Empire Extreme got to sit down with Virus whose been a long time Guitarist for Dope , while they are on tour with Static X, Devildriver, Wednesday 13 and Raven Black.

EE: You all excited about this tour?

Virus: Dude, it’s been so well received and the hype is crazy. The curiosity has brought all the folks to the show. Sold out shows. It’s sold out tonight. This bill is ridiculous.

EE: You got to do some shows when Dope played with Static X before?

Virus: I came into the band right after the first album. The band toured like crazy on the first album. We did like 3-4 shows back in 2011-2012 I got to say hi to Wayne but wasn’t as tight as Edsel or Acey was with him.

EE: Last time you guys played here was in 2017 and in 2018 you didn’t play the states how was that touring elsewhere?

Virus: It’s such a different vibe, it seems like when you go there, but Europe the fans are still more excited about seeing us. We went to Russia and it was like pure pandemonium. It was insane. We played Bulgaria for the first time, we opened up for Judas Priest.

EE: What’s been your favorite lineup for Dope?

Virus: I have different favorites for different reasons. I love playing with Acey again, I love playing with Racci, but back in the day we use to party a lot then. I loved playing with Brix when he was in the band. Everybody brings something different to the table.

EE: I asked that cause you do the rock school stuff and Angel has his Rock school now.

Virus: Yeah loved playing with Angel, he brought a different dynamic to the band. We were still loud and he was a lot more quiet then us. I still do the Rock school stuff and talked to Angel about doing a Clinic maybe next year at his school.

EE: How was it like doing your acoustic tour shows?

Virus: I love it because I just get in my car, drive a few hours to a venue, pay me to play maybe get me a hotel room maybe some free beer. I just love it I do weird shit like Madonna songs and Metallica songs. It allows me to be creative. I make the Back Tracks for it.

I can’t wait for Virus to come back around with his Acoustic set again, I missed it the last time. Virus and Dope put on a hell of a show, it’s always great to see them play. I’ve been a Dope fan since the beginning and always enjoy seeing them and hanging out with the bands afterwards. Dope is always really awesome and down to earth guys to hang with.

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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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