Originally formed in 1989 in a small town in Sweden, Nestor reformed and released their official debut album in 2021. Later this month they will be setting sail on the Monsters of Rock Cruise alongside legendary arena rock acts like Tesla, Extreme, Saxon, Winger, Queensryche and many more! Stay tuned for our coverage from that once-in-a-lifetime event. But in the meantime, here is our interview with Marcus Ablad, bassist of Nestor…
Rockin’ Interviews: How are you?
Marcus Ablad: I’m good, how are you?
Rockin’ Interviews: I’m really good! Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. Nestor was originally formed back in the late 80s and then disbanded for around thirty years. What caused you all to get back together and create music again?
Marcus Ablad: It was primarily the strong bond between all of the guys in the band. We’ve always had this connection and always stayed in touch. Even though we had a long break, we never officially said that the band was over. We felt like we had unfinished business and needed to play together again. Our love for music and our love for each other was too strong to deny.
Rockin’ Interviews: Your debut album was released in 2021, can we expect any new music from the band in the near future?
Marcus Ablad: Right now we’re currently writing for a new album while also touring our debut. If everything goes to plan, we’re hoping to release a new single towards the end of the year and then the full album at the beginning of next year.
Rockin’ Interviews: Awesome, can’t wait to hear what you guys are working on! On the track Tomorrow you collaborated with Samatha Fox, are there any other musicians you would like to collaborate with on future Nestor music?
Marcus Ablad: That’s a tough one, there are a lot of awesome musicians everywhere. Personally I would love to play with some of my childhood heroes like Doug Pinnick from King’s X, he’s one of my all time favorite bass players. Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, all of the Kiss guys. Steve Lukather of Toto, Dann Huff of Giant. If we could do some collabs with them that would be awesome.
Rockin’ Interviews: Dan Huff is amazing, so it would be super cool if you guys got to work together! Your sound is very 80s hard rock influenced, what are some of the bands you were listening to for inspiration when first creating the album?
Marcus Ablad: We had a lot of influences. Kiss, Toto, Giant, but we were also listening to a lot of synth based rock. I love the Eurythmics, Depeche Mode. And then harder rock like Judas Priest. I would describe the album as a tribute to all of these bands but also a mix of newer influences that we got from playing in other bands throughout the years. Having it sound very 80s was a conscious choice, however they’re new songs and are also a product of the things we grew to love as we’ve gotten older.
Rockin’ Interviews: All great influences! I personally think the album turned out awesome. The Monsters of Rock Cruise is coming up in a month, what are you looking forward to this time around and does Nestor have anything special planned for their second time performing on it?
Marcus Ablad: I definitely think things are going to be a lot more relaxed and better hopefully. When we performed on the Monsters of Rock Cruise last year, we hadn’t played very many shows since getting back together. We’ve now played a lot of shows and our bond has strengthened. I think the Nestor experience will be a hundred times better than the last time. We’re all really looking forward to it because it was a great experience last time.
Rockin’ Interviews: It’s going to be my first time on the Monsters of Rock Cruise this year and I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait to see your guys’ set! You’re playing a lot of big festivals around Europe this summer including Rock Imperium Fest in Spain and Wacken Open Air in Germany. How does it feel getting to be on the same lineup as so many iconic bands?
Marcus Ablad: It feels crazy. Last year was so crazy and unreal and magic, a real pinch me in the arm type of year. And this year is already looking like it’s going to be the same. We’re going to have the opportunity to play alongside so many great acts. I’m especially looking forward to playing with Motley Crue. They were my first concert when I was twelve years old, so it’s going to be a moment that is close to my heart. We’re very grateful and happy and we’re going to keep on rockin’!
Rockin’ Interviews: You will be having the second Nestor Fest this August. How did this concept come about and can fans expect anything new for this year compared to last year?
Marcus Ablad: We’re expanding it this year, last year it was only us. This year there are three bands and maybe more. It’s going to be a mix of synth and hard rock. We’re going to have a great two days so the fans better be ready with their game faces on. We’re going to make it an even better experience this year, and I hope people go home with a big smile both Friday and Saturday, and then wake up on Sunday longing for the next Nestor fest.
Rockin’ Interviews: I’m sure they definitely will! You have a track called 1989, what are your top favorite albums from 1989?
Marcus Ablad: I’m gonna go with Giant’s debut album. I love the track “Love Welcome Home”, it’s one of my favorites.
Rockin’ Interviews: If you could go back in time to see one band or festival, who would you go see and why?
Marcus Ablad: I would love to have gotten to see Kiss back in the 80s. It would’ve been an awesome experience to see them in their prime. That would’ve been awesome. Everyone loves Kiss’ 70s stuff, but their 80s stuff has a special place in my heart, so that would’ve been killer.
Rockin’ Interviews: I agree! Favorite 80s movie?
Marcus Ablad: Big Trouble in Little China. It’s got everything an 80s movie needs. It’s incredible.