RamsHead
Baltimore MD
September 27th 2017

Tonight Baltimore was given an early Christmas gift in the form of a rock concert. Putting together two iconic bands Epica and Lacuna Coil.

Before Epica graced us on the stage. Empire Extreme got to sit down and talk to singer Simone Simons and talk a little about life, music and all the things in between.

Empire: How’s the tour going with Lacuna Coil?

Simone: It’s the best North America tour we have ever done. It’s fun the audience is the largest we’ve had before. Everybody is having a good time.

Empire: Are you a StarWars fan? I seen you guys did a cover of the Imperial March.

Simone: Some of us are. I think Rob is. That was just one of the songs we did for the album.

Empire: Have you had any vocal training?

Simone: Ya I’ve had some vocal lessons throughout the years, but I don’t go to school or university I had private lessons for about 6 years starting at 16. I just love the classical female voice mixed into with the metal.

Empire: How do you feel about being on the Metal’s Sexiest Women list?

Simone: Well they should see me when I first wake up. (Laughs) I think it’s cool, and it’s fun. The music comes first but it’s a total package how we present ourselves, the stage needs to look nice and the lights. I like to dress up. I appreciate it, I don’t find it demeaning or degrading to me.

Empire: Do you have any fun or crazy stories from being the only female in the band?

Simone: We been together like this for 16 years. We’re like on big family. Everybody assumes I’m just the girl but I can be one of the guys too, I have a foul mouth and burp.

Empire: Have you had any crazy fan interactions?

Simone: A couple ya, sure. A recent one that freaked me out and the band, we were in turkey. We were done with the show and in the van, and this guy was in the back like the trunk area. I thought maybe he was a crew member that wanted to help us, we started driving and he came out with all these fan stuff. Can u sign this?. It wasn’t cool he invaded our private area, our tour manager gave him some choice words and threw him out. I’ve had fans stay outside my hotel room. For me that’s crossing the limit, because when you’re on tour you don’t have your house, the bus or hotel is your home and where you should feel safe and let your guard down and walk around naked if you want to.

Empire: Anything you like to say to the fans?

Simone: Just a big thank you to the people that showed up to our shows. We’re very grateful and glad we have such solid fans. So I want to say Hi.. And Goodbye.. Or See ya soon whenever we come back.

Epica hit the stage and right away blew the crowds mind. With the huge Epica banner in the background to keyboardist Coen swinging around his keyboard and rolling from one side to the other side of the backstage. The lighting was perfect, lots of white lights which makes it easier for photographers like myself to take some amazing shots. Simone was on her game and looking quite stunning in her black dress, and with the operatic voice of an angel makes it so great to see live. Playing songs that spans from a 15+ year career, Epica didn’t disappoint one bit. At one point Cristina from Lacuna Coil came on stage and sung with Simone. Coen and Guitarist got off stage and went amongst the crowd. Coen went for the pit, while stood behind a fan without them noticing him for a few minutes. This show was amazing and my first time seeing Epica although I’ve been a fan for many years. I can’t wait to get to see them more in the future.

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

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