Inside Tailgunner’s Upcoming Album “Midnight Blitz” with Bassist Bones

On January 27, founding member and bassist of Tailgunner, Bones, made an appearance on Loudwire Nights to discuss the band’s anticipated new album, “Midnight Blitz,” set to release on February 6. The conversation delved into the band’s journey and Bones’ creative motivations.

The Genesis of Tailgunner

Bones reflected on the inception of Tailgunner in 2018, revealing that his previous experiences in various bands left him yearning for artistic control. “With Tailgunner, it was me having played in a few different bands growing up and never really been fully in control of what I was doing,” he shared with host Chuck Armstrong.

Determined to realize his vision, Bones stated, “I’m going to just say screw it and put together the band that I’ve had in my head since I was a kid, without compromise. Without apology. Just really try to do it exactly what it is that I want to do and see if it goes somewhere.”

Early Success and Opportunities

Tailgunner’s journey took a significant turn when they landed a dream gig opening for K.K. Downing’s band, KK’s Priest. Bones recounted the serendipity that led to this opportunity: “Somehow, someone — I don’t know who, if I find out, I owe them a million beers — put [our EP, Crashdive] in front of K.K. and he heard it.” This event marked a pivotal moment in their career, providing exposure to the metal scene.

Bones shared that Downing expressed he had been waiting for a band like Tailgunner to emerge from the U.K. since the days of Def Leppard, which led to Downing producing their latest album, “Midnight Blitz.” “He was our friend, but we learned so much,” Bones remarked about the collaboration.

Lessons from K.K. Downing

Working with K.K. Downing was a transformative experience for Bones and the band. He emphasized, “It’s impossible to work with someone with the experience and the legacy that he has and not learn a million different things.” Bones highlighted Downing’s meticulous approach to music, stating, “No detail is too small to be considered.” This attention to detail became a guiding principle during the album’s creation.

Key Takeaways from the Interview

• Aspirations for Tailgunner: Bones expressed his ambition to “take heavy metal forward without compromising on the identity of what we’re doing,” aiming to establish the band as one of the greatest in metal history.
• Creative Process for “Midnight Blitz”: The writing process for the album dates back to 2020, with some songs evolving even before the band’s public debut.
• Gratitude for K.K. Downing’s Influence: Bones believes that Downing’s impact will resonate throughout their career, not just in the current album.

Listen to the Full Interview

The complete conversation with Bones can be heard on Loudwire Nights, which airs live every weeknight at 7 PM ET. Listeners can also access the show online or through the Loudwire app.

Conclusion

As Tailgunner gears up for the release of “Midnight Blitz,” Bones’ passion for heavy metal and commitment to artistic integrity shine through. With the guidance of industry veterans like K.K. Downing, the band aims to carve out a significant place in the metal landscape.

FAQs

When is the release date for “Midnight Blitz”?

“Midnight Blitz” is set to be released on February 6.

What inspired Bones to start Tailgunner?

Bones wanted to create a band that reflected his artistic vision without compromise, stemming from past experiences in other bands.

Who produced “Midnight Blitz”?

K.K. Downing, the former guitarist of Judas Priest, produced the album.

How long has Bones been working on “Midnight Blitz”?

The writing process for the album began as far back as 2020, with ideas developed prior to the band’s public launch.