Eric Adams (singer)
Encyclopedia
Eric Adams has been the singer of the heavy metal
band Manowar
since 1980. Before he became the band's singer in 1980, he had sung for a group, called LOOKS. In the band was also future Manowar bassist and childhood friend, Joey DeMaio.
When asked about his musical training, he says that he has only once taken a singing lesson—he himself had learned the technique and breathing. He also admitted that it was good to have time by his side, so that he'd master his technique quite fast and the albums have a "teached singer" and he'd learn from experience.
's voice. Afterwards, he worked to create his own, personal style. In 1965, aged 11, Eric Adams created a garage band called Meet the Kids. Meet the Kids, fronted by Adams on vocals, made the song Lovin' Everyday in 1965. In that year they released their single to their 1966 album class 0f '66. Eric Adams was 12 at the time. His voice covers more than 4 octaves from bass G1 to the soprano C6.Manowar tries to be in tone with Adams' current vocal range, so their latest albums may indeed be recognized to be tuned down. Eric Adams can also play the guitar-in his hunting DVD "Wild Life and Wild Times", he does the guitar playing in the soundtrack. He has also said to play drums.
A considerable part of Manowar's production implies the intent to optimize and underscore Adams's vocal skills (for instance, the whole album Into Glory Ride [1983], where the singer "makes the difference").
As a singer and showman, he has gained respect and appreciation even from critics who do not express particular esteem for the band. Recently, Adrien Begrand has written about him: "They (Manowar) have one of the most likeable, charismatic frontmen in the genre".
" (from Giacomo Puccini
's opera Turandot
) live in Milan in 1999 as a tribute to the Italian Manowar fans, and later recording the event for the Warriors of the World
album in 2002. The same album also contains "An American Trilogy
", which Adams first performed at the Popcom. While touring in 2007, he sang "The Phantom of the Opera
", the famous duet from Andrew Lloyd-Webber
's musical of the same title
, with Maria Breon of HolyHell
. The song has been included on HolyHell
's first studio disc, Apocalypse (Magic Circle Music). Adams has also sung the Christmas carol "Silent Night
". He also recorded the song "Where Eagles Fly" with world's best-selling soprano, Sarah Brightman
, for her album Harem
, although this song has never been officially released.
On June 30, 2007 Eric Adams sang the Bulgarian national anthem "Mila Rodino
" during Manowar's concert in Kavarna
, Bulgaria, as a tribute to the Bulgarian fans. It was recorded for the Magic Circle Festival DVD. He did this the next year, again in Kavarna.
and a qualified bow
instructor. Together with Chester Moore, he produced, and featured in, the outdoor DVD Wild Life and Wild Times (2006). The soundtrack was composed by Adams himself, who also plays guitar and keyboard. He was also featured in several hunting radio shows and magazines. When asked about his personal flavour about music, he says that he likes classical music, but also listens to Disturbed. In an interview he stated he is not much of a KISS
fan. Adams has also said the band is friend with many other performers, especially in the metal sphere, so they know a lot of musicians and styles of music. Adams also adds color and humor to the Metal Sludge gossip boards with his wit.
, stating that it was his screaming that made him what he was in his early days. He said that he used to go on every Deep Purple
show as a teenager to just listen to Ian Gillan's voice. He was mostly recognizably influenced by Gillan in Manowar's first few albums, until creating his own stage style. When asked about Robert Plant
and Ozzy Osbourne
, he says that "they are great too, but for me it was definitely Gillan. I was the guy sitting in the tents all night and waiting for Purple to appear." He has also made it clear how when Gillan sang "Child in Time
", it "blew [his] mind away".
on a tour, listening to their songs, they felt like it was the thing for them. Eric has said in many interviews that they wanted to have a sound and image that is powerful-something that demonstrate godly strength and immortality. Something that goes without fear. And the band then got to the idea of the Vikings. Eric stating:"What so powerful than the vikings, Jesus Christ, the conquerors. And when we got out there, the fans dug it up and it really came."
