Breed 77 are back with their new single Don’t Give Me Up, a powerful anthem for the outsiders, the misunderstood and anyone who has ever felt the pressure to conform. Tackling bullying, discrimination and the judgement that comes with modern life, the song, to be released on 30 October, carries a simple message. It is OK to be different, and nobody struggling with those pressures should feel alone.
In this edition of The MetalTalk Lowdown, Gibraltar-born frontman Paul Isola looks back on sharing stages with Black Sabbath, having breakfast with Megadeth and walking Ozzy Osbourne’s dog. There are also tales of disastrous gigs, questionable personal hygiene on tour and a few strong opinions about the future of music. And, as it turns out, sometimes the worst thing a fan can say after a show is that the lights were great.
What’s the most Metal thing you’ve ever done off stage?
Well, I’ve done a fair few rock n’ roll things off stage that are not fit for public consumption. But amongst the most Metal must be hanging out with Rudy Schenker of the Scorpions randomly in Tokyo, or having breakfast with Megadeth. I also got to hang out at Ozzy’s house and walk his dog.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played, and why?
There’s been plenty of crap gigs in our storied career. We’ve literally played to one man and his dog, and the dog left! But I do remember one time we played a show where the PA was so bad we had to turn the monitors to the audience and create our own PA. More importantly, the show must go on.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever played, and why?
I think the first few really big gigs we did early on in our career still stick in my memory because we were young, wide-eyed and up for it. Plus, we would have never believed in our wildest dreams that we would be doing the things we did. Paredes de Coura festival in Portugal, our first appearance at Download, being the sole support for the Black Sabbath reunion show. All these hold a special place in my heart.
Would you choose a platinum record or one perfect, legendary live show?
I reckon a platinum record, as recorded music lasts forever, and I think we’ve had a few legendary shows and there are plenty more to come.
What’s your greatest fear?
I’ll stay within the confines of me as an artist. I fear a future with music, and any other art for that matter, devoid of soul, of meaning. Content thinly veiled as art, controlled by corporations. Streaming, downloading, MP3, the advent of AI. All these things have diluted the soul of music. Let’s not kid ourselves. It’s been a slippery slope for the past few decades. Music is in a worse place than it was.
What’s the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I’ll bite. I’m crap at names. I forget someone’s name the second I meet them.
What’s the trait you most deplore in other musicians?
They don’t remember my name! [Joke]. I hate when musicians act like rockstars and think they are superior. Dude, we’re just regular people. There’s a time and a place for rockstars, and that’s on stage.
Describe yourself in three words.
Student. We’re always learning. I love to learn. Driven. You have got to have an aim in life. Artist. I have to create to breathe.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Videogames.
What does a great riff feel like to write?
Like raw energy, fire in your hands and the excitement of how this riff will inspire the song. It’s all about the song.
What’s the worst thing a fan has ever said to you?
After a show, “The lights were great.”
What’s the worst thing a critic has ever said to you?
I remember once a critic mentioned something about our overreliance on backing tracks and effects. If anyone knows us, they would know we are the anti-technology band. We have never used tracks. Everything is played live! Nothing worse than an ignorant critic. I’ll take anyone’s opinion, but at least do your job properly and get your facts straight.
If you were not in music, what would you be doing?
Either working in Film/TV or building guitars .
What’s one album outside your genre you secretly love?
Millions! Damien Rice O. Radiohead OK Computer. Gomez Liquid Skin. The list goes on.
When did you last cry, and why?
Every time an animal gets hurt in a film/TV, because animals are better than people.
What keeps you awake at night?
Mosquitos
Riffs, royalties or recognition, if you had to choose?
Recognition. We do this for the connection. We are nothing in isolation, although royalties would be nice.
How do you want to be remembered?
As an artist that people connect with and as a person people loved.
What’s the most important lesson the road has taught you?
Personal hygiene. Some people have it. Some do not. Jokes aside, living in close proximity to other people for extended periods of time teaches you a lot about respect and cohabiting, and it has been very useful in other scenarios in my life.
What happens when the music stops?
When the music stops, we go home.
Breed 77 release their new single Don’t Give Me Up on 30 October. Pre-saves are available at breed-77.ffm.to/dontgivemeup.Their new album VII is set for release on 13 November 2026.
They also tour the UK in November, with King Kraken supporting the first four headline shows and Silo joining the final four. The band also supports Soil in Bradford and Margate. The Manchester date falls on the album’s release day.
Breed 77 will support Soil on their show at Dreamland, Margate, on 15 November. For more details, visit linktr.ee/breed77band.
Enjoyed this Lowdown? Explore more from the series, featuring Toby Jepson, Zorn of Zornheym, Vanessa Warwick, Baz Mills, BAEST, Krusher Joule and Howard H Smith, among others.
Same questions. Very different people. Read more MetalTalk Lowdowns here.
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Paul Isola – “I Got To Walk Ozzy Osbourne’s Dog” | The MetalTalk Lowdown first appeared on
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