Your latest release is the truly amazing “Downtown: a journey of the heart”. Who’s playing on this record?
There’s so many people playing on the record. I cut it in Nashville and N.Y.C. with different combinations of musicians. I even played on it myself to get the right "feel".

Just like your previous album “The hard way”, this brand new effort features many songs which had already been released under a different arrangement in your past works… Someone might think you’re facing a creative blackout… but as far as I know you’ve got a large bunch of unreleased tracks you should have used on this record… What would you reply then? Weren’t you happy with the previous “skin” of those songs, or what?
This album was meant for Europe only. There was nothing in the stores so I thought I'd make a retrospective. If people liked it then I could come and play live.

You’ve made cover songs from various Bob Dylan’ s tunes. What’s so special in this artist to you?
Dylan is beyond description. I get a kick out of seeing how my versions come out.

For a strange paradox, lots of American AOR bands go touring within USA quite exclusively, while having record deals with European labels. How huge is the request of US fans for this kind of music, at this moment? And how much interest do major labels show towards mainstream hard rock?
I dont care about big labels.

As far as I know, you went touring inside bookshops (the “Booze, Books & Beers tour”), some time ago. Was it so difficult, in a recent past, planning live dates in appropriate venues for a Aorster in USA?
That’s " Babes, books and booze" It was great fun to drive everywhere and stay in motels. We had a really great time. Had some serious hangovers but I'd do it again tomorrow.

A question you’ve been probably asked one thousand times: how much has your reputation changed in consequence of your experience as Bad English vocalist?
I think people enjoyed the band but I think they missed something. I write in the first person. The solo stuff seems alot more serious.

Journey went through a few vocalist changes, and are touring USA with Jeff Scott Soto at the moment. Is there any particular reason why you weren’ t asked to join the band as frontman?
I wouldn’t know what to do. I have my own style.

Do you think you’ve ever made any false move, over your long music career?
Of course I've fucked up here and there but who hasn’t? The music always came before the money. I never sold out.

What do you consider “the hardest way” you had to walk through during your musical experience?
After When you Were Mine...

You’re living in the west coast at the moment. Are you feeling comfortably in your new location? Why did you depart from New York, as you even dedicated a tune to the Big Apple?
New York is my home. I hope to return next year.

Over the last decade your song writing has become more introspective. But how much this being “true at one’s own heart” genuine attitude is supported by music labels, in your opinion?
Most record companies think Art is short for Arthur. They just don’t care.

I suppose that the widespread punk rock was an obstacle for a more successful UK career with Baby’s, as well as grunge was a “pain in the ass” for hundreds of hard rock bands during your Bad English days. Which of these music waves was more damaging, in your opinion?
Any music that rocks the boat is welcome.

You’ve often offered your tunes for movie soundtracks. Which of these collaborations are you mostly proud of?
In Dreams. It was written for True Romance.

With such a “crystal clear” voice yet, how long should we expect to hopefully hear about John Waite’s further projects in the future?
Tomorrow will be beautifull... Peace J.W.