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
band Manowar
Manowar (band)
Manowar is an American heavy metal band from Auburn, New York. Formed in 1980 the group is known for its lyrics based on fantasy and mythological topics along with their "loud and bombastic" sound...
since 1980. Before he became the band's singer in 1980, he had sung for a group, called LOOKS. In the band was also future Manowar bassist and childhood friend, Joey DeMaio.
Early life
Eric Adams was born on 12 July 1954, in Auburn, New York. As a child, he loved playing the guitar and started showing interest in music when he was at the age of nine. He formed his own garage band in 1965, as mentioned below. In his early days, he would not show his esteem for the metal genre of music. His band-formed by him and his classmates, would make little concerts in the mid '60s, performing songs with an emphasis on child love stories. He later, in 1980, joined the newly founded band Manowar and has been the lead vocalist still to this day.Personal life and relationships
Eric is a passionate fan of hunting. In interviews he has stated that after a tour, when finally there is some free time, he goes to the woods and starts hunting. He says he prefers to go and kill the animal himself, rather than eating the colored and false meat out in the store. When asked about the band's relationships with present and former band members, he says they keep in contact with all and even help each other when another guitar may be used in one's album. With Ross, Adams has said to be in good relationships. His stage name is a combination of the names of his sons, Eric and Adam.When asked about his musical training, he says that he has only once taken a singing lesson—he himself had learned the technique and breathing. He also admitted that it was good to have time by his side, so that he'd master his technique quite fast and the albums have a "teached singer" and he'd learn from experience.
Voice, musical style and other talents
He is known for holding high note screams for over 40 seconds at Manowar shows. About his own artistic influences, Adams declared that as a young man he used to go to every show of Deep Purple's, because he loved Ian GillanIan Gillan
Ian Gillan is an English rock music vocalist and songwriter, best known as the lead singer and lyricist for Deep Purple. During his career Gillan also fronted his own band, had a year-long stint as the vocalist for Black Sabbath, and sang the role of Jesus in the original recording of Andrew Lloyd...
's voice. Afterwards, he worked to create his own, personal style. In 1965, aged 11, Eric Adams created a garage band called Meet the Kids. Meet the Kids, fronted by Adams on vocals, made the song Lovin' Everyday in 1965. In that year they released their single to their 1966 album class 0f '66. Eric Adams was 12 at the time. His voice covers more than 4 octaves from bass G1 to the soprano C6.Manowar tries to be in tone with Adams' current vocal range, so their latest albums may indeed be recognized to be tuned down. Eric Adams can also play the guitar-in his hunting DVD "Wild Life and Wild Times", he does the guitar playing in the soundtrack. He has also said to play drums.
A considerable part of Manowar's production implies the intent to optimize and underscore Adams's vocal skills (for instance, the whole album Into Glory Ride [1983], where the singer "makes the difference").
As a singer and showman, he has gained respect and appreciation even from critics who do not express particular esteem for the band. Recently, Adrien Begrand has written about him: "They (Manowar) have one of the most likeable, charismatic frontmen in the genre".
Performances out of metal genre
Although he essentially devoted his artistic life to metal, Adams can sing other genres too. One of his most interesting and unusual exploits was singing the aria "Nessun DormaNessun dorma
Nessun dorma is an aria from the final act of Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot, and is one of the best-known tenor arias in all opera. It is sung by Calaf, il principe ignoto , who falls in love at first sight with the beautiful but cold Princess Turandot...
" (from Giacomo Puccini
Giacomo Puccini
Giacomo Antonio Domenico Michele Secondo Maria Puccini was an Italian composer whose operas, including La bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, and Turandot, are among the most frequently performed in the standard repertoire...
's opera Turandot
Turandot
Turandot is an opera in three acts by Giacomo Puccini, set to a libretto in Italian by Giuseppe Adami and Renato Simoni.Though Puccini's first interest in the subject was based on his reading of Friedrich Schiller's adaptation of the play, his work is most nearly based on the earlier text Turandot...
