The band ‘Ossian’ is one of the most successful bands of the Hungarian heavy metal history. Founded in 1986, more than 20 studio albums, many concert -and top hits albums and a 20 -year anniversary box-set have also been issued by them during the 26 years. A good proof of popularity is that their records are always on the top of the Mahasz Top 40 list in the week of publication.
Endre Paksi the leader, founder, singer and songwriter of the group kindly accepted our request to answer to our questions and to tell us about their career, projects, and of course their guitars and gear !!
Could you please tell us about how started playing music?
Ossian, our band was founded in 1986, however I’m the only one in the band from the original line-up. Ossian is the one of the most successful Hungarian rock bands with 18 studio albums and with many thousands of concerts behind. We all started dealing with music quite early. After founding the band ‘Pokolgép‘, another cult metal band of Hungary in 1982. I started my career as a bassist. First I played in double bass and I also sang. Than I founded Ossain where I’m only a singer.
Do you remember any specific moments that sparked your interest in music ?Which musicians or bands have been the greatest inspiration for you and have had the greatest influence on your understanding of music and your playing?
We all had a specific moment. For example for our bassist, Attus Wéber it was the „Let there be ROCK” concertmovie by AC/DC, or when Ricsi Rubics heard Judas Priest on the his brothers tape recorder. For me it was the “Children of the Revolution” intro by T.Rex in 1972 when I was 14 years old. This moment defined my life! 🙂
We loved and respected a wide varieaty of music. I’m a fanatic CD collector with more than 8000 original discs both in the classical music and also the heavy metal and the high-level pop rock.
Who was the biggest name whom you had a chance to playing together?
In 1988 we were the warm-up band of Iron Maiden on their Budapest concert. It was a great pleasure and honor that later Adrian Smith wore Ossian T-shirt on his Maiden England concert. I think we made a good impression on Helloween, who mentioned us on their album Dr. Stein as one of their favourite band. Moreover we participated in the UDO Hungarian tour and we played with a couple of legendary bands like Sepultura or the Danish Pretty Maids.
What do you advise to fans wishing to enhance their playing and broaden their understanding of music?
Persistence, diligence, enthusiasm, practiseing, and a maximum belief in their own perspectives.
What guitars, amps and effects do you usually use and why have you chosen the guitars & gear you have?
We use GIBSON, ESP, IBANEZ and custom-made guitars; FENDER and WARWICK bass; LINE 6 and AMPEG amps; PEARL and GRETSCH dubs; and solely classic Shure microphone for the singing. We use a variety of musical instruments brands, because these sound differently, so we can always use the most appropriate to the atmosphere of the songs!
Do the guitars & gear you play live differ from the guitars you’re using during recording sessions?
In general we use the same garnitur during the recording sessions as in the concerts.
What are your future plans?
We have now autumn tour with the top station in the Budapest Papp Laszlo Sportarena on 22 December. Besides we are recording our new album which will be relelased in the spring of 2013.
Any famous last words?
Greetings to all music-loving people, please look, and listen to our last 25 years anniversary concert record, also available on Youtube, shall you might want to give a try for a Hungarian rock music! … :)))
Find more about Ossian here:
Official Website
Official Youtube channel
Official Facebook site
