Favorite Food & Drink: White wine, steak and pasta
Favorite Color: Black
Thanks to my friend, Lynn Snively (a die-hard fan of Alfie), I got to meet the fabulous, multi-talented and award winning
singer/musician. After the concert, Alfie came over to chat with us. He was very surprised that I wanted him to be a Fantasy
hunk.
Doreen: Alfie, I've listened to your songs on the radio and CDs, but nothing beats listening to you singing live, it's simply
an "orgasmic experience".
Alfie (laughed): Thank you. It's so wonderful to hear that.
Doreen: Is singing your boyhood dream? How did you get started in your singing career?
Alfie: I've never wanted to sing, I wanted to be a guitar player. Other people believe in me more than I believed in myself.
I was pushed into it from the early demos I did as Zappacosta. It took me some time before I actually grew up to the fact that
I could do this well and not hide behind my guitar. I really love to sing today.
Doreen: During your concert, you mentioned that it's your father's 80th birthday. He must be so thrilled that you're in town
to celebrate. What was your parents' first reaction when you told them that you wanted to pursue a singing career?
Alfie: They were nothing but supportive. Anything I wanted to do, they supported me wholeheartedly. One of my deepest
hurts is that my mother didn't live long enough to see me perform.
Doreen: I'm sorry to hear about your mother's passing. She must be so proud of your achievements.
Alfie: I thought she would live forever. I remember when Surrender [his band] was starting to do well, I was planning to
send her to Italy. She never got there. God, she worked so hard. I miss her and think about her everyday. My father Duilio
attends shows when I am in Toronto. He is very proud of me.
Doreen: Your fellow band members are fantastic musicians. How did you manage to round up such a talented group to
work with you?
Alfie: My music attracted them. The musicians who were around me were always more than pop players. Most of my
music was written on classical guitar. The players related to the sophistication there. It was never about the radio. Many of the
boys have remained close friends and I still work with some of them today.
Doreen: Since the music industry is a tough business, how did you manage to get your talent noticed?
Alfie: I credit Deane Cameron at EMI who believed in my music, my songs and me. I had a relationship with EMI for
twenty years and I still have many close friendships with some of the executives today.
Doreen: It's exciting that you are performing in musicals. Do you have to go for auditions in order to get your role in the
various musicals like, "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "EVITA"?
Alfie: I did audition for EVITA in 1985 and 2002. I was hired right away. I didn't have to audition for "Superstar". The
producers approached me because of my name and Marquee value. Still I was surprised because I didn't really want to do
the role but they kept raising the money so I said yes.
Doreen: Do you find it more challenging to perform in musicials than singing with your band? Which musical role do you
like best?
Alfie: Yes, I do. I find it much harder. My songs are a part of me and I am comfortable around the music and my band.
When I get in the theatre, I am part of a collective and we work together to build chemistry and work ethic. We are a team of
about 20-25 people and it is up to us all to sell the show. It is not centred on me. When we succeed and receive accolades, it
is for all of us. I am still amazed at the depth of talent that is in the theatre. My favorite role is "Che Guevera" in EVITA
although I would love to do the Phantom of the Opera.
Doreen: Oh yes, I would love that too, Phantom is my all time favorite musical. Do you get nervous before each
performance?
Alfie: Yes, I get nervous, more so with theatre. I am the most nervous before reviews.
Doreen: Who are the musicians/singers that inspire you?
Alfie: I enjoy a wide range of music. From old Neapolitan singers that my father use to play for me to all voices in pop
that are unique like Mike MacDonald and Donald Fagen (Steely Dan).
Doreen: Are you surprised by the enthusiastic reception from your fans and audience?
Alfie: Yes, I am. It still amazes me when I hear from fans saying that they have been following my career for twenty years.
Sometimes they will show up at my shows with old forty fives and vinyls. I know they went to a lot of trouble to find them.
When I am out there performing, I still give my all to them. I appreciate every one of them.
Doreen: I love your song "Overload" in the "Dirty Dancing" movie soundtrack. Did the producers of the movie approach
you or your agent to be part of it?
Alfie: Frank Davies introduced me to Jimmy Lenner many years ago. He always said somewhere along the line that we
would work together. Sometimes the business is so shallow but Jimmy promised that when he had something to offer, he would
call me and he did. Nobody believe that the deal would actually go through. I will be forever grateful.
