AngelDevil: "If I Were A King" is the first single, do you think there’s a track on the album that best represents this work?
Michael: I like “at 30,000 feet” It has the mellow grand Queensryche intro than blasts into a Mincrime-ish chorus section than transcends into a rage for order like double solo section.
AngelDevil: And are you gonna make a video from this album?
Michael: We filmed a video for the first single “If I were king” You should be able to view it on the internet.
AngelDevil: What did you guys think when Mike decided to leave the band?And do you think about getting another guitar player now?
Michael: I was a bit surprised because I knew nothing of this. I can only wish the very best for Stone. He is a class act and a good friend. We had a limited amount of time for a replacement. I talked to a few guitar friends of mine but it was to arduous of a task to learn 40 Queensryche songs in 6 weeks so GT suggested the guy who was in his solo band since he basically knew the bulk of our material.
AngelDevil: How do you see your previous albums? Are they snapshots of your personae at the time, steps in a linear evolution... Good memories...
Michael: Queensryche s longevity is an enigma in itself. I am thankful that we have been able to create and perform music for so many years. I view Queensryche as a work in progress. The fact that 4 guys can still get together with different musical influences and different egos and churn out music defies the industry standard.
AngelDevil: Which is the song that comes close to your personality ?
Michael: There are so many songs that touch me deeply in side all for different reasons.
AngelDevil: Do you plan any solo albums?
Michael: Yes, I have another Soulbender album that is half finished and a solo project that I just started. So expect this to be a very busy year for the WHIP.
AngelDevil: Which were the most important steps in your life and your career as a musician?
Michael: This may sound corny but I believed in myself, or who I thought I was. I am a very visual person so I had a burning passion to fulfill my goals. I definitely discovered a discipline that kept me grounded and on track.
AngelDevil: If I asked you to choose a few guitarists that influenced your style and approach to playing, who would they be?
Michael: Well I started listening at a young age to Jimi Hendrix, Duane Allman, Al Dimeola, Jimmy Page to name a few.
AngelDevil: Which feelings you want your fans have when you play?
Michael: I would want a crowd to feel passionate about the music and enjoy themselves.
AngelDevil: Who is Michael Wilton in his daily life?
Michael: A husband, a Dad and Master of the universe.
AngelDevil: Any last comments you want to make?
Michael: Thank you for the years of support and I hope you can catch us on our upcoming tour.
AngelDevil: I wanna sincerely thank you for this interview opportunity with you. . It has been an honor and a pleasure. See you at the Gods Of Metal in Monza - Italy.
Discography
The Warning - 1984
Rage for Order - 1986
Operation: Mindcrime - 1988
Empire - 1990
Promised Land - 1994
Hear in the Now Frontier - 1997
Q2K - 1999
Tribe - 2003
Operation: Mindcrime II - 2006
Take Cover - 2007
American Soldier - 2009
