Progressive rock radio program, The Gagliarchives, is set to feature an interview with AYREON / STAR ONE mastermind Arjen Lucassen as well as feature tracks from the new Star One album, Victims Of The Modern Age, this Saturday, November 6th.

The show airs from 10 PM to 2 AM on New Jersey's The Pulse-Z88.9/95.1/100.7FM. It can also be heard streaming line via Real, Windows, Quicktime and Shoutcast.

Additional information on the long-running program can be found at this location.

Radio Metal has published a new interview with Arjen Lucassen. Arjen talks about the latest Star One album, gives his thoughts about the lack of success of his previous project, GUILT MACHINE, and gives somes clues on his future projects. Arjen also ends the interview with an anecdote where the name Ayreon was misinterpreted as "Aryen".

The following is an excerpt:

Q: Is the fact that Star One doesn't sound that different from Ayreon the reason why you want to wait before to get the Ayreon project restarted? Do you want to take time to try out new ideas?

A: "Yes, definitely. I’m in no rush to do the next Ayreon. I don’t even think the next one will be another Ayreon. I think what I would like to do now, and that’s again bring us back to the first question you had today in this interview, like “do you think that a lot of my success is based on the fact that I have famous guest singers”, I would love to do a solo album with no guest at all. Just me. And that would be a big challenge for me to prove that “Yeah man, I can do it on my own too!” So yes, I need that challenge. So I think I will do a solo album with just me and try to make it interesting. And how you try to make it interesting? by coming up with new stuff and new sound. So yes, I need those challenges."

Q: But is it something that is already scheduled?

A: "Yes. I think I really feel now that I should do a solo album. But I’ve been saying that for 10 years now… I mean the last Ayreon album was going to be a solo album. But then you know, I hear all these great singers and I think “this singer should sing this part! That singer should sing that part!” And before I know it I start another Ayreon! Then I did Guilt Machine and it was planned to be a solo album too. But then I heard this great Belgian singer who is really better than me and I thought “no, let’s do an album with him!” So each time I plan it and each time I fail. But now I think I really have to do it. I’m 50 now you know. I see around me that singers are losing their voices or losing something in their voice at some point. So I think I should do it now."

Q: Will you really be the only one singing?

A: "Yes. Maybe some female backing vocals, it’s something I’m not sure about yet. But yes, it would be just me."

Q: Will you resist the temptation to include a guest?

A: "It would be dangerous if I start adding one…" (laughs).

Q: By the way, do you know the problem with your first name ? it means someone who is a nazi…

A: "Oh yeah! As in Aryan race!"

Q: Did you have some problems with your first name actually, about that?

A: "Actually, some people in America had problems. There was one guy who had put “Ayreon” on his car number plate. People were really thinking that he meant “Aryan”, like in “Aryan Race”, and they trashed his car. (laughs) And the guy actually sent me his license plates. They are hanging on my wall now. Yes, there were people thinking that, but that’s the last thing I wanted people to believe of course."

Q: "Do you have a picture of the license plate?

A: "Yes! "

Check out the above mentioned photo, and read the full interview at this location.