I can't really tell if Jon Leon - mainman of White Wizzard- is so weird that no line-up will stay with him already, but the latest album of this young American classic metal band is so good, so we'd better not stay there. You can check below our short conversation with the founding member of White Wizzard who hopefully will not be as chary of talking in the future....

Solid Rock: Hi Jon, this is Lady Evil from SolidRock.gr! How are you?

Jon Leon: Great! Thanks…Sorry it took this long to respond…Been crazy here.

Solid Rock: "High Speed GTO" was a really good appetizer for classic Metal fans, and now it was more than good news to have a full speed attack with "Over The Top" some months ago, too. What is the status in the White Wizzard camp after the release of the EP and prior to the release of the full LP? We did read the lineup has changed drastically now!

Jon Leon: I have had a few line up changes due to behind the scenes problems. I have gone through a lot to get where I am now…but I can assure everyone, the line up we have now is here to stay!

Solid Rock: Did you include, in "Over The Top", any leftovers from the EP sessions? Who writes the music and lyrics in White Wizzard anyway? Is it your personal duty? How is a song built in White Wizzard albums?

Jon Leon: I write pretty much everything but occasionally a member may contribute a riff here and there. I basically just jamming on guitar and then construct lyrics and vocal melodies from there. I will work out vocal melodies on guitar a lot of the time.

Solid Rock: Is the sense of humor a key factor in the band's music? I'm talking about the music since in the video clips released by the band it's obvious you're having a good time!

Jon Leon: Yes! We are like a traveling comedy show on tour..

Solid Rock: Was it a conscious decision to focus on the classic side of Metal music (e.g. the NWOBHM style or classic American Metal) when you formed the band? I mean, you're quite young and someone would suppose you'd filter more modern elements in your songwriting!

Jon Leon: Yes and no…I am also influenced by Rush an Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd and newer bands like Opeth…I just write what I am feeling.

Solid Rock: We know the European market is more fitting to the band's music, but what about America? What's the feedback from over there?

Jon Leon: Pretty good for a band like us, I think.

Solid Rock: Earache Records is mostly famous for its extreme Metal roster. How did you get in contact with them? Are you satisfied with their support? Are you having other licenses for markets in the rest of the world?

Jon Leon: Yes…Earache is great label. They found us and have been behind us 100 percent.

Solid Rock: Bringing on heavier and heavier styles of music and singing, you think heaviness and only counts in order to label some music as "Metal"? Or it doesn't matter as long as the artist likes 100% what he's playing?

Jon Leon: It does not matter how heavy you are…What matters is you have passion for what you’re doing and that your heart is in it!

Solid Rock: The figure in your new album can be considered to act as a mascot for the band, really? Whose idea was the design? Furthermore, who is behind the cover artwork for both "High Speed GTO" and "Over The Top"?

Jon Leon: Derek Riggs did that early art and came up with the wizzard concert with the ram horn helmet idea (I believe from “Tim the Enchanter”) from there it has progressed. He is kind of a mascot I guess, yes.

Solid Rock: To the lyrics again: do you really care for possible criticism against "lame lyrics" etc? How much of value do lyrics have today, really, for a fan? I think the days when the fan read each line in the lyrics insert of a vinyl release are long gone. Your impression?

 Jon Leon: For “Over The Top” they are toung in cheek on purpose for the most part. I just wanted to write some songs that are like being a kid not taking yourself too seriously…just about good times and crazy themes…

Solid Rock: You’ve announced a headline tour in the UK and Ireland in coming November. Are there any support acts announced? Are you feeling anxious for this headline dates? You toured the UK with EDGUY in the past, right? Do you like this ‘happy’ Power Metal style, really?

Jon Leon: Edguy was great to tour with! They have great fans as well. The UK tour is coming up and we are exited about it!

Solid Rock: In e.g. 10 years from now where do you think White Wizzard can be? Does the band have a long-future aim or you just want to have a good time for as long as it's worth doing it?

Jon Leon: We will be around..I expect for as long as we can stand and play. I will never stop!

Solid Rock: Thanks a lot Jon, really thanxxx! We really hope we will have the chance to see White Wizzard in Greece someday, since my country loves traditional Metal all the way!