Q: What is it about your approach to percussion that inspires so many different artists, from Chris Cornell to Peter Murphy to Trent Reznor, to seek you out as a participant on their records?
A: Bill Rieflin : That’s a hard question to answer. I must say that I can only imagine that they’re deluded: that they imagine that I can do something interesting. I think a better question to ask is “Why do they want me to come and work on their records?,” because a lot of people want me to work with them NOT specifically because of my drumming. …
Q: What was your impetus for leaving Ministry?
A: Oh dear, I’ve never actually talked about this in the press. Let’s say that there was no good reason for me to continue on. How’s that for an answer?
Q: It’s a great, concise answer.
A: Oh! Oh, I forgot one of my really glib answers! I’m going to give you multiple choice here. If we go back in time and you ask me “Why did you leave Ministry?” My other answer is “I never was in Ministry.” Now, how do I come to that conclusion? Well, I think that conclusion is based on observable facts. If you observe the records, all of the records, I am always credited as an “other” musician, and Ministry is Paul and Al. So, I was never in Ministry, therefore I never left the band.
Q: How did you get involved with Mr. Reznor?
A: He believed I was a good drummer, and he mistakenly acted upon that assumption.
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ah old bill, it has been a while since his ministry days, when exactly did he leave? mid 90s? What is he doin at REM though. Whatever about peoples opinion about REM but their drumwork is hardly challenging
If you observe the records, all of the records, I am always credited as an “other” musician, and Ministry is Paul and Al. So, I was never in Ministry, therefore I never left the band.
[reply] If you observe the records, all of the records, I am always credited as an “other” musician, and Ministry is Paul and Al. So, I was never in Ministry, therefore I never left the band.
ah old bill, it has been a while since his ministry days, when exactly did he leave? mid 90s? What is he doin at REM though. Whatever about peoples opinion about REM but their drumwork is hardly challenging
no, but definitely more $$ and recognition for him. Good for him though…
[reply][reply] If you observe the records, all of the records, I am always credited as an “other” musician, and Ministry is Paul and Al. So, I was never in Ministry, therefore I never left the band.
he’s got a point there…
-al[/reply]
I thought they asked him to join and he declined.[/reply]
ah old bill, it has been a while since his ministry days, when exactly did he leave? mid 90s? What is he doin at REM though. Whatever about peoples opinion about REM but their drumwork is hardly challenging
Yeah he left when they were coming off the heels of the Psalm 69 tour and preparing to record ‘Filth Pig’. I’ve read in some other interview with Al that Rieflin left because they couldn’t meet the price he was asking to do drums on ‘Filth Pig’, plus he seemed dismayed by the drug abuse within Ministry.
Too bad he didn’t work on ‘Filth Pig’, but that album had some good drumming anyway (“Dead Guy” in particular).
By far one of my absolute top 5 favorite songs by Ministry EVER. ESPECIALLY the drums and the piano arrangements. Hell… everything about that song is top notch in my eyes.
It’s possible Rieflin didn’t want to be identified with the band as anything more than an assistant… he’s got a pretty good standing in the classical music field, having toured with numerous Philharmonics, and that close-minded industry wouldn’t smile upon one of their members joining what they would consider to be nothing more than a cheesy heavy metal band.
Whatever the reason, I’m glad Rey took over for most of Filth Pig. Rieflin’s drumming style was more repetitive, formulaic, and boring. It fit the musical stylings of TMIATTT and Psalm 69, but Rey’s drumming was a much better fit for FP. There’s far more drum fills and innovative drumming on the songs where he is credited as doing the drum parts.
His drumming on “Impossible” is also very good. I wish he had become a permanent member of Ministry.