Looking back at this interview
We were very happy to have Terry participate in our autographed cd program. The “Letter to God” cd was another big seller for us. Terry is one of the great unsung heroes of rock n roll. He is a true professional and one of those people that is a genuinely good guy. As with many of our featured artists, if you didn’t get up to speed with XYZ back in the day, check them out. You’ll find some great melodic hard rock rock. Terry has been quite busy over the years since we conducted this interview back in 2003. Read the artist update at the bottom for details.
Terry Ilous (Nov 2003)
How does the new XYZ album “Letter to God”stand up next to previous XYZ releases?
I had the chance to write and produce it 100 % my way.
No labels to tell me what to do. It’s also a very personal CD, much closer to me then ever before.The lyrics are from my personal experiences. I think people can feel that. That is why I received such a great response .
What tracks on “Letter To God” are your personal favorites and why?
”Asking”
It’s about my dad. I was too busy leaving my life and forgot the people close to me. I never took the time to really know my dad. It’s a shame. He was a great man. Now I regret.
”Letter to God”
Well, it’s my personal relationship with God.
I’m mad at him. He took my son away from me. Someone told me, a long ago, that things happen for a reason and that sometimes we deserve it. Well I have been a good person. I’m not perfect, but you know what I mean. And yet I lost a son. I don’t believe God likes me. I’m not on his Christmas list that’s for sure. Is there really a justice?
I think God is too busy to take care of all of us.
For fans who are catching up, bring us up to date as to who is in the current lineup of XYZ.
JK Northup on guitar
Paul Monroe drums
Sean McNabb bass
and myself, Terry Ilous on vox
You’re involved in the “Rock4Xmas Tour” this year. Tell us a bit about how you wound up on the tour.
After losing my son I realize that it would be nice to help others that need help. When I came to the USA , 13 years ago, I had nothing in my pockets.
America gave me a chance to start a new life and be successful etc etc. Now it’s my turn to help those who need help. Plus doing it is some kind of therapy for me. It makes me feel better. I need that. I went through a lot recently and I need to make people happy. I need to see smiles and happy faces.
What can fans expect when they see the “Rock4Xmas” show? Will you be performing solo or as a member of an ensemble?
I will be doing 4 acoustic songs then other performers will do their things some acoustic some with full power and then we will all do a huge jam. Wanna play ?
Since we’re talking about the holidays, what’s your favorite childhood holiday memory ?
So for me Christmas was a big deal. I think I remember my first bicycle.That was great. My parents had to save money for a long time to get me that bike.We were poor. I’ll never forget. I hope that one day I’ll have a kid s I can teach him how to ride a bicycle ..
Do you still have contact with previous XYZ bandmates? What are they currently doing?
I see Paul since he is still in XYZ. He is doing great.
I don’t really talk to Pat, but he was a brother to me.
Marc is my little brother, very unpredictable.
He is a good person
How did the recording of “Letter to God” differ from previous XYZ releases in terms of writing, production,
etc.
It’s mine! It does not belong to a label. No A&R guy told me what to do. You see the problem is very simple. Some A&R guy who has no clue on how to write or play a song (some jerk that has the power because he works for a label) ,that jerk is going to tell you what to do.. Sorry can’t do no more…Also during the recording of that cd I lost my dad and my son. So it is a very personal cd.
What lead to you bringing XYZ back?
I had something to say that’s why I did this new cd. I went back to Europe for a while, did some jingles sang on few soundtracks and try to find my way again. I was lost and very suicidal for a very long time. I can’t believe I made it through.I was very poor again slept in my car and became homeless.
What lies ahead for XYZ?
Don t know. What’s important is what lies ahead for Terry Ilous. I’m looking to do another cd, something fresh and fun heavy with soul… hum sounds very 70 s to me…..
Every musician has their personal favorite “Jam Songs” songs, whether it’s last call, open mic night, or or you call a buddy up from the audience. So what are your top 5 all time”Jam Songs” ?
“Whole Lotta Love”
“Black Dog”
“Highway Star”
“Fire and Rain”
“Mistreated”
You have 5 songs (spanning your entire recording career) to put into the “Terry Ilous Time Capsule”. What 5 songs are in the time capsule?
”Asking”
“Letter to God
“Off to the Sun”
“Souvenirs”
“What Keeps Me Loving You”
What was your “Spinal Tap Moment”?
Getting on stage one day saying ” good evening Toledo:
Only to realize the we were in Florida. I was sick as hell so i drank half a bottle of Nyquil.
Anything you want to touch on or any personal notes to mention ?
We need to support our country. Tell all these politicians that they have to help Americans. I’m sick and tired of always helping other countries that don’t want our help.
Look at Iraq. We went there to help , and now they are killing our soldiers. If they don’t want our help, then lets get out. The problem is, if we don’t ” help them, ” their leaders will attack us. So it’s catch 22
America should help Americans I’m not saying we have to be selfish and forget the world, but I see a lot of unfortunate people in need educations, health care, food. Yes we are rich and powerful, but we also have lots of
poor people here.
We have to help Americans cause no one will help us. Remember that. I know I was not born in this country and so what ..I like it . My great grand dad was born here.
My mayflower got here few years ago that’s all.
You have only 5 albums you can listen to for the rest of your life. What are they? **no greatest hits,live albums, or box sets
Led Zep- 4
In rock- Deep Purple
Badlands (first cd)
Rod Rtewart (Every Picture)
any James Taylor cd
Dream Band. You get to put together the “Terry
Ilous Dream Band”. Who is in it?
Jake E. Lee guitar
Terry Ilous vox
Vinnie Appice drums
Tony Franklin bass
John Paul Jones keys
Thanks Terry. You are another Warrior keeping the spirit alive. Keep Defending The Faith !!
Take care
ARTIST UPDATE 2019: Since the Interview
This same year Terry did some shows with IRS (International Rock Show). The band included Joey Molland (Badfinger), Chris Slade (AC/DC,The Firm, Asia),Greg Douglass (Steve Miller Band), Mario Cipollina .(Huey Lewis,Foreigner), Kacey Cubero
Has performed USO shows for the troops overseas.
Terry was fronting Great White from 2011-2018. He recorded the albums Full Circle and Elation with Great White.
He has appeared on numerous recording projects while also putting out his own solo releases.
Terry is back at with XYZ performing and working on more great music. For more information on Terry checkout his website terrtyilous.com
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