Peter Vink

Y. Boertje
Date: 26-01-2005

Peter "The Tongue" Vink is a name that is forever connected to both the 'Ayreon' and the 'Star One' universe. As bass player he has already contributed to many of Arjen Lucassen's projects. He played some bass guitar on the first Ayreon album, The Final Experiment and was the bass player for the Star One tour in 2002.

Most recently he played bass guitar on the Ayreon single release 'Loser' and replayed all bass guitars for the 'Actual Fantasy' 2004 re-issue. Time to catch up with Arjen's favorite bass player: Peter Vink!

- What was the first contact you had with music that you can remember?

When I was four years old I got a drumkit... because the neighbors started to complain my parents switched instruments on me. I had to play accordion.

- How did you end up in music?

Through Rock 'n Roll... I discovered R&R through radio Luxemburg. It was one of the first pop radio stations in Europe. I also saw I saw picture of a bassguitar on a single cover. And because of my unskilled use, I had managed to break two of the highest strings on my guitar, so I had four left. A bass guitar has four strings... and that is how it came to be.

- Did you ever get a music education?

Yes. When I was 40 I attended Rotterdam Conservatory and got my diploma... just like that. Hahahaha.

- What music and which musicians do you consider your greatest influence?

I can name a few bassists. First up Paul McCartney. And Chris Squire, Jack Bruce, Eddy Jackson, James Jamerson, Jeff Berlin.
As far as bands go: Beatles, Yes, Savatage, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, Queensryche, Beethoven, Queen, Michael and Janet Jackson. Motown, Jazzrock in general. And so much more. I'm sure I'm forgetting some... oh, right Ayreon! Hahahaha.

- Did your style change over the years?

No, I don't think so. I've been a bassist for 40 years and it is difficult for me to say whether my style changed or not. I do try to play my own style and play a lot of bass at home, by my style is influenced by the music I play.

- What kind of music do you like to listen to yourself?

Rammstein. Progrock. Symphonic rock. Classical. Hardrock and metal. And every now and then 'fireplace rock' like Steely Dan and Andrew Gold.

- What kind of band do you think is interesting right now? How did you find out about them?

Rammstein. Through one of my students.

- You've been in the music industry for quite some time. According to you, what is the difference of the music industry from before the internet and after?

The difference lies in the awareness of the bands themselves about what they can do beyond the music. Thinks like marketing and promotion on the internet. There are also a lot more places you can buy music. And fortunately there are also a lot of 'indy's (independent labels, ed.) that provide a place for starting bands to make a cd/dvd.

- Do you think the internet is something positive or negative? And why?

It is positive. Because you can communicate all over the world through the net, and you can promote yourself so much through for instance a website.

- You have a nickname: 'The Tongue". Where does it come from?

Because when I am completely immersed in the music and I am focussed, I stick out my tongue. And, of course, my tongue is unsurpassed in its beauty!!!

- You've done a lot of professional work. Which bands or acts are most dear to you?

The most dear to me would be the tours with Finch, Q65 and Star One. Finch inspired me to play bass in a different way than what I had done before. Q65 because the fans sang everything along... all the hit singles we had... word for word. Star One because of the high quality of musicians, the songs and the organisation of the tour. Unforgettable.

- How did you get in contact with Arjen?

I first ran into Arjen when he was 18 years old and his first band Mover wanted to make a demo. They asked me to be their engineer and producer. From that point on we kept bumping into each other at different projects. We've remained friends for all these years. I was very proud that he continued to involve me with his music as a bassist. I hope we will continue to work together through the years.

- What is more fun to work on: Star One or Ayreon?

That's a difficult question because with Star One we also performed Ayreon songs. It cuts both ways. However, Arjen really likes playing bass... and playing bass is good fun... so let me do the Star One songs and Arjen can continue doing Ayreon songs... deal?

- Do you have some funny memory about the Star One tour?

It's lame really... everyone knows that guitarists have problems with their nails. They wear down and by the end of a tour you don't have nails left. When we were in Hamburg during our Star One tour Joost (van den Broek, ed.) and I walked around in the area of the venue. We came across a street called "Nagelsweg" (English translation: nails gone). You get the picture. Joost completely understood and we couldn't stop laughing. I know... lame. But that's a moment I still remember!

- Can you tell us something about your equipment?

I've been playing a Yamaha sb 600 bass since 1980. A second bass is a Fender jazzbass Geddy Lee model. My speakers are from a dutch brand Hevos. I use the 4x10 1400 and the 1x18 900 watt. My preamp is an ADA md1 with an update and a Hevos preamp with end Hevos 2x 900. FX is a midi-guided Rocktron Intellifex LTD. Sennheiser wireless type EW100 and a Korg 19" tuner and Rotosound or GHS roundwound strings. My guitar pick is selfmade of plexiglass. I hope the fans can help me by making me some more. Hahahaha!

- You're also a bass guitar teacher. What is the thing that stands out the most about the new generation of bass players?

That they are absolutely clueless on the music from the sixties. But when I deal with Led Zeppelin or Deep Purple during class they are stunned that these bands are so good. And usually... after a few weeks, they can already play a few of the famous songs.

- Are you in any bands at the moment? Do you have plans?

No, at this point in time I am not in any bands. The last thing I did was a Thin Lizzy Tribute band. Very cool. Of course, I'll always be a 'band-guy' but considering my age, it seems unlikely that anyone will ask me. If a band were to ask, I would certainly consider it. I plan to continue teaching at the Fontys College for Music Management. I've been doing that for eight years now.

- Do you have any musical dreams?

Absolutely! A world-tour with Arjen (Ayreon or Star One) and recording a CD with pieces of Beethoven arranged for bass guitar. That would be cool!

- Anything you'd like to add?

Yes.... much good fortune and health for all the fans and thanks so very much for the heartwarming responses!

Love, Peter Vink.

Thanks Peter for taking the time to answer these questions!

If you want to contact Peter, please send a message to the management through the contact page on the site- your message will be forwarded.