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From KISS to SYMPHONY X: Mike LePond’s Lifelong Ride Through Metal

By capitalchaostv on June 1, 2025 • ( 0 )

In this candid interview aboard the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise, Mike LePond opens up about everything from his early inspirations and bucket list goals to the challenges of performing at sea. He discusses the evolving music industry, his thoughts on AI, and why perseverance is the key to surviving—and thriving—as a musician in today’s world.

Mike LePond (bassist of Symphony X):
I’ll take you back to 1979. I went to see KISS at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and at that moment, I knew—that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. That was it for me.

Capital Chaos TV:
What’s left on your bucket list—both in life and music?

Mike LePond:
You know, I’ve done so much already. But musically, I definitely want to see more Symphony X albums happen and do more touring—especially in countries we haven’t been to yet. That would be fantastic.
As for life, I live a pretty simple life and I’m happy. Honestly, I just enjoy being with my dogs.

Capital Chaos TV:
What’s new in your world in terms of music and gear?

Mike LePond:
Well, finally, Symphony X is really close to finishing our next record. The last one was in 2015, but now we’re making a lot of progress and we’re super excited. That’s what’s next for me.
Once we complete the tour cycle for that album, I might start thinking about doing another solo record.

Capital Chaos TV:
I saw your name on the Hellfest lineup with Ross the Boss. Are you involved in that project?

Mike LePond:
Not anymore. I played with Ross from 2016 to 2022. Ross is a fellow New Yorker and a good friend. I’m a huge Manowar fan, so playing those classic songs with him was an amazing experience.
I used to go to Manowar shows and watch Ross on stage, and then suddenly, I was up there with him—it was surreal. The crowd reactions to those songs were incredible. I had a great time, and who knows, maybe we’ll do something together again in the future.

Capital Chaos TV:
What are the biggest challenges of performing on a boat—in this kind of climate?

Mike LePond:
There are definitely challenges. When we played on the pool deck, the wind was blowing us around, and the air was so humid that my fingers stuck to the strings—it made it hard to play the way I normally do.
And then the boat itself is moving, so you have to keep your balance. You don’t want to fall!
Last night, we played in the theater. It was still hot and the boat was swaying, but at least there was no wind.
So yeah, it’s not like a normal show—you’ve got to adapt and stay aware.

Capital Chaos TV:
Do you prefer creating music or performing it?

Mike LePond:
That’s a good question. With Symphony X, I’d say performing. Writing with Symphony X can be very intense—the songs are complex and take a lot out of you.
But performing live and seeing the audience’s reaction… that’s priceless.
For my solo music, I’ve only played one live show so far. But in that case, I really enjoy the creative process. Music just flows out of you, sometimes in ways you don’t even expect. You look back and think, “Wow, how did I come up with that?” It’s a very fulfilling feeling.

Capital Chaos TV:
What’s the best—and worst—advice you’ve received from a record label or management?

Mike LePond:
These days, record companies want you to do all your own promotion—your own social media and marketing. And we’re like, “Hey, that’s your job!”
We’re from the old school, where the label promoted the band, and we focused on writing music.
So yeah, that shift in how promotion is handled really bothers me.
As for the best advice, it probably came from various people over the years—some of whom I’ve forgotten. But the message was always the same: Don’t give up.
If you stop, someone else who didn’t is going to take your place. So we’ve kept going—it’s been 30 years now, and we have no plans to stop.

Capital Chaos TV:
Your guitar player (Michael Romeo) plays some of the tastiest leads—he’s incredible.

Mike LePond:
Yeah, he’s amazing. It’s funny—because I see him play every day, I sometimes forget just how good he really is. His playing, his songwriting, his composition skills—they’re all top-notch.
I’ve learned a lot about songwriting from him. Our keyboard player is another brilliant composer. I have so much respect for both of them. It’s a blessing to work with musicians like that.

Capital Chaos TV:
If you could redo any past album, which would it be?

Mike LePond:
Probably The Odyssey. That album came out in 2002, and the title track is about 24–25 minutes long, with tons of symphonic elements.
Technology has advanced so much since then—if we re-recorded it now, I think it would sound absolutely incredible.

Capital Chaos TV:
Have you always embraced new technology? These days, AI seems to be the big one.

Mike LePond:
We’re a little scared of AI, honestly. Some of the AI-generated music out there sounds surprisingly good—not like junk at all.
It’s a little intimidating. We’re wondering how we’re going to compete with that in the future.
But AI can also help. It can assist with lyrics, give you new ideas, even help with writer’s block.
So yeah, like anything, it has pros and cons.

Capital Chaos TV:
Where do you usually listen to music these days?

Mike LePond:
Back in the day, it was all about the record player in the living room.
Now, it’s mostly on my computer. Someone will recommend a band, and I’ll pull them up on YouTube to check them out.
There are so many bands now—it’s hard to keep up. That’s another great thing about this cruise. With 60 or so bands performing, you get exposed to so much great music.

Capital Chaos TV:
You’ve played on this cruise before, right?

Mike LePond:
Yes, this is my fourth time.
The first time was with a Texas-based band called Helstar. Then I did it with Symphony X, Ross the Boss, and now Symphony X again.
I love this cruise—it’s such a great experience. The fans are so passionate about heavy metal, and they truly appreciate what we do.
I never take it for granted. I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of it.

Capital Chaos TV:
Lastly, do you have any final thoughts for anyone watching or listening?

Mike LePond:
The music business is always changing—it’s not easy, especially with the internet and how things work now.
But if you love what you’re doing, don’t stop.
Don’t let others bring you down—those people are probably the ones who gave up.
Keep going, work hard, and hopefully, you’ll get to experience some of the amazing things I’ve had the chance to do.
Good luck to all of you.