Atlanta hard rock band Mad Margritt have consistently visited the Augusta area so often over the past ten years or so that they’ve played more shows in the area than some lokal bands. Armed with five releases as well as tracks on two international compilations, this four piece energetic band has more to offer a party crowd than just a huge catalog of 80′s and early 90′s hard rock and glam covers. Mad Madgritt is a fun-loving group of guys that have shared the stage with many of their heroes including Kiss, Poison, Skid Row, Cinderella and even Ratt right here in Augusta at the Jesse Norman Ampitheater. Moments surely not afforded mere cover or tribute bands. Mad Margritt has built up a love affair with fans in Augusta and it’s reflected in the energy between band and audience each and every time they visit Augusta. Lokal Loudness talked to frontman Eddie Smith about Mad Margritt and their history with the CSRA.

LL – Right off the bat I gotta ask, how are you feelin? From what I hear you were in an accident of some sort.

ES -I’m doing a lot better. It was definitely one of the worst things I’ve ever had to go through but I’m back on my feet and rockin’ again so it’s all good! Basically what happened was I was traveling back from a show in Mississippi and the guy who was driving the vehicle lost control and we flipped over 6 times. I broke a bone in my back, I had staples in my head, a puncture in my neck and a dislocated shoulder. I was bruised from head to toe and could barely walk for almost a month. I also had a severe concussion so I was having a lot of problems with dizziness. Fortunately the worst is over and I’m back on stage doing what I love.

LL – I can’t imagine anything keeping you from putting on your usual high energy show. As you get older do you feel Mad Margritt shows get any harder physically?

ES -Not really. I’m still in great shape and I don’t feel much different then I did when I was 18. I still get a little back pain from the wreck but other than that I’m rockin’ just as hard as ever.

LL – Speaking of harder, and for any ladies reading I’m not trying to get anyone excited, but your latest cd “Animal” seems to have a harder, even at some point, darker edge than previous Mad Margritt releases. Any particular reason(s) for that?

ES – It wasn’t really a planned thing. When we started writing this time the songs just seemed to come out a lot more aggressive sounding then some of our past stuff. We have always been a very aggressive band live so it’s really cool that we were finally able to capture that same energy in the studio.

LL – What would you say was the biggest difference between recording “Animal” and your previous releases?

ES – One of the biggest differences was that we recorded the whole cd in our own studio. In the past we’ve always gone to a big studio and had to rush through everything because of the cost. But this time we were able to relax and not worry about how much money we were spending. This was definitely the most fun I’ve ever had making a cd and I’m really proud of what we’ve come up with.

LL – Now for those who may not know, “Animal” was released all across the US and in some parts overseas through Perris Records. Any word yet on how it’s being received outside of the southeast US?

ES -It’s doing really well considering how bad of shape the music industry is in right now. Perris Records is working really hard at promoting the cd and even though it’s only been out a few months it looks like it’s by far our most successful selling cd to date. We have been getting people behind us who are calling the radio stations and requesting our songs. The support from our fans has been awesome but we could use a lot more help from people calling in requesting our music on their local stations and satellite stations like XM Radio’s “The Bone Yard”.

LL – Mad Margritt has been consistently performing all across the Southeast for many years now. Any chance of cd buyers outside of this area getting to see you guys live? Maybe even overseas?

ES – We have actually toured all over the United States but most of our shows the past few years have been primarily in the South East. Now that the “ANIMAL” cd is out we are gonna start hitting a lot of cities that we haven’t been to in a while. We have already booked some shows up in New York and New Jersey and we’re working on a West Coast tour that we will hopefully be doing in the summer. As far as overseas, we are constantly getting offers to play overseas but financially it hasn’t worked out yet. It’s really expensive to set up a tour over there but we are seriously looking into it. Who knows, maybe before the year is out we can get all the logistics worked out and make it happen.

LL – Now don’t get mad cuz I was asked to ask you this question. Any truth to the rumor that you’re going to replace Johnny Solinger as the singer for Skid Row? (Hey this is Augusta ..heard it from a friend who…)

ES – I haven’t heard that one, it’s definitely news to me. We have done a few shows with them and they are still kicking ass. Johnny is a great guy and an awesome singer so I seriously doubt they are going to replace him anytime soon.

LL – OK enough non-Mad Margritt questions. You guys used to play a different place everytime you came to Augusta but lately you have played at Wild Wings. Is it that good of a gig or do you guys just really dig the wings?

ES -We try and stay loyal to the venues that book us. When a club takes care of you and treats you right it’s kind of a slap in their face for us to come back into town a few months later and play down the street at their competition. The owners and staff at the Wild Wing here in Augusta are awesome and we love playing there, they always treat us great. By the way, some of the girls who come out to see us have come up with a drink called the “MAD MARGRITT” so the next time you’re at the Wild Wing be sure to order one!

LL – I think I asked you once what was the wildest thing that had happened during an Augusta show but I gotta know. Wildest thing at a Wild Wings Augusta gig? I just gotta think there must be a few doozies.

ES – Augusta is a crazy place. People definitely know how to have a good time here. I don’t know if this counts as the “Wildest” thing that has ever happened, but I would say the most memorable show we ever did in Augusta was when we opened up for RATT at the River Walk Amphitheater. That was a really fun day and it was without a doubt the coolest show that we have ever done in Augusta . It was a total blast and I still have people come up to me talking about that day and what a cool show it was.

LL – So you got a new cd, that by the way rocks balls, but what new cds have you guys been listening to between shows?

ES -I gotta be honest with you, I don’t listen to a lot of new stuff. I love all the old school bands and I still listen to them. Sometimes I’ll hear something new that sounds pretty cool but for the most part it’s Skid Row, Motley Crue, GNR …. all the classics!!

LL – Speaking of between shows. Is Danny gonna be having another tropical vacation contest this year?

ES – We’ve been so busy lately, I don’t think Danny really has time for a vacation. We’ve been running him ragged! He’s always up to something crazy so I’m sure we’ll be hearing soon about some wild trip he’s got planned.

LL – So what can folks in Augusta who have yet to see Mad Margritt live expect this weekend at Wild Wings?

ES – Whenever we play in Augusta we usually do a special “Tribute To The 80′s” show. We really enjoy doing shows like that because we get to play a lot of songs that we grew up listening to. We do everything from the glam stuff like Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, and Poison to the harder stuff like Skid Row, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden. We also do some stuff from our new cd “Animal”. It’s a really fun show and it gets packed in there pretty quickly so be sure to come on out early and get your buzz going!!

LL – Awesome! Congrats on the great new cd and your Augusta fans are glad you’re feeling better.

ES – It is definitely appreciated. We always enjoy playing here and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Mad Margritt visits Augusta again at Wild Wings on February 15th. For more information visit the band online at www.madmargritt.com