Have you ever wondered what it would be like if one of the Greek ministers chose a different career path? What if, instead of political science, he chose, let’s say: being the front man of a famous heavy metal band? Well here comes Steve Grimmett with his band Grim Reaper to answer that very question.
When Steve Grimmett was experiencing his first taste of fame in the 80s, never in a million years would he have thought that his popularity would be reinvigorated years later in Greece in the most hilarious way possible. Due to his almost identical resemblance to the Greek financial minister Evangelos Venizelos his career soared in 2011. And this resemblance is truly uncanny.
However, Steve Grimmett is no stranger to the heavy metal scene. His band Grim Reaper were particularly successful during the 80s heavy metal era in Britain and worldwide. Their debut album See you in Hell was the catalyst behind their 80s fame.
The youtube video featuring a live performance of Steve’s band has more than 305,000 views, making them a favourite with the Greek metal crowds. His resemblance with Venizelos gained them huge popularity in Greece resulting in sold out shows, multiple interviews and a lot of recognition via the Greek media.
“I don’t think he looks anything like me but somebody seems to think so and it is all good news for us,” the 52-year-old singer told the British media.
“It pretty much started the second day and then the third day I did interviews with national newspapers.
“They are having a tough time in Greece, far worse than what we are in Britain, and they seem very good natured and good humoured about it.”
Steve said he has not heard from Mr Venizelos and does not know if he agrees that they look alike.
“I haven’t had a call from him yet. I was expecting him to either kick me out of the country or invite me round to ask me how to sort the country’s finances,” he said.
His wife believes she can see some resemblance.
“They have got the same shape face, but Steve is better looking,” she said. ”
This guy [Venizelos] hasn’t got any hair, but Steve has a lot.”
The Greeks seem to enjoy themselves with the ‘true meaning’ of the successful song by Grim Reaper See you in Hell due to the current situation in Greece.
“I would like to say what a pleasure it was to tour Greece and Cyprus. We were greeted with a great abundance of courtesy from the people of Greece and considering the difficult time the country is going through, we found it amazing. We were shown true devotion and love by our fans and I would like to share that back with them. All the best and see you in 2012.”, Steve told Neos Kosmos.
Steve Grimmett’s Grim Reaper will perform with Pain Division, Ex-Dungeon, The Amenta and Empires of Eden on Thursday 8 March at The Patch, Wollongong, on Friday 9 March at The Basement in Canberra and on Saturday 10 March at The Sando, Sydney.