I'm a rockstar on hiatus - Ask Me (Almost) Anything

[SweetnSaltyPopcornPlease]

I'm a semi-successful musician in a rock band. It's my only occupation, has been for some years. I've been a lot of places, seen a lot of stuff and met a lot of people. Ask me anything. I can't answer everything for various reasons but let's see how it goes...

You are being very thorough and patient! I've never enjoyed an ama as much as this!

@Iamthewombat

Have you ever smoked crack with Shaun Ryder and Bez? If not, why not?

Crack is whack.

@RedToothBrush Precisely. Except you don't have to drink. And no musicians I know have ever been to music school.

[quote serenada]@InappropriateFire

What is the deal with Mark Ronson? I can't see it, music wise - what is he so good at? A particular sound? I know he is a producer but everyone else in your list was a musician (I know Spector produced, too)

I don't get him musically yet but his influences and favourite bands are all the same stuff I listened to growing up so I should be able to get it.[/quote]
Then you probably listened to us growing up

I can imagine Dave Grohl doing this type of thing 😂😂😂

@Chocolatedeficitdisorder

Reverend and the Makers.

That's my guess.

Haha, I once did a weird interview with him and another musician. 3 of us at BBC radio, basement floor. He turned up in a Sainsbury's trolley being pushed by the other musician. How they got it past security and down there I will never know.

@RhubarbTea

What's the most impressive freebie or perk of the job that has happened to you while touring?

We once played a US festival and a van drove us to a 5* hotel. We were taken to an entire floor with each room filled with freebies. Clothing, accessories, beauty, everything you can think of. I mostly filled my suitcase with gift for people. I started a gift cupboard at home and never had to buy presents for a couple of years.

@Maranello4

Love this thread When was the last time you were star struck?

Never been star struck, don't think I ever would be. But we were backstage at a festival with Prince. And I could see his high heels and satin pyjama-like trousers under the fence of his dressing area. I really liked his dry sense of humour on stage.

What is an easy way way for a fan of 70’s, 80s and 90s rock and pop music to learn about newer groups that play with real instruments (so not too electronic) and that have depth and soul ?

@Jux

Who is the nicest musician you've ever met?

Did you start your band, or did you audition?
What sort of instrument do you play - guitar, keyboard, drums? How did you learn?

What was your big break? How did it happen?

Many be Keith Flint from Prodigy. Met him an a tiny airport in Europe. We were on the same flight form the festival the night before. He spoke to me first. Empty airport, just us 2 bands. He was the loveliest guy and so friendly. He offered for us to have a cup of tea together.

@backseatcookers

When you say semi successful, what do you mean? Can you give an example of the level of being well known you're talking about? Not your band obviously as you're staying anonymous but ones a similar level of 'known' to you?

We have been nominated for an award and been on popular music shows. We get regular radio play, mostly 6 Music. Other bands of our 'school' have long since broken up and disappeared. We tour, have between 4 and 10 albums but you wouldn't know our faces. We're not rich in money but we're rich in experience. We started before the age of social media so lots that we have done isn't documented as well as new bands.

Are you from Blackburn?

Thanks, it’s a shame you say that about music school. Our thinking is he has to be in education for the next two years regardless so he may as well be studying something he loves. It will get him to know like minded people and he can network from there.

My friend is the drummer in the Foals - you might know him? Sounds like you might move in similar circles

Do you have any pets ?

I’m getting a strong vibe that you are from Sneaker Pimps, OP!

Have you/or your band member(s) ever forgotten the words to songs, when singing live?

Oh are you from The Duke Spirit?

If you started before the age of social media, tour and have albums, and a few super fans, why would no one know your faces? Do you perform in costume (e.g. like Kiss, although people still recognised them off stage)?

Hey OP! Roskilde was my favourite festival back in the 90s. what year did you play?

Do you get recognised when out and about?

Not heard much good about agents. Ever. Even when there was money for agents

Just to derail...agents get a really shitty rep for being cut-throat pendantic bastards and while some of them are a lot of them are just acting according to the artists wishes. Just because whoever the cleb is seems nice as anything on Tele doesn't mean they're not yelling down the phone to their agent every day to get them more money. Also some (not all) artists can be all kinds of unpleasant; abusive, completely bonkers or totally clueless about how the world works. Agents work with artist who pull the sort of shit that would get you fired in the spot if you were an employee. They usually play a HUGE role in making artists successful.

@Smartanimal

Do you get recognised when out and about?

No, only where we will be playing that week or if we have just played there. Then my face will be stand out. So about a week either side of a show in any particular area.

Who are you?

How have you been occupying your time whilst you can’t play gigs?

Elbow?!