Interview Questions On a night when Harley Bar filled with the raw energy of classic rock, George Gakis returned to the stage with an acoustic set that proved music doesn’t need amplifiers to be powerful. Just before he stepped under the lights — or moments after, with the adrenaline still warm — we had the chance to talk with him about his journey, the experiences that shaped him, and what it means to keep rock alive in a world that constantly changes. With honest, passionate words, George Gakis shared moments from a career that continues to evolve.

The beginning of the journey

question 1. The beginning of the journey. What was the moment you realized that music — and especially rock — was the path you wanted to follow in life?

answer 1. Even though I come from a musical family the moment that changed my life was when in an early age I heared a 45’ record of Elvis Presley . One side “Blue suede shoes” and the flip side “Tutti Frutti”    I knew that moment what I wanted to do in my life.

question 2. Influences. Which artists or bands have shaped you the most, both as a musician and as a person?

answer 2. As I said previously my first and biggest influences was and still is Elvis. Because of him I got deep into classic rock n roll then the Beatles and then the Doors. But my music is influenced by the great classic Rock bands such as Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin as well as bands like Whitesnake Aerosmith and Bon Jovi

question 3. Evolution through the years. How do you feel George Gakis has changed from your early days until now? Interview Questions

answer 3. Keeping my roots and being honest to my self my music and the people that follow me even though I like to evolve and add elements in my music and personality through experiences and maturity I m still the same George only with more gray hair…

Connection with the audience

question 4. Connection with the audience What does being on stage mean to you, and how do you experience the energy of the crowd during a live show?

answer 4. Somebody who doesn’t have the experience of being on the stage can’t exactly understand the feeling but the connection with the audience is through pure energy that I send and it’s amazing. When I’m on the stage I m in my alter ego I feel that I have super powers and this comes from the energy that I get back from the audience ! A give and take relationship!!

question 5. The acoustic classic rock show What inspired you to present this more “stripped‑down” acoustic side of classic rock, and what makes this format unique for you?

answer 5. You can’t “lie” in an acoustic show you are “striped down” and what “you see is what you get” with no illustrations.  I enjoy my acoustic shows I put a lot of soul to them but I am still a singer who grew up with bands still have my band the Troublemakers after 33 years love my shows with them but in order to be able to to perform in smaller venues different audiences and less technical demands I work often with my acoustic shows

question 6. Collaborations & experiences You’ve worked with many notable artists. Which collaboration left the strongest mark on you, and why?

answer 6. Yes I was a lucky boy and collaborated and met quite a few of my teenage idols like The Scorpions -Deep Purple Whitesnake – Winger – Dokken  Glenn Hughes – Joe Lynn Turner and many more  I would probably say that I have a special connection with Kip Winger who I respect a lot musically who produced my two latest albums and this ment a lot to me

question 7. The Greek rock scene. How do you view the rock scene in Greece today, and what do you think it needs — or perhaps has too much of?

answer 7.  I was always “away” from the “Greek speaking “ Rock scene and have my own opinion about it but once I m represent for so many years The “English speaking” Greek scene I can say we have some very important artist and groups in Greece but no one really got a chance to have a major career abroad. Hopefully in the next years….

Personal creativity Interview Questions

question 8. Personal creativity When you write music, what inspires you the most: personal experiences, social themes, or the pure musical need for expression?

answer 8. All of the above. Somehow when I m in a creative mood through these experiences and emotions I get in touch with the “universe” and the music kind of flows in my mind. In these periods of creation I think of nothing else I get closed in my thoughts and inspiration and I don’t get out of it unless I m absolutely satisfied with the result

question 9. Looking ahead. What can we expect from George Gakis in the near future? Are there new projects, releases, or collaborations on the horizon?

answer 9. I haven’t stoped in the last four decades and I m always open in collaborations and creative ideas so in these periods future I ll keep being George Gakis…….. Interview Questions

George Gakis

As the lights dimmed and the final chords faded into the room, it became clear that George Gakis is not just an artist with a past — he is a creator who keeps evolving, daring, and sharing his truth through music. His journey remains vibrant, passionate, and authentic, and the road ahead promises the same fire that has carried him this far.

Thanks Thermaikos Portal and George Gakis for permission to reposting Interview Questions