How important is Rockestra on your list of achievements?
PBB: I actually started as a singer in the first edition of Rockestra. Sigmund had wanted me to sing in it. As soon as I stepped on that stage, I fell in love. The audience at Rockestra is incredible, and if you are an entertainer like me, it is very easy to fall in love with that stage. A few years later, Sigmund entrusted me with directing the show. Knowing that every year thousands of people keep coming for the show is great satisfaction, which brings with it challenges, responsibilities and hard work... but it's all worth it, especially when you know that behind it all this there is a good cause, that of helping others. Rockestra gave me a lot, so I'm giving a little something back.
SM: Let's just say that Rockestra is my 'baby'. The concept of this concert was to make the orchestra more reachable to the general public and presenting it within a different environment than usual. Looking back and realising that Rockestra has gained such popularity gives me massive satisfaction to this very day.
What is the best thing about Rockestra for you?
PBB: The best thing is working with different people from different sectors who have a wide experience in the field. Being on that stage, singing in front of thousands of people who are there to have a good time, is a feeling that few things have given me so far. Being part of something that helps people with cancer and other problems is quite a satisfaction. I myself have witnessed some of this suffering, and it became for me a driving force to try to help. Even though it's a drop in an ocean, Rockestra helps to raise thousands of money every year. If we are helping at least a person, then we are doing something good. I hate sensationalising, but at the end of the day, that is what all this is about.
SM: The best thing about Rockestra is the opportunity that is given to all artists participating in it, especially those that are not well known to the general public. Through Rockestra, I also got to know Pawlu, not only as a workmate... I have been lucky to have found a true friend.
One of the criticisms levelled at Rockestra over the past few years is that it didn't have 'enough rock'. Is this going to be addressed this year?
PBB: Good question. Every year compiling a set list becomes more difficult. First of all I try not to repeat songs that have previously been performed. Having said that, the list of songs from which to chose from becomes shorter every year. Rockestra is attended by thousands of people who come from all walks of life - it's impossible to please them all, which is why we try to vary the list as much as possible. When compiling the list of songs, I always try to see what is going on in the world of music, I see what music is being played in rock festivals around the world. I don't want to fall into the trap of picking just the classical rock songs, because rock is not dead yet, Rock is evolving. Of course, the masters of rock will always have a good chunk of the show, but I cannot allow myself to limit to just that, as I feel that I would be doing a disservice to the music scene. This year, there is a good mix for everyone, and we're guaranteeing that the diehards will be happy too.
: It is always challenging to choose a set list which is relatively new to Rockestra and to do something innovative and different each year. My main objective in every concert I'm involved in, is to get the audiences hooked throughout the concert. Making an audience of more than 12,000 happy is never that easy but we try to make the event special to everyone.
How excited are you about having Krokus front-liner Marc Storace as your special guest?
PBB: I am very excited! We will have Malta's Rock Ambassador live on stage with us.... how cool is that? Marc is a Maltese singer who left our island to become the singer of Krokus, a band that has gained respect and popularity in the world of rock around the globe. Marc has a great voice and he is a born showman; he will go down very well with our audience. He will be singing songs from Krokus and also a cover. He has been really helpful and he's looking forward to sing in his motherland.
SM: Very much so, as I've been trying to get Marc Storace to Rockestra for a couple of years and I can say that we are very lucky to have him for this edition.
What is the true meaning of Rockestra?
PBB: Rockestra is a great opportunity to see different artists from different scenes and niches performing live on stage, backed by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra. But Rockestra is not just that. Rockestra is solidarity; it gives hope to those who are passing through a difficult time. It's not just the money raised, it's also the message we send - 'Find time to be Kind'. The little hope we give means a lot for those who need it.
SM: I believe that just by combining different genres of music together, with the MPO musicians and singers, we are not only having great fun and helping the Community Chest Fund, but we are creating a concert of high-quality music. If we can achieve something similar as a community, we can do such great things and achieve so much more together - no matter what our differences might be.
Rockestra will be held at the MFCC in Ta' Qali on 12 September, starting at 7pm. Tickets are available from the President's Palace and from www.ooii.com.mt.
Photo credits: Iris / Ivan Catania