21st March 1999
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A lot of people consider Endless, Nameless a "commercial suicide" (myself included). Is the way it sounds an "aural statement" of the band's condition at that time, or did you just try to do a radically different album? I like a lot of the songs on the album, but I can't listen to them because of the way they sound.
Jens Gallmeyer

We did try and make Endless, Nameless radical as we were sick of hearing limp-wristed rock albums, and in typical Wildhearts fashion we went completely over the top.

The sound of Endless, Nameless was the sound of drugs, frustration at how dysfunctional our band was, and the influence of Devin Townsend's Strapping Young Lad and the Chemical Brothers.

What made The Wildhearts actually call it a day, when they'd finally seemed sorted with a record company (which was supposedly why they kept splitting before)? We've never really found out why they finally split.
Vicki Macklin

The band finally split because of drug problems, and specifically Danny's use of heroin. We basically starved him off of it. You don't want to see him die. Having a loved one addicted to smack is heartbreaking, and ultimately results in jail or death. Heroin is slow suicide... and no band is worth the death of a member, however "glamorous" it looks in history books.

Do you feel in any way bitter or angry that The Wildhearts were not huge (in the sense of complete global stardom)? As fans, we all think they were the best band ever, but the number of people I have introduced to their music who have come back after listening to them and said "The Wildhearts are the best rock band I have ever heard - why were they never huge?" is amazing. I'd just be interested to hear what you think are the reasons why the band never made the absolute big time, and to what extent and in what ways that hurt.
Alan G

Sometimes I get a little bitter, but I try to be realistic about it. Nothing happens in your life without you having a direct involvement, so I guess that The Wildhearts never wanted to be huge. I think it would have killed at least one of us, too. Personally speaking, I think that I've been kept from fortune and fame until I'm responsible enough not to blow it!

What's your relationship with Mushroom Records?
Richard Steckles

I'm no longer working with Mushroom Records, but they are all very cool people, especially Corda, Wez and India.

Why were the last singles released with different (and not new) songs on different formats, something we all thought The Wildhearts were against?
Vicki Macklin

The multi-formats were done because people were charging five pounds for a single, and when we were told to do this, we insisted on a set of three for five pounds instead.

The cover versions were us having fun, which didn't seem to be a popular concept. We honestly thought that we could maybe get people into the bands that we were into, without charging them 15 pounds for a covers album.

Will we ever see a farewell Wildhearts tour? Or perhaps a single gig?
Alice Wealleans

We had a gig booked last Xmas at the London Forum, but The Yo-Yo's were busy, and that's obviously Danny's main concern. I'd personally love to do one last gig. Ask the boys!

Will we have a farewell tour? I can't imagine that's going to be possible as Danny is fully committed to the Yo-Yo's, Ritch has the Infidels and I'm always in a different country to both of them anyway. A single gig is a possibility if we are all in town together. Since splitting the band up, we are all much better friends than we ever have been.

What are the chances of you working once more with ex-members of The Wildhearts? A Ginger/CJ tune would surely be great?
Peter Slater

I'd love to work with ex-members of The Wildhearts. Actually we're all ex-members., whaddyamean?!

Will you please go on tour with Devin Townsend?
Martin Headon

I would love to go on tour with Devin. I never tire of his company, and boredom is a major concern on the road. So, sure... let's go.

Any chance of another solo gig by yourself in the near future? Possibly in Leeds?
Peter Slater

A solo gig? Sure. By myself? No way!

Are you playing at any festivals this year (Reading, etc)?
Richard Steckles

I won't be playing any festivals this year as I'll be recording the album.

Does it make you proud of your achievements when you realise how important The Wildhearts are to so many people? The fact that THE WiLDHEARTS MAiLiNG LiST is still running even though the band no longer exists is proof of this.
Claire Butler

Yes, I'm very proud of the things we achieved in the band. We always stuck to our guns and I sometimes think that we were the last band in the world to have the balls to do this. And then sometimes I think... "fuck it."

Does it surprise you that many bands now coming to the fore are citing the 'Hearts as a major influence? Does it surprise you that your music meant so much to so many?
Peter Slater

No, it doesn't surprise me that bands cite The Wildhearts as an influence, but it did surprise me that they never used to. It always takes one band with bollocks and the rest will come out of their closets.

"Look at them running..." (Schitzophonic)

That band was Backyard Babies (mucho cahunas). It could have been 3 Colours Red, but I was disappointed that they never let on that they were/are huge fans.

I'm not surprised that my music means a lot to people because I always appreciated the honest, common touch. And I presumed I was not alone.

Is there any unheard Wildhearts stuff tucked away somewhere (other than the early stuff that Darren has told us about)? If so, will it ever be released?
Claire Butler

Yes there are some mad old relics popping up every day. In fact, yesterday, an old friend played me some ancient Wildhearts demos from just before the first EP that I can't even remember writing (I swear this was the freakiest thing in the world), and the songs where really great. So if this blew me away then I'm sure that Wildhearts fans will be pleasantly surprised too. I have shit-loads of demos that I'll either record properly or make available some day - probably on the Net.

