Looking back at this interview
Having been TNT fans since we first heard the “Knights of the New Thunder” album. In 2004 we were elated that Tony and his team were supportive of our efforts to help get the word out about the new TNT “My Religion” CD. Tony autographed a bunch of theses cds for us and took the time to answer some of our questions. “My Religion” was another successful promotion for us. We recently discovered a few more of these autographed cds when we were looking through some of our warehoused items. If you are interested in purchasing one please contact us to see what is still available.
Tony Harnell
What’s the latest update from the Tony Harnell world? Give us the scoop.
I am working on a new project for Frontiers records that will be announced soon. I am also singing on the new Brazen Abbot album and starting work on a new TNT album very soon as well as working on solo material. Very busy!
The new cd “My Religion” is remarkable. It’s faithful to classic TNT while still moving ahead. What were the keys to putting this album together?
We had the idea from the start that we had wanted to just do everything we could to make the fans happy and of course make ourselves happy at the same time. Not always an easy task. I think we found a good compromise.
Our staff has put together a list of our favorite tunes from the new cd. Please give us any thoughts, memories or recollections about the following cuts from the album:
“She Needs Me”-
A typical Harnell/Tekro song I think. Great riff. One of Ronni’s best maybe. I love the energy of this track and I think it shows the perfect balance between classic TNT and the more modern TNT.
“My Religion”-
Another of the same. It really captures something special I think. A live favorite for sure. This song almost got a better reaction live than any of our classics.
“Satellite”- The first song We wrote when reuniting for the new sessions. I had this idea of a Cheap Trick meets Queen track and I think we kind of pulled it off.
“Everybody’s Got a Secret”-
Almost didn’t make the album. A leftover track that I passed on and resurrected at the last minute to fill out the album. It turned out pretty well I think. The most 80’s track of all I think.
“Song 4 Dianne”-
A song that is most special to me. I wrote it for my wife Amy about her mother-Dianne- who died last year. Amy also sings and plays the recorder on this track. I love this one very much. It will be the new single in Norway.
Morty Black recently left TNT at a time when the band sounds revitalized. How is the band dealing with Morty’s departure?
Very sad. We hope that someday he comes back but we will move forward and find a replacement.
Let’s take a jump back into the “Music Video Time Capsule”.
What’s your favorite music video you’ve been in and why?
Everyone’s a Star. It was our best video because they let us write the treatment and decide what we wanted to do. It seems the most natural and real to me.
What’s your least favorite music video you’ve been in and why?
Almost all the others
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome during your career?
Keeping my head on straight and just sticking to the music. I have learned so much over the years that is for sure. This is a very tough business and one has to be tough. I don’t think full time artists get enough credit. Especially when they aren’t superstars. It takes a lot of guts and persistence.
A Few Quick Hits:
First concert you ever saw:
David Cassidy in San Diego! I was about 11.
Favorite TV shows growing up:
Batman, The Twilight Zone, Partridge Family—embarrassing?, Courtship of Eddie’s Father, The Brady Bunch, Bewitched-she was hot!, The Munsters, The Adams Family, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, Ed Sullivan, Donny and Marie, Sonny and Cher and many more!
When I was a kid you’d most likely find you:
At the beach or singing.
The thing most people would be surprised to know about
Tony Harnell is:
I think everyone else is a better singer than me.
What concert experience made you feel like you’d finally “hit the big time” ?
Ha! I guess the first tour of Japan. Six sold out shows. We had no idea we were so big there. It was insane! And of course our success in Norway was also very intense. Four gold albums, three platinum and a Grammy all in Norway.
It seems that so many classic recordings of our genre
have been discredited and maligned simply because of the “Rock N Roll Armor” we wore back in the day. In our opinion its really no different then the ducktails, gold lame’ suits or hippy clothes of previous eras. Why do you think our genre still receives such a backlash from the mainstream media, Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, etc?
Because it was so out there. I think it looks pretty silly when I look back at it now, but it was fun to dress up like that. To be young and crazy and have the balls to wear makeup and prance around.
What’s the best decision you’ve made during your career?
I’m still looking forward to making that decision:)
What’s the worst decision you’ve made during yourcareer?
I’d rather not say.
You have 5 songs (spanning your entire recording
career) to put into the “Tony Harnell Time Capsule”.
What 5 songs are in the time capsule?
Limbo-Westworld
Desperado-Morning Wood
Tell No Tales-TNT-cause you just gotta have this one don’t you!
Wide Awake-TNT
Uninvited-Westworld
“The Life and Times of “Tony Harnell” is being made into a multi million dollar movie. Who plays Tony and how does the movie end?
Jim Carey plays me and it ends with me and my beautiful wife playing with our future children sitting on the deck of a house located on the coast of California looking out to perfect waves breaking in the distant sunset.
With all the ups and downs of being a musician, we’ve
all had to have a few “odd jobs” along the way. What was your worst “struggling musician” job?
I had a string of jobs at record stores when I was young. They pretty much sucked.
What’s the greatest life lesson you’ve learned over the years?
Too learn about people. The biggest thing an artist has to know is who he is dealing with. There are some characters out there and at any point along the way you can get involved with people who do not have your best interest at heart.
The other thing I have learned is to not take things too seriously. But at the same time to have pride in your work.
And finally, that being an artist is a job. It’s a valuable job to society actually and contrary to popular belief, it is a “real job”. It may not be very secure sometimes, but it is a job and it should be respected and honored. What would the world be without music or art? Not a place I would want to live.
Every musician has their personal favorite “Jam Songs”. Whether it be the last call, open mic night, or
a buddy comes up from the audience. So what are your top all time “Jam Songs”
Oh Darling, Highway to Hell and What’s Goin’ On.
Anything you want to address or talk about)
Please Vote!! We need to use our right to vote!
And thanks to the fans for the years of support! There is much more music to come.
What was your “Spinal Tap Moment”? (Please give us at least one 🙂
I’m sure it had something to do with Diesel’s hydraulic drum riser.
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
Abbey Road, Sgt. Pepper, Stained Glass, Night At The Opera and Audioslave.
You get to put together the “Tony Harnell Dream Band” dead, alive or otherwise. As an added bonus no lawyers or agents are involved in the formation of this band Who is in the band?
Brian May, Ronni LeTekro, Paul McCartney and Brad Wilk
Thanks Tony. You are another Warrior keeping the spirit alive. Keep Defending the Faith !
ARTIST UPDATE 2019: Since the Interview
Tony left TNT after the follow up album to “My Religion”. He reunited with the band 3 additional times before departing for good in 2017. He was a member of Skid Row in 2015. Tony has recorded numerous solo albums as well as records with his Westworld and Starbreaker projects. He also gives vocal lessons and has been a featured guest on albums including Brazen Abbot, Michael Sweet and Magnus Karisson . For more information and updates on Tony check out his website tonyharnell.com
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