The Swiss newspaper Blick recently caught up with KROKUS frontman Marc Storace. An excerpt from the interview is available below:

Blick: Dirty Dynamite is the 17th Krokus album. Does a new release still feel special?

MS: "Of course! Because no one – even not us – believed that after all this time that passed we all would be still alive and enjoy rock'n'roll. Somehow we managed to stay kids after all. Actually it is amazing."

Blick: Meaning what?

MS: "We recorded Dirty Dynamite at the world famous Abbey Road Studios in London where amongst others THE BEATLES produced their biggest hits. I walked into the studios with gleaming eyes, heart palpitation and I felt like I went to heaven. As long as I feel such euphoria I feel I'm doing the right thing."

Blick: There have been rumors for years that you were supposed to replace the deceased singer Bon Scott of AC/DC fame in 1980. Any truth to that?

MS: "Yes, I was considered. At the time AC/DC searched for a successor for the late Bon Scott. One day a guy flew from Birmingham, England to Solothurn, Switzerland and told me to come for an audition. I wasn't interested at all."

Blick: You would have been a millionaire today.

MS: "Maybe so. But I was happy in Switzerland, Krokus started just to break through internationally - even in the United States. We were number one everywhere. In the band, there was this great camaraderie. I did not wanted to leave to go anywhere else. I was here at home. I am a loyal dög."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Krokus have unleashed a new star - one of the four-legged variety - with their new album, Dirty Dynamite, released via Sony Music on February 22nd in Europe and due for release on March 5th in North America as a digital download, regular CD and limited edition double vinyl.

Da Dög - the Olde English Bulldog with aviator goggles and a cigarette hanging from his mouth featured on the cover of Dirty Dynamite - walked in the spotlight on the red carpet with bassist/producer Chris Von Rohr at the Swiss Awards recently

How did this bulldog become the newest member of Krokus? "This dog radiates a philosophical serenity and at the same time pure fun," explains Von Rohr . "The two-year old rock stud is originally from Solothurn, Switzerland - like Krokus, but lives these days in the Zurich region, where most of the time he just likes to chill and do nothing."

"He is a quiet and lazy dog, not very active, rather easy going," tells owner Patrizia of Da Dög, who actually goes by the name of Maddox. "One exception is when he can chase a ball. Or he's getting some food: dog food, cucumbers, carrots. He loves any kind of food except fennel, he categorically spits that one out,"adds Patrizia. "We have to watch him, because he could eat all day long."

And while Krokus roar in concert halls all over the world, the oldest of a litter of ten makes the walls of the home he lives at shake, rattle and roll. "He's not allowed to sleep in the bedroom. He snores so loud, no one gets a good night's sleep," confesses Patrizia.

But these days sleep is the last thing in anyone's mind. Asked if the Da Dög will rock forever, the band answers in unison with a loud an clear "Yes." Being the band's official mascot, he was able to exclusively listen in advance to the Dirty Dynamite album. His reaction? "Woof!"

The album will feature the following tracks:

'Hallelujah Rock’n’Roll'

'Go Baby Go'

'Rattlesnake Rumble'

'Dirty Dynamite'

'Let The Good Times Roll'

'Help' (BEATLES cover)

'Better Than Sex'

'Dög Song'

'Yellow Mary'

'Bailout Blues'

'Live Ma Life'

'Hardrocking Man'

The video for 'Dirty Dynamite' can be viewed below:

Sony Music is offering the title track as a free download. It was the last song that was recorded at Abbey Road Studios at 5 o'clock in the morning. Bassist Chris von Rohr added some honky tonk piano licks on the original 'Lady Madonna' piano at the studio. Click here (scroll down) to download.

Krokus tour dates:

May

2 - Zürich, Switzerland - Volkshaus
9 - Solothurn, Switzerland - Kofmehl
11 - Solothurn, Switzerland - Kulturfabrik Kofmehl

July

20 - Bayern, Germany - Pyras
27 - Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany - Seebronn