NHOR : One notable situation on this album is the fact that for the first time in over 20 years founding bassist Pete Way isn't involved in the recording due to his current battle with liver disease. Seeing as Pete has been there from the beginning, and has been such an integral part of the band for the vast majority of the albums, what was the mood going into the studio with Pete not there?
VM : I really wished he could be there, and be part of it. I hoped that would happen, but it just wasn't going to work out. He's a nice guy, I really like him, and he'll be missed that's for sure. To the fans, he such a big part of the band, and he is such a big part of the band, it's a shame that things went this way.
NHOR : How is Pete doing these days? Is there a point at this time where he may be well enough to rejoin the band?
VM : I really don't know at this point. I hope so, I really do, but I don't think anybody's thinking that far ahead. Everybody's thinking, okay we've done this record, and we know we've got to tour most of the year and beyond. It doesn't look like he's anywhere in the plans, for this upcoming year anyway.
- read the entire interview
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