) live in Milan in 1999 as a tribute to the Italian Manowar fans, and later recording the event for the Warriors of the World
Warriors of the World
Warriors of the World is an album by metal band Manowar released on June 4, 2002. The song Nessun Dorma was dedicated to Adams' mother who had died earlier that year. Amongst its varied tracks are tributes to Wagner, Pavarotti and Elvis Presley...
album in 2002. The same album also contains "An American Trilogy
An American Trilogy
"An American Trilogy" is a song arranged by country songwriter Mickey Newbury and made popular by Elvis Presley, who began including the song as part of his regular concert routine in the 1970s, thereby making the song a showstopper...
", which Adams first performed at the Popcom. While touring in 2007, he sang "The Phantom of the Opera
The Phantom of the Opera (song)
"The Phantom of the Opera" is a song from the stage musical of the same name, composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, sung by Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, lyrics written by Charles Hart and Richard Stilgoe, and additional lyrics by Mike Batt...
", the famous duet from Andrew Lloyd-Webber
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Andrew Lloyd Webber, Baron Lloyd-Webber is an English composer of musical theatre.Lloyd Webber has achieved great popular success in musical theatre. Several of his musicals have run for more than a decade both in the West End and on Broadway. He has composed 13 musicals, a song cycle, a set of...
's musical of the same title
The Phantom of the Opera (1986 musical)
The Phantom of the Opera is a musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the French novel Le Fantôme de l'Opéra by Gaston Leroux.The music was composed by Lloyd Webber, and most lyrics were written by Charles Hart, with additional lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. Alan Jay Lerner was an early collaborator,...
, with Maria Breon of HolyHell
HolyHell
HolyHell is a power metal band, formed in 2005, who are being produced by Joey DeMaio of Manowar. The band has delayed the release of their debut album, choosing instead to tour with Manowar and Rhapsody of Fire....
. The song has been included on HolyHell
HolyHell
HolyHell is a power metal band, formed in 2005, who are being produced by Joey DeMaio of Manowar. The band has delayed the release of their debut album, choosing instead to tour with Manowar and Rhapsody of Fire....
's first studio disc, Apocalypse (Magic Circle Music). Adams has also sung the Christmas carol "Silent Night
Silent Night
"Silent Night" is a popular Christmas carol. The original lyrics of the song "Stille Nacht" were written in Oberndorf bei Salzburg, Austria, by the priest Father Joseph Mohr and the melody was composed by the Austrian headmaster Franz Xaver Gruber...
". He also recorded the song "Where Eagles Fly" with world's best-selling soprano, Sarah Brightman
Sarah Brightman
Sarah Brightman is an English classical crossover soprano, actress, songwriter and dancer. She is famous for possessing a vocal range of over 3 octaves and singing in the whistle register...
, for her album Harem
Harem (album)
Harem is a 2003 album by English singer Sarah Brightman. It mixes her operatic voice with Middle-Eastern and Indian rhythms and vocals. Thanks to an idea of Frank Peterson, the producer of this album, in the song "Mysterious Days", they included the vocals of the late singer Ofra Haza, who worked...
, although this song has never been officially released.
On June 30, 2007 Eric Adams sang the Bulgarian national anthem "Mila Rodino
Mila Rodino
Mila Rodino is the current national anthem of Bulgaria. It is based on the music and text of the song "Gorda Stara Planina" by Tsvetan Radoslavov, written and composed as he left to fight in the Serbo-Bulgarian War in 1885. The anthem was adopted in 1964...
" during Manowar's concert in Kavarna
Kavarna
Kavarna is a Black Sea coastal town and seaside resort in the Dobruja region of northeastern Bulgaria. It lies 64 km northeast of Varna and 49 km from Dobrich on the international road E87. As of December 2009, the town has a population of 11,397 inhabitants. A little yacht port, a...
, Bulgaria, as a tribute to the Bulgarian fans. It was recorded for the Magic Circle Festival DVD. He did this the next year, again in Kavarna.
