Canadian producer Bob Ezrin on elevating Pink Floyd, taming KISS and leaving the U.S. behind

Bob Ezrin’s resume is as impressive as it is diverse. Over his five-decade career, the legendary Canadian music producer has worked with dozens of artists, from Alice Cooper and Jane’s Addiction to Taylor Swift and Andrea Bocelli. In a recent interview with CBC’s Ian Hanomansing, Ezrin shared insights into his work, revealing that his role goes beyond just producing music.

“You’re dealing with extremely talented, often very high-strung or complicated people, and you’re trying to get the best performance out of them on every level,” Ezrin explained. His work includes concept development, co-writing, arranging, and sound design. But he also takes on the roles of psychologist, confessor, or protector, depending on the situation.

Throughout his career, Ezrin has been involved in creating genre-defining releases such as KISS’s Destroyer and Pink Floyd’s The Wall. One of his career highlights was recording The Wall, where he worked closely with guitarist David Gilmour on the iconic solo for Comfortably Numb. Ezrin recalled being moved to tears by Gilmour’s performance, which he described as majestic and melodically perfect.

Despite the success of projects like The Wall, Ezrin has faced challenges and criticism. He recounted a falling-out with Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters after inadvertently revealing tour secrets to a journalist. The relationship between the two men has never fully recovered, with Ezrin expressing regret over certain aspects of The Wall.

Ezrin’s ability to push boundaries and challenge established norms has not always been well-received. He recalled facing backlash from fans and critics for his work on KISS’s Destroyer, where he was hired to change the band’s image and sound. Despite the initial criticism, the album went on to become a commercial success.

In a recent development, Ezrin announced his decision to renounce his U.S. citizenship and return to Canada after four decades of living in the States. He cited the polarized political climate as a factor in his decision. Now back in Toronto, Ezrin continues to work on new projects, including collaborations with the original Alice Cooper Band and English rock band Deep Purple.

Reflecting on his career and recent recognition with the Governor General’s Award for Lifetime Achievement, Ezrin expressed gratitude for being appreciated and recognized for his contributions to the music industry. As he continues to make music and push boundaries, Ezrin remains dedicated to his craft and the culture that has shaped his career.