Riffing It Up with Kirk Windstein

Kirk Windstein is synonymous to crushing riffs that seek vulnerable ears and destroy them without mercy. His guitar tone is recognizable by millions of Heavy Music fans worldwide, and as result imitated by almost every band out there. Many can try to sound like Kirk, but there is only one man that can handle being in three successful bands, being a father, and a soon to be husband.

After being an active musician for almost 25 years, you would think that Kirk is ready to slow down and lay back. The truth of the matter is that when it comes to the circle of hard-hitting musicians that come from New Orleans, they play music from the heart and not even a devastating hurricane can stop them from spreading their music like a wild fire.

Taking it easy has never been part of Kirk’s ritual; the man is by far one of the hardest working musicians in Heavy Music today. Not only does he lead Crowbar, but he is also a vital part of the mighty Down and Jamey Jasta’s right hand man in Kingdom Of Sorrow. He is also working on a solo record that he hopes to release sometime this year (more details in the video interview).

During Crowbar’s recent stop in New York City for the Metalliance Tour, we sat down to chat with Kirk about life on the road, his music and how after 25 years he decided to leave his boozing years behind in order to focus on his family. This exclusive interview took place in side Irving Plaza as the fans were arriving to catch one of the best tours of the year.


Before we get into the interview, here are some facts about Kirk Windstein:

- Kirk was born in Middlesex, England on April 14, 1965.

- His career started in 1987 when he joined a band called Victorian Blitz as guitarist. The band was a Judas Priest and Iron Maiden cover band.

- Today he sings and plays guitar in Crowbar, Down, and Kingdom of Sorrow.

DISCOGRAPHY:


- Obedience Thru Suffering: released on September 26, 1991
- Crowbar: released on October 12, 1993
- Live +1 (EP): released on March 29,1994
- Time Heals Nothing: released on May 23, 1995
- Broken Glass: released on October 29, 1996
- Odd Fellows Rest: released on July 7, 1998
- Equilibrium: released on March 7, 2000
- Sonic Excess in its Purest Form: released on August 8, 2001
- Lifesblood for the Downtrodden: released on February 9, 2005
- Sever the Wicked Hand: released on February 2011


- NOLA: released on September 19,1995
- Down II: A Bustle in Your Hedgerow : March 26, 2002
- Down III: Over the Under: September 25, 2007
- Down IV: TBD


- Kingdom of Sorrow: February 19, 2008
- Behind the Blackest Tears: June 8, 2010

Without further due, here is the exclusive interview we did with riff master Kirk Windstein, in which he discusses life as a touring musician, his future musical plans and how he was able to get his life back on track.



We want to thank Kirk, Bill Meis at EOne Music and Steve Seabury!

Photo credit: Bards Eye Photography

Related links:
Crowbar
E1 Music
Down
Kingdom of Sorrow