FLOTSAM & JETSAM – Craig Nielsen

FLOTSAM & JETSAM hail from Phoenix, Arizona and were born out of the ashes of the thrash metal movement during the early 80’s. The band have had several line up changes and incarnations, yet have kept a respected passion towards thrash metal and have a solid and steady following across the globe. The band have toured with well known metal acts MEGADETH, ANVIL, KORN, OVERKILL and many more.

Now as the band reach their 30th anniversary, fans are still soaking in the awe of their late 2010 release ‘The Cold’ which has been praised by fans and media alike. Metal Obsession had the opportunity to sit down with drummer, Craig Nielsen and have a brief chat about the new album.

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Metal Obsession: It’s a well documented frustration (and FLOTSAM & JETSAM aren’t the only ones) that success hasn’t come easy since the early days of thrash and the initial boom and interest in metal. What’s been your motivation for keeping it all going for nearly 3 decades now?

Craig Nielsen: The fans. And the fans. Did I mention the fans? If I could share some of the impassioned emails, social media posting, etc, and comments on Youtube, amazon, etc., it would seem clear why we keep going. It is almost overwhelming the love we get from the people who have discovered this band and the fire they have about us. Not to mention the shows and the responses. Just humbling really.

MO: ‘Unnatural Selection’ and ‘My God’ were underrated releases and didn’t get the attention they deserved, exposure and promotion has always seemed to be thorn in your side. With all the Big Four press lately and the DVD release it seems that old school thrash is temporarily back on the map. Unfortunately it seems most younger fans don’t have an appreciation or knowledge of the other bands that were also at the coal front of the movement, does this ignorance sometimes piss you off?

CN: Not at all. Hasn’t music always been a young persons sport? And we actually do get a relatively respectable number of younger fans gravitating to this band at our shows and again on the various forms of electronic media. As they say, the cream rises to the top. If you are speaking to them, they will find you.

MO: Mark Simpson has recently left the band and it seems old hand Michael Gilbert is back in the mix. It must be a luxury to bring back a former member who is familiar with the band and its music?

CN: All that and more. Couldn’t have asked for a better turn of events, but Mark leaving had nothing to do with Michael. He actually replaced Ed Carlson when Ed decided to take a much deserved break. And now we recently played in Mexico City with both Mike and ed for the first time in 16 years! Nothing but positive energy and it would seem things have come full circle.

MO: You’ve got some tours lined up for South America, whats on the calendar for 2011 as far as touring? Any new places you haven’t been before?

CN: Australia!! Seriously. What a lifelong dream. I will work diligently to make it happen.Also,  hopefully the U.K.!! I really, REALLY want to go to Ireland, Scotland, and of course England, which has eluded us so far.

MO: Its been a long hard road can we expect more from FLOTSAM & JETSAM in the near future or is ‘The Cold’ a make or break release?

CN: Thats up to the label and  they appear ready to do another one, so it looks pretty certain we will soldier on. As long as A.K. has the fire, we will keep on keeping on as they say.

MO: On a personal note I’ve always found that FLOTSAM & JETSAM seem to share an affinity with former Belgium thrashers CHANNEL ZERO, are you familiar with the band?

CN: I have heard of them, but to be honest haven’t heard them yet. But thanks for the tip, now I have something to search for on Youtube.

MO: Finally some quick questions so we can know more about you.
Nickname: Milkbone.
First band: First pro band was NEVERMORE, for about 8 months, just before Van Williams and when they got signed.
First record bought: Killers/Iron Maiden. I think.
Favourite Flotsam and Jetsam song: ‘The Master Sleeps’, from ‘When The Storm Comes Down’.
Most influential person in your career: Nick Menza the long time MEGADETH drummer. He told Flotsam about me when they needed a drummer.
Craziest thing you’ve seen at a live gig: Girls giving head openly on staircases, against walls!
Favourite ‘new’ band: GOJIRA, although I suppose they aren’t really all that new.
Life motto: You cant move forward looking through the rear view mirror.

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Questions: Gloon
Answers: Craig Nielsen (Drums)