

You can e-mail Steve at: stevblaze@aol.com
Visit the Near Life Experience web site at: www.nleweb.com
And the Lillian Axe Web Site: www.lillianaxe.com