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Exclusive Q&A

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Greg Kihn Band to drop in New Mexico

The Greg Kihn Band, an American ensemble, was started by front man Greg Kihn and bassist, the late Steve Wright, some 40 years ago.

Their most successful singles include: The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write ‘Em) and Jeopardy. The group’s musical style fuses rock, pop rock, and power pop together for an unforgettable and unique sound.

Kihn began his career as a singer-songwriter in his hometown of Baltimore, MD. He began writing songs at the age of 17, and unbeknownst to him, his mother submitted one of songs to a talent contest held by a local Top 40 radio station.

Since then, Kihn hasn’t stopped rocking, in fact Kihn will be rocking out in New Mexico at the Sandia Resort Casino, along with other 80s icons Tommy Tutone, Loverboy, and Rick Springfield.

The Gallup Sun caught up with Kihn, and talked with him about his 40-year plus years of playing music.

Sun: Hey Greg how’s it going? Thanks a bunch for doing this interview.

Kihn: Still going at it as long as the fans still want to hear from me (laughing), and wanna hear some great rock and roll. Oh, you’re welcome very much, and if you want to hear from me (laughing) as well.

Sun: Of course dude, your songs still rock, and I still get the toe tapping. How does it feel to be still rocking and making music after 40 years?

Kihn: It feels great! Rock n’ Roll has kept me young.

Sun: You know it was interesting to find out that your son Ry Kihn also plays in the band … looks just like you when you started out.

Kihn: (Laughing) Well, I sure hope he does (laughing), it’s great to see that the apple doesn’t fall far away from the tree. He’s really getting so good at playing the guitar and it amazes me that all that money I spent on him going to college has paid off.

Sun: What has been the secret/strength to the longevity of your music?

Kihn: I think my songs are timeless, they seem to work now as they did 25 years ago. I always have fun writing songs.

Sun: With the music industry constantly changing, what have you taken from it and what do you see as a career damaging?

Kihn: Be true to yourself. Be honest. Don’t try to force commercial success from your heart. If it happens it happens. If you try too hard, you’ll fail. Remember the great songs write themselves.

Sun: Hmm interesting. Currently, your band being on tour with Rick Springfield, Tommy Tutone, and Loverboy, does this prove that what is now called “classic” prove that real music is hard to create?

Kihn: These guys are my friends and it’s been a blast touring with them. I did several tours with both Rick and Loverboy back in the day, and it’s great to hook up with them again. I think these are considered “classic rock artists” because they were a part of our lives growing up. This kind of music is not that hard to recreate after all these years; in fact, it’s easy.

Sun: Cool. What other side projects are you currently involved in?

Kihn: Working on a new novel called Southern Gothic and writing songs for the next album. We just recorded a song called Flying Car. We plan to make it available for free download sometime this summer. And of course, more touring.

Sun: Awesome good to hear. Who were your influences growing up, and now who do you admire musically and why?

Kihn: I always loved the Beatles and they were one of my inspirations. Dylan and the Stones also influenced me in the early days. These days I love Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen.

Sun: Good choices. What can we expect from Greg Kihn?

Kihn: How about a new movie based on one of my novels?

Sun: Wow that would be way cool and would it have a “Kihn” pun in it too (laughing).

Kihn: It kihnbe (laughing).

Side note to reader – Greg Kihn has always used his last name Kihn with what he calls “Kihn” puns, such as his album titles in the past years: Next of Kihn, Rockihnroll, Kihntinued, Kihnspiracy, Kihntagious, and latest album Rekihndled.

For more information, visit: www.gregkihn.com

By Dee Velasco
For the Sun