The Great Statesmen
20 Questions
Friday 8th of September 2006
1. How did you come up with your band name?
We thought it would make us look clever.
2. How long has the band been going?
Since mid 2005.
3. In one sentence how would you best describe your music?
Hard edged, big riffed, explosive, moist music.
4. Who/what would you consider are your most inspiring musical influences?
Anything from Detroit in the 1960's. Elbow (Really nice blokes), Bloc Party and anything that required you to bounce up and down in the early 90's.
5. Apart from your mum, who/what are your most important non-musical influences?
Cans of Fosters. Other peoples mums...
6. What's the thing that sets your band apart from the rest?
Our tour bus runs on vegetable oil.
7. Where was the first gig you ever played?
The Purple Turtle in Camden. No one arrived til 10 seconds before we went on stage 'cos the Arsenal game was on next door. Damn them...
8. Where was the best gig you ever played and why?
The Purple Turtle (Again...same place, different day) on Kris' birthday. Massive turnout, rocking set and a bottle of cheap Champaign waiting for me when I got off stage. What more could you want?
9. What was your most embarrassing moment whilst playing live?
We had a battle of the bands thing in Camden. Loads of people, a film crew and only a 3 song allowance to impress them. First song blasts in, Kris (singer) leaps in the air with true rock grace, only to land slap bang on the drum kit. Followed by my arse.
10. What was the first gig you ever went to?
My mum took me to a 'Go West' concert when I was 10. Do you think I can prosecute for that? (Kris)
11. If you could choose the line up for the best gig in the world who would be on it and where would you stage it?
Hmm... Well lets have Muse, foo fighters, Black eyed peas (BEFORE what's her face showed up), Radiohead (playing stuff before 'Kid A'), and Sophie Ellis Bextor... just so we can throw stuff at her.
We'll stick it on at The Barfly... only cos the floor moves when people bounce up and down, totally freaks out the guys downstairs.
12. What was the last album you bought/downloaded/copied/nicked?
The Fratellies. Goin' to see 'em this week. Claptastic, bouncy rock. Awesome. (Steve - guitar)
13. What's your favourite song lyric?
'Yes I am a fool, and yes you are a fool. But who can name a penny that has not been in the pocket... of a fool...?' -'Opposite Ends' by The Crimea. Their lyrics rock.
14. What's your take on the current state of modern music?
A Damn sight better than it was 5 years ago. Every day I hear a new great band. About time.
15. What makes you switch off the radio?
Diagnosis Murder.
16. Which animated character do you have the most empathy with and why?
Rodger Rabbit... always had a thing for redheads ;-)
17. If you could have a drink with any dead musician who would it be?
Freddie Mercury. If anyone's having a glammed up, week-long party in the after life its him.
18. If you were a groupie, who's tour bus would you try and sneak onto and why?
James Blunt...Because something really, really needs to be done...
19. What are your day jobs?
What's a day job?
20. Anything to confess?
I killed the deputy. (duraid - drums)
Author: Steve
Found in: Interviews