About this interview
In a 2007 interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan's Rock Show, Phil Sgrosso of As I Lay Dying talked about the band’s experiences touring internationally, highlighting the stark differences between playing shows in Australia, Japan, and the United States. He praised Australia for its welcoming atmosphere, calling the people some of the nicest he’s ever met, with a great sense of humor. Unlike in the U.S., where fights often break out at shows, Australian crowds maintain high energy without the chaos. Japan also stood out, as fans there are exceptionally polite and appreciative, sometimes waiting in hotel lobbies to greet the band with photos from past visits. Phil found it fascinating that many Japanese fans don’t fully understand the lyrics but still immerse themselves in the music.
Reflecting on his journey with the band, Phil recounted how he joined As I Lay Dying shortly after the release of Frail Words Collapse. His previous band had played a few shows with them in San Diego, which led to a connection with Tim Lambesis. Over time, they recognized his guitar skills and personality, making him a natural fit when a lineup change occurred. Since then, Phil had been part of the band’s major tours.
Beyond the international fanfare, Phil also acknowledged how As I Lay Dying’s early success stemmed from their proximity to Metal Blade Records. Being from San Diego made it easier to play shows in Los Angeles and Orange County, which eventually led to the band catching the label’s attention. From there, things took off, launching them into the global metal scene.