Eric: The starting point of this tour is South America and it´s the first time we´ll be sharing the spots since 2002. I´ve been a fan of Richie´s talent for years. Even before the short period we played together at Mr. Big and did “Get it Over and Actual Size.”. Richie, besides being an excellent guitarist is also an amazing singer and that´s why I had the idea of doing duets with him. We could share the choruses and sing in harmony. I´ve always thought we completed each other as singers. At this time he is the star and I´ll be warming up his concerts. I´m very happy for it. He is the star in South America and I hope to be a star on the go and being discovered. It´s a new beginning and I love this job.

Maila: Talk a bit about the tour...

Eric: Well, we´ll be playing on the same stage, but with two different bands. Richie has a new album to promote and I´m promoting the one which was released in Japan and being re-released in South America. Actually my intention is to promote myself as an artist letting the fans know that I´m still alive (“I´m still alive and kicking”).I´d say that this tour is a reunion of old friends and band mates.

Maila: You´ve been to Brazil before but not in Rio de Janeiro. What do you know about Rio and what are your expectations in relation to the fans?

Eric: Eric: It is funny that you´re asking me this cause Mr. Big should have played in Rio but the concert had to be canceled and, for that, we had to do a concert for 100 thousand people at Santos Beach, in São Paulo the day after of what our show was supposed to have happened. Well, unfortunately Mr. Big wasn´t able to play in Rio but I believe I am at least a quarter part of a good thing that will happen now. I am very excited about this tour with Richie and playing in Rio is like reaching the top of it. Now I´m hungry!

OK, where to start from? Capacabana and Ipanema beaches (long live to Astrud Gilberto for singing that wonderful song... thanks Antonio Carlos Jobim for writing great songs), The Christ, bossa nova, samba, Milton Nascimento, Paulinho da Viola... The music and the spectacular song writers and interpreters. Carnaval (even though I know I´m gonna miss this one), the night clubs... Gosh! There is a lot to see and I know there is much more I can imagine. I really don´t know what to expect from Rio fans but I want to make it clear that I won´t bite (maybe) and if you get out of your chairs and get opened to the fun I will be just a man who is there to give it to you. I promise to sing the best I can and and will be loving the fact you´re there to listen to me...uhm and perhaps shake it up a bit.

Maila: You are considered one of the best singers of the world. I, particularly believe that among all hard rock singers who are still on the road you are one of the few who hasn´t lost the shine of your voice, the singing strength, the singing power. To me you are still perfect! What do you do to keep in shape? Which advices would you give to those who intend to follow your footsteps?

Eric: Wow thanks, you are so lovely. When I´m on the road I don´t drink alcohol (OK, sometimes I have to confess that I do it), I don´t smoke and don´t stay up ´till very late at night. I know...I´m fu#king boring, huh? Well, I think my fans and friends are paying expensive to hear me singing. If I spoil everything because of having too much fun my reputation will fall apart. Of course I´ve already gone to parties after concerts and have overdone it a few times. I used to think I could manage and sometimes I messed it up. This is why …. Mr. Boring will slow down this time. All of you future rock singers pay attention, OK? Are you ready? Here we go...

No heavy drinking and get to know your limits. Avoid talking during concert days (don´t whisper cause it´s worse), don´t put lemon in your tea (unless you really have a cold), cause lemon dries out the throat. Try to use throat sprays and teas. Always use things that can keep your throat hydrated as gums and, obviously, drink a lot of water (without drowning, of course!). The key to a great concert is a good night of sleep. Sleep as much as you can until you are completely rested. If you didn´t have a good night of sleep the night before the concert because of stress or anxiety it will surely be a difficult concert to you.

Maila: Which moment of your career do you consider the worst and which one is the best? Why?

Eric: Eric: I´d say that the worst was when my father (who was also my best friend) passed away, my wife left me and the band broke up, all these almost at the same time. The best was when my song To Be With You reached the top on the same day in 15 countries. Man! The band got to heaven that day, there was no worry and nothing else would matter that day. Great rock moments!

Maila: Have you got other projects going on? A new cd, new partnerships...?

Eric: I have a new solo album in which I´ve been working for a long time and as soon as this tour is over, I hope this flame is still on in my ass so that I can finish and release it in 2008. Before going to South America with Kotzen I spent a month in Australia. After South America I´ll take some days off to kiss my wife and babies, take some rest and then, hit the road again. This time to Europe, India and finally some concerts around the USA. Then I´ll take some days off again and Europe once more.

Maila: Have you ever had a job not related to music? Could you tell us what?

Eric: I´ve been an ice cream truck driver... Man, what a hard job! But I really enjoyed seeing the children, well, some of them, hehehehe.

Maila: Please, use this topic to say anything you want, leave a message to your fans!

Eric: Thanks a lot to all of you to keep me and my music alive and kicking…and don´t forget, call your moms and thanks her for everything. See ya!