For Sweden’s Alien, 1988 saw them as one of the most popular rock bands in Sweden.   Hitting the top of the Swedish charts for 6 weeks with the Graham Bonnet cover Only One Woman, the bands self titled debut album was full of high quality AOR, that even to this day is still highly regarded as one of the finest of the melodic rock/AOR genre.  I mean, it doesn’t get much better than a song such as Tears Don’t Put Out The Fire. and there are numerous listings of Alien as a key influence in the AOR bands of today, such as the likes of H.E.A.T.   

Lineup changes in the years that followed saw the band deliver a couple of more varied releases, but none matched the quality of that debut.  Now here in 2011, we see the classic original lineup reunited as a live touring force.  Having already played numerous shows throughout 2010, in 2011 the band will be delivering a special acoustic performance at Sweden Rock Festival, whilst true adulation will no doubt be received at Firefest 2011.  A festival that for those in attendance, melodic rock and AOR is simply a way of life.

Whilst concentrating on live performances, the band have however recorded a new song Ready To Fly, which leaves no doubt that the band can still deliver high quality melodic rock.  Check out and download Ready To Fly right here at http://alien.bandcamp.com/

Speaking about their upcoming 2011 performances, bass player Ken Sandin kindly answered our questions.

Let’s start off with an obvious first question, what was the motivating factor that got the original Alien lineup back together?

Nostalgia! To see everyone and play those songs once again was just irresistible, once the idea was brought up. The response that Europe, Treat and other friends have gotten when reuniting was encouraging too, of course. The time was right, it was like now or never...

 

What was the atmosphere and feeling like when you guys had your first rehearsal as the original lineup, was that magic immediately there?

Quite relaxed, but excited as well! This band has sentimental value to all of us. It's amazing to play the songs of our 1988 album again and to find that the unique sound is just there. It comes naturally.

 

Here we are now in 2011 and the interest in Alien has certainly re-emerged, not to say it ever went away! Does it take you by surprise that the band and your debut album is still so highly regarded in AOR circles?

No as I've understood that the debut is regarded an AOR classic and that fans have been waiting for the original lineup to get together.  It makes me proud though.

 

You have an appearance at Sweden Rock Festival coming up, which you are playing acoustically.  Is playing acoustic a format that Alien has done much of in the past and can we expect any surprises in your set?

We never did that! Other than a few radio appearances last fall, promoting our new song Ready To Fly.  The Sweden Rock Festival show will be a surprise in it self... to all of us, haha. I picture it to be pretty much what we usually do, only with a lot softer approach.

 

You are also lined up to play Firefest later in the year, with a stellar lineup of classic and new AOR and melodic rock acts.  How much convincing (if at all) did it take for the Firefest team to convince Alien to play?

Haha, none at all. So many friends have played Firefest, it was one of the gigs we were hoping to do. Really glad they asked.

 

As always, the Firefest lineup sure features some awesome bands. Have you checked out the lineup and are there any bands you personally are keen to check out? With Alien playing on the Sunday, will you guys get to check out any of the other bands on the Friday or Saturday?

The lineup is awesome! We're flying in Saturday, so I hope to catch Strangeways and Steve Augeri. I know Marcie Free sang on demos of our American co-writers', possibly for songs on our debut. Great voice! I'm definitely gonna ask about that when we meet.  So, Unruly Child is my fav for Sunday. Mitch Malloy, Coney Hatch.. all cool stuff!

 

Since you have reformed the original lineup of the band, what has the reaction been like from around the world? I mean you will have a handful of Australian's seeing you at Sweden Rock Festival and then there are others looking forward to seeing you at Firefest, and that's just Australia...

Great to hear! I have the Australian 7" Tears Don’t Put Out The Fire/Now Love... yellow/green sleeve ;-)  Yeah, we get encouraging messages from all around. Not many, but all dedicated AOR fans.

 

Your new song Ready To Fly is an awesome slice of melodic rock. Was this a song that the band wrote after you had reunited or did the song originate in some form prior to that?

After meeting and agreeing on doing some nostalgic shows, we were presented with Ready To Fly and the idea to release a new song to promote the tour, by the agent. We never considered new material, but since we all liked it and the fact that it could (re)present the sound of Alien today... why not!? Your fellow Australia Rod Davies co-wrote and sang the demo, btw.

 

Having recorded one new song, are there plans for a new Alien album to be recorded, or is the main focus at this stage on playing shows?

We're excited about touring with the 1988 repertoire. That's our only focus, for now. If we DO, it would most likely be something similar to the debut, as far as songwriting and our classic pomp rock sound.

 

Alien had it's biggest single with Only One Woman which spent 6 weeks as a number 1 in Sweden. With the song being a cover, who made the inspired decision to record a version of this song for your debut album?

A suggestion from the CEO of Virgin Scandinavia (now at Export Music Sweden), which we found it a little odd at first, but it turned out great! I love how Graham Bonnet sang the '68 original. My manager with Kee Marcello works with Robin Gibb, so I might get a chance to hear what they thought of our take.

 

1988 was a crazy year for the band, with hit singles, headline tour, filming a video clip in the USA and being one of the biggest bands in Sweden at the time. Looking back on those times, do you ever get a sense of wow...did that all really happen?

More like, did we do all that in such a short period!  Didn't reflect at the time, we were working full speed ahead, full time building up to it. Yes, it was intense.

 

In the last few years, AOR and melodic rock music seems to have had a major rise in popularity and Sweden specifically has produced an amazing array of new bands playing this style of music. What are your thoughts on where this style of music is at in 2011?

It's a cool thing it's coming back, and not just an underground thing. All kids know Don't Stop Believin all of a sudden! Classic bands sounding better than ever.  New bands, like HEAT, listing Alien as major influence along with Journey and Foreigner etc. makes one proud. My favourite Swedes are A.C.T (although they're more prog).

 

Ken, you personally have been very active in the years after Alien. Can you give our readers a quick snapshot of some of the artists you have recently and currently involved?

Kee Marcello is my main act nowadays, new album release in September. Next Timecode Alpha album in the making, progressive rock. Michael T Ross (Hardline, Angel, Lita Ford) and I have tracked instrumentals with guitarist Alen Brentini. I've toured with guitar legends Uli Jon Roth and Vinnie Moore. Some gigs with Mikael Erlandsson (Last Autumn's Dream, Salute). Currently touring Scandinavia with LA based pop/country artist Jamie Meyer.  Alien is something special, though. Close to the heart. 

 

Ok, so here's a fun question to finish up with. With 2011 being my first ever visit to Sweden Rock Festival, do you have any key survival tips for these 4 days of rock?

Will you survive without Victoria Bitter?! No, I'd say check out the Running Order sheet online, and make a plan of what to see/where to go. Otherwise it'll be stressful.  It's a very friendly vibe, you'll make lots of friends... and survive without a problem!

 

Ken, thanks for your time and look forward to seeing you guys perform at Sweden Rock!  Any other information you wish to pass on to Alien fans worldwide, here's your chance...

Thank you, Scott. Thanks for having us, good questions.  Make sure you check out our Official homepage www.alientheband.com and download the new song right here.... http://alien.bandcamp.com/