It isn’t easy filling a legendary singer’s shoes. Take it from David Reece, who faced the monumental task of replacing Accept frontman Udo Dirkschneider in 1988. Although the sole album he sang on, Eat the Heat (1989), was met with backlash from critics and fans alike, it has since gone on to achieve cult status. OG singer Dirkschneider has even paid his respects by covering many songs off this album, including the opening cut “XTC”. Meanwhile, Reece has carved out a respectable career for himself, singing for the likes of Bangalore Choir, Bonfire, and most recently, a long running solo project, alternating between the monikers Reece and David Reece. His latest album, Blacklist Utopia, is set for release on October 29 via El Puerto Records. We sat down with Reece to discuss this upcoming release, as well as his life and times with Accept and Bangalore Choir.
Greetings David and welcome to Defenders of the Faith!
David Reece: Greetings to you and your readers.
Next month will see the release of your latest album, Blacklist Utopia. What inspired the title of this album?
DR: For me, the last few years I have been watching the world and I really do not see what the end game is. It seems to me that there are two sides who are at war on social media, the news. Everywhere you look, people are fighting. If you disagree with either side’s view, you are Blacklisted in some form to fit the one side’s narrative and praised by the other, or visa versa. So what form of Utopia is everyone seeking? If they find it, will they be satisfied?
The first single, “I Can’t Breathe”, examines the social unrest and pandemic that has dominated the past year and a half. With all the insanity going on worldwide, did lyrics come easy for this album?
DR: Good question. I am not your typical “baby baby whoah whoah” lyricist. I write about what is inside my head and what I see around me. Strangely enough, these last few months gave a lot to write about. So yes, I found easy subject matter and I am unafraid to voice my opinion or how I see things.
Blacklist Utopia is your second solo album under the David Reece moniker. What caused you to retire the Reece moniker that was used to release several albums in the 2010s?
DR: Actually, I have Universal Language, Compromise, Resilient Heart, Cacophony of Souls, and now Blacklist Utopia, so I have always been active as a solo artist. I have done project works throughout my career, but I always tried to release solo material as much as possible. During COVID, I was fortunate to be asked to write and sing on the new John Steel album. I also sang on the next Wicked Sensation album, plus I wrote and recorded with Jimmy Waldo and Steve Rosen for a project called Highway Sentinels. With Highway Sentinels, there are numerous great guitarists contributing like Bumblefoot, Joe Satriani, Herman Frank, and Paul Gilbert, to name just a few. I feel very honored to have been part of this. Actually, Jimmy Waldo contributed two tracks musically on Blacklist Utopia, so there was hope for me to maintain some sanity during lockdown working with so many truly talented people.
Is there anything we can expect different from this album than last year’s Cacophony of Souls?
DR: One big difference is that Malte Frederik Burkert, the bassist, wrote a majority of the music on the album. He really has grown as a writer. Together, we took this album to a higher level. It is heavier to me, but still maintains those melodic hooks that Cacaphony has. Andy Susemihl co-wrote a few songs on the album, and once again he mixed, produced and played all guitars and some backing vocals. I believe he is a masterful producer and one of the world’s greatest guitarists. Also, we have the great Francesco Jovino on drums on this album. Matt Fleishmann once again mastered for me. He is an amazing talent.
Blacklist Utopia continues the collaboration between yourself and former U.D.O. guitarist Andy Susemihl. How did you two first meet and what is it like working with him?
DR: We actually met at (Dieter) Dierks studios while I was recording Accept’s Eat the Heat and he was doing U.D.O.’s Mean Machine. We’ve had a mutual love and respect for each other since 1987. He is, as I say, one of the true greats on guitar.
Next year marks the 30th anniversary of Bangalore Choir’s classic debut, On Target. Are there any plans to commemorate this anniversary?
DR: Actually, I am doing a special On Target performance in Hamburg in 2022 with Oliver Lange .We were supposed to do September of 2021, but COVID restrictions pushed it to next year. I actually found lost demos which I have had remixed and mastered and plan to release in 2022 with many songs that did not make On Target. It was great going back in time and listening to those songs as demos. I think people will be surprised when it is released. There are some gems on there.
After going through a couple singers upon Udo Dirkschenider’s departure, Accept chose you as their new lead singer in 1988. How exactly did you get the gig?
DR: It’s a long strange story which I have shared many times, but to sum it up, a cassette I had done of demos with Mitch Perry ended up in Dierks’ hands. He found me in Colorado and one night (Wolf) Hoffman called. That old saying, “You never know when the call will come.” is very true!
Looking back on your time in Accept, is there anything you wish would have gone differently?
DR: I wish I would have done another album with them, but hey, I am grateful for the experience.
A few years ago, you opened up for U.D.O. on a European tour. While I know you’ve proposed the idea of an Accept tour featuring yourself, Dirkschneider, and current singer Mark Tornillo, would you ever be interested in doing a collaboration album with U.D.O.?
DR: Absolutely. I have the ultimate respect for Udo. He has always treated me with kindness and respect.
Finally, it just came out that you’re working on a new project with former Accept guitarist Herman Frank named Iron Allies. Are there any details you can tell us about this?
DR: Yes it is true. Herman and I decided to put a band together last year. We added Donnie Van Stavern on bass from Riot and Francesco Jovino on drums. I am really excited about this because Herman is such a killer guitar player. He and I together have that vibe going. The songs we have written are face melters!
Blacklist Utopia comes out Friday, October 29, on El Puerto Records. For more information on David Reece, visit www.davidreeceofficial.info/home.
I love the song I cant Breathe Totaly get the meaning with all that’s going on in the world today its suffocating and the air is so thick it’s like you can cut through it with a knife, too much at once and how to survive through most of this prayer faith love and music this song really is true and the effects in the video are awesome much respect for David Reece and thankful for Bob Reeces excellent effects in the video.