Black Veil Brides

Black Veil Brides

Black Veil Brides are currently touring, reaping the rewards from the success of their second album Set The World On Fire.

Every date of their UK run is sold out, and we were fortunate enough to talk to the band before the show.

The amazing ticket sales isn't something the band aren't taking for granted. "It's unreal, you know? They've been selling out before we even came over here."

Fans won't be disappointed, as Jake Pitts describes their live show as chaotic with big theatrics.

However, BVB did note that the show has the roots of rock music at its heart: "It's just a good rock show. We give it our all every night."

They've also debuted a brand new song recently, taken from an E.P. release planned for December.

A balance between original material and some covers, they say of the EP: "It's a salute to our founding forefathers of rock and bad-assery, if you will. We turn it into our own style a bit."

The dedication Black Veil Brides have extends to all areas of their music, particularly to their relationships with the fans.

The band were overwhelmed at the number of fans hanging out at the venue, in the rain, since the morning of the show - something the band admit they didn't do when they went to shows.

"They're nuts, but it's awesome, in a good way." Jake continues: "We're real appreciative of that. We have the best fans in the world."

Although the band have their image, they do like to meet the fans as themselves, and it's something they do as much as they can.

Jake explains: "It's not like Slipknot where, oh, no-one's ever seen them unmasked - until now. We like to look like our band, but sometimes...whatever. I was taking photos with fans for 45 minutes without make-up or anything."

As Black Veil Brides' profile rises and they become more popular, this level of accessibility becomes more difficult, but the band are eager to point out that it's not their fault.

"It's not us changing, we're still the same guys! When we played 2 or 300 capacity rooms, we could hang out and meet everyone," they tell us, adding that now, with over 2,000 people heading to shows, it becomes impossible to meet everybody.

Whilst this level of success is something the band didn't necessarily expect, CC notes that having the ambition is important.

"You always plan for success," he admits. You don't want to put all of your effort into something that's going to fail."

He continues: "We always wanted this success and always invisioned it, but it was like...is this going to happen? Yeah, we're going to make it happen!"

CC also notes that the band are still aiming higher: "We're still never satisfied. We're still shooting for the stars."

On the subject of stars, BVB are starting to rub shoulders with their idols, meeting the likes of Alice Cooper at this year's Kerrang! Awards.

The band are clearly grateful for the position they're in. "It's really cool to see that happening. We're so fortunate in our lives."

Performing at this year's Download Festival was also a big thing for the band, and they were surprised at the love from their peers.

"The lead singer of The Darkness came to take a picture, it was like...what?! It was really humbling. We couldn't believe this was going on," they admit.

"Everybody knows what Download Festival is," they say. "That's something everybody wants to play."

Black Veil Brides' image is a polarising aspect of their music, with their fans idolising them (many of the fans at the show wore similar make-up designs), despite criticisms from other music fans.

The band say that they want to bring back the image of the "rock star."

"What happened to the rock star? Why isn't it happening anymore? F*** everybody, we'll do it," Jake explains.

They add: "It's not so manufactured and thought out, it's like...dude, let's try it and see what happens."

They openly acknowledge the influence that the likes of Motley Crue, Alice Cooper, Slipknot and KISS had on their image, but also point out that musically they draw on much wider inspirations.

"Everyone in the band has different influenes. It's similar but different," CC says, adding: "I'm all over the place. I like jazz bands, obviously Slipknot. Devil Driver, Killswitch Engage. You ask every member of the band, and there's completely different influences."

Looking ahead, Black Veil Brides show no signs of slowing down.

More touring is on the horizon, including headline dates in the States at a tour with Avenged Sevenfold, Asking alexandria and Hollywood Undead.

From there, they have a South American tour before coming back to the UK in March.

"We'll record a new record next year," Jake reveals. "I don't know what it'll come out. We're shooting for spring-time, but everything's tentative."

Fans will be excited to know that BVB are certainly here to stay, as Jake remarks: "There's really no end in sight."

Female First - Alistair McGeorge