Release of their second CD, "Awake"

November 02, 2000

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Moonbaby10312000: How did you learn to play so many different instruments?

Sully Erna: Well, my dad was a professional trumpet player. I started out listening to his bands as a kid. My first instrument was a drum set at age four and I played drums my whole life-all other instruments I just experimented with. I love playing drums all the way and that is what I feel confident with. Whatever I pick up usually has a percussive feel about it.

Thorns Girl: I've seen you perform 3 times now and wondered when you decided to not play drums and step out front? I think you're a marvelous drummer!

Sully Erna: When I started Godsmack is when it all started for me. Since I had always been a drummer I decided to branch out in writing and perfoming. So it all began when I decided to begin this band.

GodsmackAWAKE: How do you feel about the 'trading bootlegs' issue?

Sully Erna: I am not a big fan of it at all. However it is the way of future, and I myself have been guilty of it. As long as a fan comes to the shows it is kind of flatterring. They always caught me when I tried to record an Aerosmith concert. I know it is not always easy and I applaud your efforts.

Wahge: Your performance at the WBCN River Rave was Incredible. How was it to perform in front of so many home town fans? PS, sorry about the video camera.

Sully Erna: Ahahahah! That is because some guys made a totem pole and broke off our video camera! It is always fun to go home and play in front of all of our fans in New England. As far as the camera goes-it will not happen next time for sure!

WiCcAn-MoOnBaBy: Who came up w/ the whole idea for the "Awake" video? It's awesome!

Sully Erna: I did. I wrote the treatment for it and co-directed it with a guy named Troy Smith. Did you see it already?

Lastrose: On the enhanced cd interview, you talk about how the song "Spiral" is about reincarnation. What do you think people can do to stop repeating the same mistakes?

Sully Erna: Good question, Rose. I think it is just a cycle of lives you have to go though. I think through the good and bad, no matter how many bad things that go your way, it is important you maintain good karma and keep your course. Then and only then you can graduate to the next phase. That is what those that believe in reincarnation believe.

BlackRain`: What are your thoughts on how your open Wiccan religion has brought out/given strength to a lot of young adults to open up to their family and friends?

Sully Erna: For one, I never set out to be the poster boy for Wicca. Maybe it spread because it is not a typical religion. If it helps them find any type of humbleness without following the lines of the Bible, that is all good. But I do not encourage everyone to follow my example. Everyone has to find their own particular path.

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