Bonfire: Rock’n’Roll Survivors
Bonfire are definitely one of the longest standing German Hardrock acts, true legends who have been active since mastermind Hans Ziller had formed it in 1972 in Ingolstadt. Back then the band started out as Cacumen, renamed Bonfire in 1986 – but even this bench mark’s been almost 40 years ago … True Rock’n’Roll survivors indeed, who have just released their new album „Higher Ground“ and also a book. We hear more about that from Bonfire bassist Ronnie Parkes:
When and how did you join Bonfire, Ronnie?
I was in a band called Tango Down and David Reece was the singer. I had know Dave previously to this. He had told me he wanted to do another solo album ( Compromise). I helped him with the album and putting his solo band together. I continued to help him with all aspects of his solo band. He was very thankful and told me that he would take me with him the next time he gets a call to do something. The next call he got was from Hans Ziller for his solo band EZ Livin’ . He kept his promise and he told Hans he would only do it if he took me as bass player. Hans agreed. That was the start.
What were some of the bands that you were you in, before becoming a member of Bonfire?
I have been in a lot of bands and projects or just filled in for someone. The most notable bands were Cleavage, Farcry, Tango Down, Reece, Seven Witches, A Bon Jovi Tribute from NJ called Slippery When Wet, Frost Metal Coaltion, EZ Livin’.
What was it like recording the new album from Bonfire? What were the sessions like?
This is my 12th album with Bonfire. 11 of those were studio albums. After Byte The Bullet. The procedure has been very similar. Some bass parts I recorded at home in New Jersey and some I recorded in Ingolstadt Germany. Depending on what our tour schedule was at the time. Being that I am the vocal producer, I am in the studio when we record vocals. With this album we were very excited and had feelings that Higher Ground would be a great album. We saw the potential from the re-recorded albums of Don’t touch the light, Fireworks and Point Blank. We had a tour for that release and we quickly realized that this is a very special line-up we have right now.* The band is in top form and we knew we were going to bring something special to the table with this album.
How did you become interested in music?
I started playing at a very young age of 5 years old. Being that I am now 58, I feel blessed that I am still doing this for a living as long as I have. What made me grow interest in being a musician was my early influences. Early KISS was my biggest influence, but also Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Judas Priest and 70’s music in general. I like all types of music, but KISS and these other early influences made me want to make music my life.. and I did.
Any favorite metal bands?
I don’t have any favorites, as long as there is rhythm, melody and harmony I usually like it.
Will Bonfire be touring soon?
YES! We just finished a run of 17 shows in Jan-Feb ‘25. We have the Frontiers Festival in April and a lot of festivals in the summer. We have a bunch of great festivals, check our website to see if we are in your area there will be some shows you might not want to miss. Then we go back starting end of October – mid November. It should be a busy year and we are looking forward to it.
The future plans and projects for the band?
Hans has his book out called “Rock and Roll Survivor” it is doing very well and he has plans for events like readings. We are in talks about a documentary. The rest of this year it is about supporting the album “Higher Ground” with live shows. The response to the album has been great and with the live shows as well. We are really happy and thankful for that.
Thanks for the interview!
* Start photo from left: Hans Ziller (rhythm git, back voc), Ronnie Parkes (bass, back voc), Dyan Mair (voc), Fabio Allessandini (drums), Frank Pané (lead git, back voc)
Text: John Wisniewski
Fotos: Bonfire Bandwebsite