Discography
For the main list see Manowar Discography- Battle HymnsBattle Hymns (Manowar album)Battle Hymns is the 1982 heavy metal debut album by Manowar.- Track listing :# "Death Tone" – 4:48# "Metal Daze" – 4:18# "Fast Taker" – 3:56# "Shell Shock" – 4:04...
(1982) - Into Glory RideInto Glory RideInto Glory Ride is Manowar's second album and the first to feature drummer Scott Columbus. The album's title is a reference to the title track from the band's previous album Battle Hymns.- Track listing :# "Warlord" – 4:13...
(1983) - Hail to EnglandHail to EnglandHail to England is Manowar's third album which was released in 1984. This album is often considered the best of the "classic" era of Manowar and is also known for the interest stirred in English fans, due to its name. The album was also reported to have been recorded in its entirety in only six days...
(1984) - Sign of the HammerSign of the HammerSign of the Hammer is the fourth album by metal band Manowar, released on October 15, 1984.-Track listing:# "All Men Play on 10" – 4:01# "Animals" – 3:34# "Thor " – 5:23# "Mountains" – 7:39...
(1984) - Fighting the WorldFighting the WorldFighting the World is an album released by Manowar on 1987 . This was the first Manowar album to feature artwork by long-time collaborator Ken Kelly, and also the first heavy metal album to be recorded and mixed entirely on digital equipment.-Track listing:All songs written by Joey DeMaio.#...
(1987) - Kings of MetalKings of MetalKings of Metal is the sixth album by heavy metal band Manowar. Released in 1988 by Atlantic Records, it is thought by many to be among their very best releases....
(1988) - The Triumph of SteelThe Triumph of SteelThe Triumph of Steel was released in 1992 by Manowar. It is the only Manowar album to feature guitarist David Shankle and drummer Kenny Earl "Rhino" Edwards. Cover art by Ken Kelly.- Track listing :...
(1992) - Louder Than Hell (1996)
- Warriors of the WorldWarriors of the WorldWarriors of the World is an album by metal band Manowar released on June 4, 2002. The song Nessun Dorma was dedicated to Adams' mother who had died earlier that year. Amongst its varied tracks are tributes to Wagner, Pavarotti and Elvis Presley...
(2002) - Gods of WarGods of War (Manowar album)Gods of War is an album by Manowar released in 2007. It's the first of a series of concept albums dedicated to different war gods from various mythologies. Gods of War is centered around Odin, King of Gods and primary god of war in the Norse Mythology. All the text on the booklet was written in the...
(2007) - Thunder In The SkyThunder in the SkyThunder in the Sky is an EP released in 2009 by the heavy metal band Manowar, promoting the upcoming full-length album Hammer of the Gods.The EP was sold during the Death to Infidels Tour in all concert locations...
EP (2009) - Battle Hymns MMXIBattle Hymns MMXIBattle Hymns MMXI is a studio album released by the American heavy metal band Manowar in November 2010. It's a re-recording of their debut album Battle Hymns from 1982. It features the British actor Sir Christopher Lee as narrator and the original Manowar drummer Donnie Hamzik. The songs had...
(2010)
Outside of music
Adams is an accomplished bow hunterBowhunting
Bowhunting is the practice of killing game animals by archery. It has been a normal use of archery in every culture that had bows.- Technique :...
and a qualified bow
Bow (weapon)
The bow and arrow is a projectile weapon system that predates recorded history and is common to most cultures.-Description:A bow is a flexible arc that shoots aerodynamic projectiles by means of elastic energy. Essentially, the bow is a form of spring powered by a string or cord...
instructor. Together with Chester Moore, he produced, and featured in, the outdoor DVD Wild Life and Wild Times (2006). The soundtrack was composed by Adams himself, who also plays guitar and keyboard. He was also featured in several hunting radio shows and magazines. When asked about his personal flavour about music, he says that he likes classical music, but also listens to Disturbed. In an interview he stated he is not much of a KISS
KISS (band)
Kiss is an American rock band formed in New York City in January 1973. Well-known for its members' face paint and flamboyant stage outfits, the group rose to prominence in the mid to late 1970s on the basis of their elaborate live performances, which featured fire breathing, blood spitting,...
fan. Adams has also said the band is friend with many other performers, especially in the metal sphere, so they know a lot of musicians and styles of music. Adams also adds color and humor to the Metal Sludge gossip boards with his wit.
