Gerre is the vocalist of one of the best thrash metal bands Germany has to offer: Tankard. The band’s history goes all the way back to 1982, with their debut album Zombie Attack released in 1986. Tankard is known for their many drinking anthems, such as “(Empty) Tankard”, “Space Beer”, and “Chemical Invasion”. To get to know this cheerful, beer-loving band a little better, we fired off 11 loose questions for Gerre!
1. We need a Spinal Tap story. Have you ever had any funny tour experiences you’d like to share?
There was this one time we played at a festival in the Czech Republic where they had two stages right next to each other. During one song, our bassist Frank jumped off the stage while still playing. But then he disappeared for several minutes. Turns out, he had kept playing on the other stage—without even realizing it. I guess he was pretty drunk. Hahahaha!
2. Have you ever met fans that were just too much?
Not really. But stealing our beer is not very friendly. It happens from time to time.
3. Which member of Tankard has the worst tour habits?
I’d guess me. I have some farts that smell like rotten eggs, and I know the other guys have wanted to kill me more than once.
4. Tankard is known for loving beer. What are the three best beers in the world?
Always the beer we get backstage! But if I had to pick personally, I’d say Binding Römer Pils, Gude Bier, and Krusovice.
5. Have you ever been so hungover that you swore you’d never drink again?
Every single morning! Hahaha!
6. Which country has the best beer drinkers?
Oh, that’s a tough question. Metal fans from all over the world are great beer drinkers. But I think the Irish headbangers can drink a lot of Guinness.
7. What’s the best part about playing in a thrash metal band?
Getting out all your energy on stage—and then getting it right back from the audience. An absolutely incredible feeling.
8. Is there anything in metal that embarrasses you? Something that’s just totally wrong?
Fascist and racist idiots! Fuck off and die! They have no place in metal!
9. You’ve now released 15 albums with Tankard and 2 albums with Tankwart. Which one is your personal favorite?
Always the first and the last. The first because that’s where it all started, and the last because we worked so hard on it and you’re really deep into the songs for a long time.
10. Which band inspired you to become a musician?
We all grew up with New Wave of British Heavy Metal and loved bands like Raven, Tank, Tygers of Pan Tang, Jaguar, and so on. Later, we fell in love with the early albums from Exodus, Exciter, Slayer, and Metallica. I still love those records!
11. When was the last time you were starstruck?
When I saw Black Sabbath with the original lineup for the first time. Ozzy still rules, and I wasn’t expecting a show like that.
We thank Gerre for his answers. Tankard has been going strong for over 30 years now—and while it might not be the best for the liver, we’re hoping for another 30 years!
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