Date: August 7, 2003
Venue: Tweeter Center—Camden, NJ
Group: Endo (Eli Parker—Guitar)
I received the wonderful opportunity of meeting with Zelick (bass) outside
of the tour bus and interviewing Eli Parker (Guitar). The other members
of Endo, Gil Bitton (vocals) and Joe Eshkenazi (drums) were out and about.
Eli was getting ready to head out to the Philadelphia Airport, but luckily
for me, he was able to give me a few minutes of his time. This was my
last interview for the day and of course the day had to end the same way
it began…bad! My audio recorder crapped out on me and my assistant
was attending to another interview with a band, so it was just me, Eli
and my paper and pen!
Eli Parker
Becky Collins: How long has the group been together?
Eli Parker: 6 years
BC: Who are your musical influences?
EP: For me it would have to be Dave Matthews. For [Gil Bitton] the vocalist,
Tori Amos, Old School and Rock for [Zelick] the bassist
BC: How do you like being on tour with Ozzfest?
EP: [The most] tiring, stressful [I’ve] ever been in my life. I
love it!
BC: Who would you like to collaborate with in
the future (or would have liked to in regards to dead artists)?
EP: Dave Matthews to write songs and Prince
BC: What Cd’s are you currently listening
to?
EP: Chevelle, Radio Head, anything heavy
BC: On this Ozzfest Tour what city was the wildest?
EP: Today! Today was nuts! Amazing [and] Fun!
BC: Worst?
EP: Pittsburgh
BC: On this tour, what group are we most likely
to catch you watching?
EP: Korn
BC: Have there been any embarrassing moments on
this tour?
EP: Yes! The bass player [Zelick] falling on stage. Every show he has
fallen except 1! (Laughs)
BC: Have you learned anything?
EP: You fall into a nitch and you don’t want to change.
BC: Do you have any advice for bands trying to
break into the music industry?
EP: Stay real! Make and write music that gives you goose bumps. Do what
your heart desires.
BC: Would you ever consider doing a benefit concert
for breast cancer research, education and awareness?
EP: Yes! Any benefit.
BC: Message for your fans?
EP: Buy our record! Support your favorite bands or they will be dropped
by the record label.
BC: Thank you very much for your time. It was
a pleasure meeting with you!
EP: Thank you!
It was great to chat with Eli and I hope I did not take up too much
of his time causing him to be
late for the airport. Endo is a definitely rocking group! If you would
like to find out more about Eli Parker
and the rest of the Endo gang, please go to their website www.endomusic.com
and pick up their new album
in stores now, titled Songs for the Restless! You can also check them
out live on the second stage at
Ozzfest until August 28, 2003, so get your tickets now!
-Becky Collins
Becky also covered Ozzfest for www.experiencemetal.com