The Demon AKA Gary Piears-Banton




1. Who's idea was DTK ? How did the concept actually materialise?

It initially came from a suggestion by Carol at UK KISS fanzine 'KISS Crazy' that I should try and form one and that she knew of the perfect 'Paul Stanley'. So, I met Ash at a party at Carol's and we hatched a plan to form DTK over a KISS pinball machine.

2. How did Tigertailz become aware of DTK? Was it due to the 3 page review in Kerrang! & the fact they're all big KISS fans?

I believe so. Soon after, we played the 'York Barbican' with them and then at our 'Cardiff Bogiez' show Kim got onstage and bowed down at us "We're not worthy"-style! lol!

3. Cast your mind back to that debut night, how was everybody feeling whilst you were putting the make up on for the first show & how nervous were you ?

We were all very excited but also nervous of mucking up...especially as we knew we had some well known journalists watching us!

4. Over the 21 year history of DTK, what has been your proudest moment?

Two spring to mind.... the first is playing the huge 'Ariake Coliseum' in Tokyo...and getting to shout "Tokyo!!"... the second is filming an episode of 'Rock School' with Gene Simmons and getting to play for him. :)

5. Describe your feelings when you found out DTK were to play a 7 date arena tour of Japan

Stunned! I never believed that a humble 'tribute' band could get to scale such heights!

6. Out of all the KISS members past & present, who has been the most enjoyable person to perform with at an Expo?

Definitely Bruce! He's a consummate professional but fun too and it was a joy to share the stage with him.

7. When do you think KISS first become aware of DTK & have they ever given the band any support at all?

I know for sure that they were aware of us as early as 1990 because I personally gave demo tapes to each of them at a hotel in Asheville, North Carolina on the HITS tour! Gene asked for us personally to appear on his Rock School TV show and both Gene and Paul have mentioned us in magazine/TV/Radio interviews over the years...

7. Tell us about your personal pre-show rituals...

Sh*t, shower, sh*g, shave....lol! Seriously, triple-checking whether I've done everything I need to do onstage (blood/fire prep etc /handing set lists to sound/lights etc) then slowly drinking a pint of cool water while preparing my make-up etc...

9. Did you honestly believe you'd still be doing this 21 years later ? What do you think is the secret to the band's longevity?

Honestly?! No. I thought we might get five years out of it.

The secret to our success is a combination of hard work and great reputation. We've always conducted ourselves professionally and courteously with venues, promoters, agents, techs and other bands. We make an effort to chat to the audience afterwards and make them feel 'part' of the evening. We give amazing value for money and ensure that the audience always gets what it's come for. Add all those things together and you have the secret to our longevity...

10. If you had to choose one show as the ultimate, best ever DTK show, where was it, when was it & why?

If not the Tokyo Ariake Coliseum show in June 1996... then the outdoor show we played over the beach & boardwalk to 5000 people at Lloret De Mar, Spain in July 2009. A perfect setting, great crowd and it all came together just right!

11. What is your favourite song DTK play live?

Probably one of the faster tracks like 'Creatures' where we raise the energy level and I get to play some fast grooves with the drummer...
Otherwise 'Deuce' is always a cracker! ;-)

12. If money were no object and you could play anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?

Any large high quality arena/stadium with a great sound, LOTS of KISS fans, beautiful ladies and luxurious after show facilities ;-)

13. Describe how different things are in DTK today compared to when you first started back in 1990.

It's a lot more organised and smoother running now and I can trust that everyone knows their responsibilities both onstage and off... which makes for a more relaxing and enjoyable show!

14. Lets have your technical specs:

Guitars: I have approx 50 basses of all types (Spector, Wal, Hamer, Jackson, ESP, Fender, Schecter, Peavey, Cort etc etc etc) but within DTK I mainly use the following:
Feline 'Spector SB-1 Gene 77' replica bass
Feline/Kramer 'Axe' replica bass
Cort 'Axe' bass
Equipment: The closest I've found to replicating Gene's monster tone is with the following: BBE Sonic Maximiser Line 6 Bass Pod (set to mid 70's Ampeg SVT) Ampeg SVT3-Pro Amp (power stage only) Early 90's Mesa Boogie Diesel 2x15EV Bass Cab

15. What is personally your most embarrassing moment ever onstage with DTK?

I once got too near the front of the stage during my bass solo/blood spitting routine, lost my footing and tumbled into the crowd! Luckily they caught me, pushed me back onstage and I didn't spill a drop! Good job they couldn't see my blushes through the white make-up! lol!

16. Finally, who, out of all the band's you've played alongside / had as support, would you say are your favourite?

Without a doubt 'Limehouse Lizzy' - good friends, great guys and complete professionals!