Doreen: Tell me how you felt when you were told that your songs and albums were nominated for the American Music
and Juno Awards. Did you expect to win?
Alfie: I was surprised and no, I didn't expect to win. It was great to be accepted by my peers but I still have much to do
and you ain't seen nothing yet?
Doreen: Have you done any acting in movies?
Alfie: No, I haven't as yet but I would like to. I did do an episode of Walt Disney's Danger Bay for television. They came
to me with a script written specifically for me called "Rock Star".
Doreen: If you were approached on the street and mistaken for another singer, would you still chat with that person?
Alfie: Yes, of course. I have had people who came up to me and say, "Hello Mr. Zappa, sorry about your father" (I was
mistaken for Frank Zappa). When this happens, I just say "hello" or "thanks very much" and walk away. On a flight from Toronto
to Barbados, a woman thought I was David Lee Roth from the Van Halen. I told her it wasn't me but she was hoping.
Doreen: Since so many of your fans and I find your singing and your songs as sexy and orgasmic, do you regard yourself
as a sexy and romantic person?
Alfie: I am a very romantic person. Listen to my lyrics, they are a part of me.
Doreen: Does your own romantic relationships or your sweetheart inspire any of your love ballads?
Alfie: Absolutely. When you lose a lover or share a special time with someone, the feelings are compelling and I want to
write about it. I like to reflect on those times and remember. They were amazing experiences. I lived them and I treasure
them...the good and the bad.
Doreen: If one of your fans suggest a one-night stand, would you go for it?
Alfie: Maybe yes, maybe no.
Doreen: Are you the type that cries when a song or a touching scene in a movie moves you?
Alfie: Sometimes.
Doreen: Do you have any groupies that follow you around? What do yo do when fans get aggressive and too close
for comfort?
Alfie: Constantly. I converse with them and let them know that I appreciate them, but I can't give them anymore than that.
Doreen: What kind of women turns you on?
Alfie: All women turn me on. I love women. Each one is unique and intriguing. They are my greatest passion.
Doreen: Who would you choose to go on a date with: former Baywatch and Playboy Playmate, Yasmin Bleeth, Hollywood
actress, Carlista Flockhart from Ally McBeal or one of The Coors? And why.
Alfie: I would like to talk with The Coors. I love what they do musically and because I'm an artist, I think we would have
more in common.
Doreen: David Crosby had given his sperm to Melissa Etheridge and her partner, would you consider that if a fan or a
friend ask you for this special gift?
Alfie: If it were somebody close to me and needed me, yes, I would do it.
Doreen: What are your hobbies?
Alfie: Reading, racquetball, working in theatre, learning how to act.
Doreen: Do you prefer to live in the U.S. or Canada? And why.
Alfie: Canada. It's my home and I like it cold. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.
Doreen: If you were a President or Prime Minister, what would be your first agenda?
Alfie: The first thing on my agenda would be flight regulations. My pet peeve is that it is so expensive for Canadians to see
their own country. We can get a flight to exotic places for a couple of hundred dollars and yet it would cost us thousands of dollars
to see our own country. I don't understand this philosophy. I believe we should be able to travel Canada without it breaking our
pocket books.
Doreen: What kind of job would you do if you weren't a singer and musician?
Alfie: I believe I would have been a hairdresser. My father was a barber and I spent many days after school and on weekends
in his shop. I always thought that I would do the same thing. When I retire from the music business, I see myself owning a little deli
or cafe. I love to cook and maybe you'll find me there singing some of my music and old Neapolitan songs.
Doreen: What is your next challenge for your career?
Alfie: In the last year, I have decided that it is time to go back on the road. I have changed direction musically over the last
several years and it is time to market and perform my new music. I am currently portraying "Che Guevera" in EVITA and will tour
the East Coast of Canada this summer. In August, I will be recording a live CD in Toronto as well as preparing for a new Jazz
record. I am finally doing my music the way I meant it to be heard. I hope you will enjoy hearing it as much as I enjoy performing
it for you.
Doreen: YES, YES, YES!!!!!
For more info. about Alfie's concert schedule, his CDs, merchandise and autographed photos, please go to
www.iamzappacosta.com. A special thank you to Anne Oakley of Sure Shot Promotion (Alfie's publicist and promoter) -
Good job!