Musical influences
Adams has confirmed in various interviews about his musical influences. His strongest influence was Ian GillanIan Gillan
Ian Gillan is an English rock music vocalist and songwriter, best known as the lead singer and lyricist for Deep Purple. During his career Gillan also fronted his own band, had a year-long stint as the vocalist for Black Sabbath, and sang the role of Jesus in the original recording of Andrew Lloyd...
, stating that it was his screaming that made him what he was in his early days. He said that he used to go on every Deep Purple
Deep Purple
Deep Purple are an English rock band formed in Hertford in 1968. Along with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, they are considered to be among the pioneers of heavy metal and modern hard rock, although some band members believe that their music cannot be categorised as belonging to any one genre...
show as a teenager to just listen to Ian Gillan's voice. He was mostly recognizably influenced by Gillan in Manowar's first few albums, until creating his own stage style. When asked about Robert Plant
Robert Plant
Robert Anthony Plant, CBE is an English singer and songwriter best known as the vocalist and lyricist of the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin. He has also had a successful solo career...
and Ozzy Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne
John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne is an English vocalist, whose musical career has spanned over 40 years. Osbourne rose to prominence as lead singer of the pioneering English heavy metal band Black Sabbath, whose radically different, intentionally dark, harder sound helped spawn the heavy metal...
, he says that "they are great too, but for me it was definitely Gillan. I was the guy sitting in the tents all night and waiting for Purple to appear." He has also made it clear how when Gillan sang "Child in Time
Child in Time
"Child in Time" is a song by British hard rock band Deep Purple. Featured on their 1970 album Deep Purple in Rock, the song is 10 minutes and 18 seconds long.-History and characteristics:...
", it "blew [his] mind away".
Before Manowar
Before co-founding Manowar, Eric has been a member in a number of other bands-Meet the kids, as mentioned above, and Jade. Most of them did not really have any discography, just covers of famous songs. In 1980, while with Black SabbathBlack Sabbath
Black Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
on a tour, listening to their songs, they felt like it was the thing for them. Eric has said in many interviews that they wanted to have a sound and image that is powerful-something that demonstrate godly strength and immortality. Something that goes without fear. And the band then got to the idea of the Vikings. Eric stating:"What so powerful than the vikings, Jesus Christ, the conquerors. And when we got out there, the fans dug it up and it really came."
Manowar's influence and fans
Manowar's fans are known for their extreme dedication and belief in their idols.See also
- Loudest band in the worldLoudest band in the worldThe loudest band in the world is a subject of some dispute in musical circles. Many bands have claimed to be the loudest, measuring this in various ways including with decibel meters at concerts and by engineering analysis of the CDs on which their albums are published.-Parodies:The notion of...
- HolyhellHolyHellHolyHell is a power metal band, formed in 2005, who are being produced by Joey DeMaio of Manowar. The band has delayed the release of their debut album, choosing instead to tour with Manowar and Rhapsody of Fire....
- David Shankle GroupDavid Shankle GroupThe David Shankle Group is a heavy metal band formed by former Manowar lead guitarist David Shankle. Their debut album, "Ashes to Ashes", was released in June of 2003...
- Heavy metalHeavy metal musicHeavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
- Magic Circle MusicMagic Circle Music- History :Magic Circle Music was founded by Manowar bassist Joey DeMaio in 2005 named after Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen by which DeMaio is highly inspired. The purpose of the label is to give the band complete creative control of their operation...
- OverkillOverkill (band)Overkill is an American thrash metal band, formed in 1980 in New Jersey. They have gone through many line-up changes, with singer Bobby "Blitz" Ellsworth and bassist D.D. Verni remaining from the original lineup. Along with Anthrax , the band is one of the most successful East Coast thrash metal...