from BW&BK
Grapow is understandably hesitant to talk about any behind-the-scenes problems that might have influenced his and Kusch's dismissals, and he makes it clear that he won't slag his former bandmates in the press. Asked about whether or not the other members of Helloween were justified in saying that he and Kusch did not contribute enough or weren't committed to the band, Grapow is mystified by such claims. Granted, his songwriting contributions over the last couple albums were on the low side, but he did write two of the strongest songs on The Dark Ride, one of which was the title track. And Kusch was probably the most prolific writer in Helloween beside Andi Deris.
"To say that we didn't contribute to Helloween or weren't into the band is wrong. I played 75% of the guitars on The Dark Ride; I have the original tapes to prove it. And Uli is so creative, he's written some of the strongest Helloween material ever. There was some tension in the band at times, I think because of the fact that the drummer wrote too many good songs. I guess that pissed some people off. That's why I'm really f**king happy to have Uli with me. They gave up the best songwriter in the band."
At this point in time, Grapow says that the chances of his ever working with Helloween again are "never", but he doesn't discount the possibility that he might change his mind in a few years. For now, however, Grapow and Kusch are concentrating on their new band. Songwriting has been completed, recording is commencing, and a record deal is only weeks away from being finalized.
ROLAND GRAPOW - Once Around The Ride Page 3