Public Republic

Photo by Patric Ullaeus

When in the hands of Kee Marcello, the guitar becomes more than just an instrument. It turns into a world of unleashed emotions. The sound masterpieces he creates with the strings have made him one of the musicians whose art you can experience over and over again.

Kee Marcello was born in Sweden and has begun his professional career in the early 80s. He has been a member of Europe and Easy Action, and his current project is named Kee Marcello Band.

Kee, you are a performing guitarist for more than 25 years now. How demanding is music and does it give or take more?

It definitely gives more! I don’t think most people realize how demanding it is though … 80% of it consists of rehearsals, logistics, and transporting your body between gigs! It’s really hard work, and not as glamorous as it looks … but in the end the love for the music makes it worth while.

How and when did you realize that your vocation is within the rock world?

When I got my first electric guitar in 1974 … it was my first love and it will be my last … (Except my beautiful wife Pia, of course!)

Photo by Stefan Johansson

Please name some of the best and unforgettable moment(s) you have had as a musician so far.

The first time I played on stage and I all of a sudden realized that everyone was breathlessly listening to what I was playing with open mouths! That was an indescribable feeling … The first time performing at the Hammersmith Odeon during the FC World Tour in 1987 … all my heroes played there, and I remember kissing the floor during sound check!
First time playing the Budokan …
Playing the Tokyo Dome with Metallica, Tesla & Thunder … just to mention a few, there are lots more!

“Flight of the Bumblebee”

Do you feel more “yourself” in the lights of the stage or recording in the studio?

They’re both “me”, but in different ways …

If human soul is a guitar, what keeps the strings from rending?

Love!

Is there anything you would change if you could?

There are a lot of injustices in the World that I would like to change if I had the power to … to many to be mentioned …

Photo by Ola Eklöf

What keeps you being a person who needs to create?

Besides from the fact that I love it … it’s the only thing I’ve ever done and the only thing I’m really good at! I wouldn’t have a clue what else to do if I had to choose something else …

What do you consider “best reward”?

The feedback from a screaming audience when you know you’re just doing a great gig! Or listening back to a successful mix in the studio …

What would you advise the emerging guitarists?

Believe in what YOU do, you can of course copy other guitar players licks, but don’t BECOME that guitar player … a copy is always only a copy, there’s only one original … aim for being the original!

Besides the striking fame, how did the years with Europe influence on you as a person and musician?

It clearly changed my perspectives since I got to go all over the World and play with all kinds of musicians … this opens for creativity and improvement as a musician … but I don’t think it changed me as a person that much.

Do you see yourself being a part of Europe again?

No.

What can we expect from Easy Action in the forthcoming months?

Easy Action has an album in the makings …
But my main project is my solo band: Kee Marcello Band. We’re just to embark on an extensive European tour … I have a new album in the pipeline with all the basic tracks recorded, expected to be released this fall. Also a live DVD with Los Dragons (w/ a.o. Mike Terrana and Graham Oliver) is due to be released this summer …

Information about the projects of Kee Marcello is also available here.