Punchy song intros, versatility, tackling challenges … these are some of Billy Talent’s musical strengths. What about some of their other talents?
Frontman Ben Kowalewicz likes to cook. His specialty? Pistachio-encrusted lamb chops. “They’re amazing and so simple,” he says. “All you need is a little olive oil, salt and pepper, garlic, rosemary, grind up some pistachios, bread them, put them in the oven for 15 minutes … delicious!”
Bassist Jon Gallant makes a mean lasagna. He also has a freaky memory for gigs, dates and the tiniest tour details. He’s thinking about putting together a scrapbook of Billy Talent’s 20-year career.
“Last night, we were talking about The Matrix Hotel (in Edmonton) and the guys couldn’t remember staying there before,” he says. “I remembered everything about it — we played at Sonic Boom, there was a couple having sex across the hall from me when I was walking into my room. They were really, really loud. Jason Mewes was staying at our hotel … we rode in the van together. You remember one thing and the rest comes flooding back.
Billy Talent perform Friday, March 22 at the Shaw Conference Centre with Sum 41, Hollerado and Indian Handcrafts. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.
