Interview with PAGE HAMILTON, frontman with alternative metal icons HELMET

Today I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Helmet frontman, Page Hamilton, about the band and their upcoming ’30th Anniversary’ Australian tour. 

Although we can read a lot about this multi-talented artist’s many accomplishments online and in previous articles, I wanted to know where it all began, so I asked him when he first realised that music was his calling. Page proceeded to tell me a very authentic story about a carsick young boy, who was miraculously cured one day by the power of music. Recalling that particular moment as a 10 year old when the ‘America’ classic ‘A horse with no name’, was playing on the radio and with closed eyes he began to “go inside the music”, following the arrangement and paying close attention to the instruments. Although he didn’t pick up a guitar for another 7 years, Page remembers this as the moment he began actively listening to and fell in love with music.

Skipping forward through almost 20 years of music ventures and incredible learning experiences, Page was inspired to form his own band and in 1989 found the unique members he’d been searching for. When asked how ‘Helmet’ has evolved in their 30 years, Page replied that while technology in music is always advancing, his focus is always “about the music”. He emphasized the importance of musical arrangement, and explained that constant absorption of all that you have the opportunity to be exposed to, is essential to the evolution of the writing, patterns, feel and flow of the music.

Page claims the band was not influenced by any one style, but rather an eclectic and vast range of genres and artists, with the musical tastes of the members constantly changing over the years and (in one way or another) had an effect on ‘Helmet’s ever evolving compositions. This shows a great appreciation for the creation and writing as much as the playing and mastering, giving us a perfect picture of what this band is about without defining them by genre.

One of the biggest challenges the band has had to face in previous years was line up changes.  As good musicians came and went, Page explained that having to find and teach new members “the Helmet way”, was an exhausting and disheartening task. However, he happily announces that the current members have been together now 10 years strong, and considers himself lucky to share the stage with people he considers family.

He says Helmet has lasted because they treat each other with respect and all do what they do, for the genuine love of the music. Page continues on to speak very highly of his Helmet brothers and about how supportive they are of each other, stating “It’s hard to be away from home, but if you’re with people you love, it makes it better. They’re great players and good dudes and I love them”.

Helmet has visited Australian soil quite a few times over the years, most recently in 2017, and this May we get the chance to see the boys hit the stage again as part of their 30th Anniversary tour. So we grilled Page about what he loves most about playing down under. Without a second to spare he answered that he loves the people of this country’s “lack of pretentious towards music” and say “Australians are REAL fans of music”. He expressed his admiration for the fact that Aussies are true music lovers and they truly appreciate bands, saying it’s always made him feel comfortable here.

The love is clearly mutual as due to sold out shows and high demand, Helmet have already had to add 4 extra shows on the tour to satisfy their many excited fans. Although there is a lot of speculation as the bands unconventional decision to have no opening acts for this tour, Page assures us that it is simply just easier this way and takes the extra stress off the band, allowing them to focus on putting on an awesome performance and a great tour. ‘Helmet’ are thrilled to be able to catch up with their many life long friends all over the country, and describes Australia as “such and amazing place, I never want to leave!”

Being praised as one of the most influential and innovative bands in alternative metal, I asked Page what advice he would give to aspiring musicians and he responded “make it about the music”. He tells us to never forget what got you into music in the first place, and stresses the importance of learning as much as you can, stating “I find something exciting and new everyday”, and to always do it for the love of the music.

Many thanks to Page for taking the time for a chat , we all wish Helmet a happy 30th and all the best for the upcoming tour!

Get your HELMET 30th anniversary tour tickets at: https://davidroywilliams.com/tours/helmet/

Interviewer/ Writer: Sarah Savage