Doro Refuses To Retire: “I Want To Die On Stage!”- Talks New Album, Rob Halford, Bonnie Tyler & Alyssa White-Gluz

The Metal Voice

18 minutes ago

4 min read

The Metal Voice cuaght up with singer Doro Pesch. More than four decades into her career, Doro Pesch has no intention of slowing down. The German metal icon, affectionately known as the Metal Queen, is preparing to release her new nine-song album, 'Wild At Heart' on December 11, 2026. She also revealed plans for a USA/ Canada tour next year.

Watch full interiew here

https://youtu.be/ScztvxNysvk

When asked about the new album 'Wild At Heart ' musical direction

"I just do it and then I hope that people feel as excited as I am, or that they love it, or that they fall in love with some songs. I love anthems and fast songs and ballads. And I think 'You Are Not Alone' is like a killer ballad. It is especially for this time now, before Christmas, where everybody feels like the hearts are pretty open. I definitely want to play that live.The nine-song album was originally conceived as a much smaller project. At first, I wanted to do a single, then an EP. Then somebody said, 'How about a mini album?' And I said, 'Hey, I'll do a whole album. When we played 'Rock You to Death' (off new album) live for the first time, everybody was singing along already and they didn't stop singing. So that was a really good sign."

When asked about the new song "Remember the Good Times"

"I wrote it with my guitar player, Bill Hudson. He actually sent me the chords and stuff, and then immediately the melody and the message popped out.I think everybody loves to remember maybe the good old '80s or the '90s. Man, we were so carefree. You could just care about the music, about the fans. Now I always feel the whole weight of the world is on everybody's shoulders. It's gotten so tough. So I love to remember good times."

When asked about covering a Bonnie Tyler (Jim Steinman) song for a second time on the new album, 'Holding Out For a Hero'

" I grew up listening to Bonnie Tyler. She was on TV all the time. Also we met all over the world. She was super cool, super funny. She always had this dirty laugh, laughing with her raspy voice. And she had a great sense of humor, really dark, like English dark humor! She was a hell of a woman, and I think her voice was so unique."

(She went on to talk about first time she covered a Bonnie Tyler song on last album with Judas Priest's Rob Halford )

"The first time when I met Rob Halford was in Hellfest in France. We were talking, and I could tell he would say, 'Let's do something together. When Halford asked what song I wanted to record I said, 'Well, I would love to do something from the British Steel album. So maybe Living After Midnight.' He said, 'Yes, great choice. But Halford had another idea, he said, 'I would love to do Total Eclipse of the Heart. I always wanted to do that with you."I said, 'Wow!' So we did both on the last Conqueress album, which made me so happy. I was so grateful. So cool."

When asked about collaborated on the new album with Montreal, Canada born vocalist Alissa White-Gluz, formerly of Arch Enemy.

"Awesome! Awesome! I love her. We performed at my anniversary concert, three songs together

and I think 'Touch of Evil' came out so good. And with her growl, I think it fits the song so perfectly for this album. I love that song. It's the heaviest probably on Wild At Heart and I wanted to maybe use the video you've seen on YouTube, but perhaps cut it a little bit better with Alissa."

When asked if she has any plans for about retirement

"I want to die on stage as long as I do it It's up to God whenever he wants me. I do it like Lemmy, till the last day. I don't ever want to quit (retire). As long as you feel healthy, you know, that's the only thing you need to stay in good shape and healthy."

When asked how many young people are showing up to her shows.

"Yeah, totally, totally! Some young men came up and said, 'Oh, Doro, would you like to marry me?' And then I said, 'How old are you?' He said, 'Yeah, I just turned 17 or 16!'" Laughs and concludes.

I'm married to Metal. I'm married to the fans, to all of them. And to me, that's the best."