In Conversation With The Multi-Faceted ROY Z Page 2
by Tim Henderson

Z's role, once again was a mishmash of writer, producer, guitarist. Who wrote the material?

"It's never one-way," Z says. "Obviously Bruce is a very accomplished songwriter, but this time we collaborated right down the line. To be honest with you, it's going to be a record that people are going to talk about for a while. It's serious. I don't know when it's gonna come out, but it's good man. I really enjoy the record a lot and the songs are really strong."

Z says that record is done, song titles, album title and all - and of course, it's all hush-hush at this point. BW&BK sources say that the record is currently being mastered.

"From my end it's done," he reveals as all Maiden fans stand and take notice. "It's been getting some touch-ups here and there, but it's done."

Anybody working with you on it?

"Yeah, I brought in Stan (Katayama) - he's always on the Bruce records and he worked with me on the Priest. I brought Stan in to help me mix the Priest record, 'cause I was tired man. He was in England with me for about a month."

As for his relationship with the revered singer, Z says that "Bruce is like my big brother. That's how I look at it, he's my big brother. I look up to him in different aspects. I love him and I love his family. That's it man. To work with him it's like cutting butter. It's nothin' - it's not even work."

In Conversation With The Multi-Faceted ROY Z Page 3