Guitarist with metal band Eric Spruden from Harderwijk and just back from a tour in South America: ‘a new experience’

October 30, 2023 at 3:30 PM

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Harderwijke Eric Spruden (54) from Harderwijk is a guitarist with the metal band ‘Ancient Rites’. He was on tour with the band in South America two weeks ago. “Fans chanted our name, wanted our autograph and took their picture with us. That dedication from the fans was a new experience.

While many musicians start playing an instrument at a young age, that is not the case with Eric. “In high school we had to play the recorder during music lessons. I was really bad,” she says. When a family member sold him a guitar, Eric was even more interested. “I always play air guitar in my living room, so this is an easy way to get a real guitar.” It turned out to be a bull’s eye. “I didn’t really have guitar lessons, but actually taught myself. Musicality runs in my family, so obviously I inherited it.

I never had guitar lessons, but basically taught myself

Ancient Rituals

Eric found a new passion. He was determined to continue making music. “I had a very strong drive. I wanted to progress and I did everything I could to make that dream come true. In 1996, he got a call from the band ‘Ancient Rites’ asking if he wanted to fill in for the regular guitarist who had resigned two weeks before their tour, Eric. It didn’t take long. “After the trip I asked if I could join the band permanently.” Eric auditioned for Rite and has been an official band member of Ancient Rites since 1997. “I feel very lucky. It came my way and it was something I really wanted. Not everyone gets that opportunity. If not for Ancient Rites I would have ended up somewhere else.

On tour

Ancient Rituals is a black metal band from Belgium. This type is perfect for Eric. “I’ve been a metalhead for years. Hard rock and metal feel natural for me to play. Many Dutch musicians now play in the band, including Harderwijn-born Jori Hogeveen, and the band has had international success. As a result, Ancient Rituals went to South America for a week and a half on a five-country tour. “Performances “I always have a lot of fun while on tour, but this tour is really special,” says Eric.

Some fans brought CDs and records so we could sign them

A warm welcome

This is in part due to the band already being well known in South America, as they had previously released an EP under the South American label. “We were very warmly welcomed. Some fans had brought CDs and records for us to sign and our names were shouted in the audience. It was a new experience. On average, the band played to about five hundred people per show.

happily

Ancient Rituals closed the tour in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Eric really enjoyed the tour. “I feel happy on stage and stand with a lot of confidence.” He wants to be a full-time guitarist. “That’s no longer possible,” he admits. “But this time is also good. When I play, I live my dream.

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Andre Tours

Ancient rites often have the opportunity to perform in Europe. “I’ve played on five European tours,” says Eric. “We’ve played at many festivals and in Israel. Every time it’s a completely different experience. It’s hard to compare them to each other,” he says.

Ambition

The South American tour had an impact on Eric. “We slept little and traveled a lot.” However, he would do it again. “This is what I love to do and I will continue to do it until I drop,” he laughs. Ancient Rituals have ambitious plans for a new album. “Hopefully it will lead to new publicity and shows. Either way, I’m really looking forward to it.