Bo Bice On Fronting The Historic Outfit Blood, Sweat & Tears

Answered by: Bo Bice

Tell us about your journey transitioning from American Idol to fronting the historic outfit Blood Sweat & Tears: I didn't realise at the time I picked Spinning Wheel to do on American Idol that it was an audition for what would, a decade later, end up being an opportunity to front this iconic rock/jazz/horn band. It took many years for us to connect due to the insulation of my 'handlers/entourage' that came with the success of Idol and my solo career.

I was kept touring constantly and in the dark until I finally took hold of the reigns and lightened the load. Then three years ago BS&T and I finally crossed paths and decided to do a few shows together. Three shows turned into five, then eight, then 30, now three years later we've been around the world. Twice! And I'm proud to be part of such and amazing alumni of musicians.

With so many line-up changes, what's kept the unity of BS&T's sound? The catalogue of music is the star of the show; the musicians are the vessel for this legendary list of hits. BS&T is known for the musicianship and the legacy of hits to back up the players.

Tell us about the current line-up and how it came together? The line-up is picked by founder Bobby Colomby who is still involved in the day to day running of the band and placement of musicians to their positions. As he has said in interviews, "BS&T is like the New York Yankees. You know that Babe Ruth won't be at bat when you go to the game to see them play, but you're sure to see these players knock it out of the park!"

We currently have musicians from Brazil, New Zealand, Great Britain, California, New York, Philly, New Jersey, and a crazy fella from the South of Alabama who lives in Atlanta... There's no geographical requirement to be in our exclusive club, the only qualification is you must be a MONSTER TALENT IN YOUR FIELD because you don't want to be the weakest link in this musical powerhouse of A-List musicians/performers.

How are you continuing the legacy of such a prolific name in music? BS&T is a group of musicians who are just as big of fans of the music as the people who come to our shows. The music is so iconic that it's been in movies, soundtracks, radio, TV. Come on man, BS&T were even at Woodstock!

How has the band found a contemporary voice? What you see is what you get folks... There are no layered horns, prerecorded backing track portions of the show or layered BG or lead vocals. The songs are all in the same key as on the record because frankly, if I can't sing the songs the way they were originally recorded (the way the fans remember them) then I don't deserve to have this job.

These musicians in BS&T are too talented to handicap themselves with fake backing tracks that don't allow improv... We are a live band and it's always been that way before I got here, and so it shall be while I hold the microphone. That's how the band has continued to stay relevant and touring and never become an 'oldies act'.

What do you think is the greatest/coolest thing about BS&T (from its history or currently?) Every one of the individuals in this group I hold in high regards, not only as musicians, but as fathers, husbands and friends. I can only imagine that when I look back on my stint in this iconic band, the friendships I've made through this opportunity will outshine the amount of pride I feel to have been part of this undeniably talented list of alumni who I've had the chance to follow in their footsteps or had the honour of sharing the stage with.

If it all ends tomorrow I would only have fond memories of my tenure here with BS&T. The hassles of the road, travel, wear and tear on body/mind/soul is part of the gig. Those things go by the wayside once you're out of the initial distractions and aggravation. Then you're left with some really funny stories and experiences with your pals that make the headache of our occupation a distant memory.

For those who haven't seen you live, what can we expect at a live show? Dylan Elise does and incredible drum solo in Smiling Phases and it's always different every time. Ric Fierabracci, our bass player, knocks the song Sometimes In Winter out of the park when he takes over lead vocals for that tune. Ken Gioffre slays the show with the saxophone throughout the set, but his rendition of Erik Satie is absolutely beautiful! We even throw a few surprise cover songs in the mix to keep the crowd on their toes.