I seem to recall young Daniel once saying (I think it was in a fanzine interview) that when the Wildhearts had 20 or so promo videos and some good live film recorded, you'd release a video. Well that ain't ever gonna happen now, so how about releasing all the ones you have done? (I've still never seen TV Tan.) Weren't E***W*** going to release a video to go with the release of the Best Of album?
Joseph Dimmer

EastWest would never release a video 'cos they hated our videos and don't care about you. There will be a Wildhearts extended video diary/bootleg available soon on the Net (I hope).

How do you feel about people absolutely worshipping your music?
Gary Taylor

People "worshipping" my music? The term "worship" scares me a little. "Appreciate", "relate to", "dance to" - they're all OK. I'm only providing a service that I'm thankful I have a talent for.

Can you please take a little time to explain your thoughts on songwriting. Do you get the words or chords, etc first?
Gary Taylor

Whatever comes comes. It's sometimes like I'm playing a cover version, or it comes out as a stream of stuff and I feel like I'm just sitting listening to it as a fan. Really! I just don't know how I get the ideas, but I'm not complaining.

It could either be tune first or words first, but I get neither without inspiration from a situation, person or memory, etc. And for me, chords are like shoes... where it all starts. And, let's face it, I'd look stupid trying to run without them.

When you write songs, do you have a clear vision how they should sound - meaning: do you tell your band in the rehearsal room what to play or do parts come up when you jam with 'em?
Jens

As the only guy writing in the band I had no choice but to show the band the songs and how to play them. Sometimes literally note by note.

Which gives you more satisfaction, coming up with a really good guitar part or a really good line?
Joe Dunne

Both, exactly equally!!!

What, in your opinion, is the greatest chord change that The Wildhearts ever performed?
Gary Taylor

My favourite chord change at this minute is the verse to Beautiful Thing You, but I'll no doubt change my mind tomorrow.

Is it really impossible to create great things when you are happy?
Pat Olver

Being happy does indeed make good music, but it's the kind that is usually very instant, as far as the listeners "getting it" is concerned, and therefore more likely to be disposable. I find that the deeper stuff is of the "hmm, that's interesting" variety that tends to lodge itself into your brain for a rainy day. How often have you woken up and absolutely needed to hear a specific song? I know I do, and it's usually some obscure album track that was never intended to be a single. You can bet that the songwriter was going through some personal stuff in that tune without regarding the listener as such. Unhappiness doesn't make good art necessarily, but it usually makes lasting art.

Some of your lyrics are very sad/cynical. I'd like to know if you have ever suffered clinical depression or any related disorder. If so how did you learn to beat it/cope with it/live with it?
Alan G

Yes, I suffer from extreme clinical, manic depression (or whatever the quacks are neatly labelling it these days). I used to blame the bottle but I've been sober for a while now and it doesn't seem to make much difference. I find with talented songwriters (who I'm modestly including myself with), the symptoms of depression, frustration, elation, etc are very common. Who knows what came first, the disposition or the talent? I'm not sure that there is a better way of dealing with it than having friends of a similar disposition. One thing's for sure, people really don't tolerate or understand it (nor do doctors, for that matter). So without sounding like a moron, try and smile, knowing that even in the face of adversity you are onto something special. And keep your standards high!

Which three Wildhearts songs do you feel are your best?
Vicki Macklin

Sky Babies, Bad Time To Be Having A Bad Time and I Wanna Go Where The People Go.

Will you ever perform Sky Babies with any band live? I'd drive a thousand miles to see this!
Gary Taylor

No, we never did Sky Babies live. Danny could never remember all the bits!

What is your favourite song that you've written?
Alan G

Today, it's a new one called Monkey Zoo. I got it late the night before last and it's a very cynical look at life, death, sex and love. If you like melody you should love it.

What is your favourite line (lyrically) in any song that you've written?
Alan G

See above... "It's a mystery how we keep on seeing it through, we just do. Here at the monkey zoo!"

What inspired you to be in a band in the first place?
Chris Jenkins

I think it was definitely Kiss that inspired me to be in a band. They made it look a lot of fun and the songs were simple enough for the fans to learn.

What was the first piece of music that touched you, and how did it feel?
Muttley

Welcome Home by Peters And Lee. It still feels exactly the same.

What song (written by someone else) do you wish you'd written?
Alan G

A Good Year For The Roses, by George Jones. Performed by Elvis Costello. (Today's choice!)

Who was The Miles Away Girl about? Anyone in particular?
Alan G

My ex-girlfriend, Sara.

Did CJ play on the p.h.u.q./Fishing For Luckies recordings?
Jens Gallmeyer

CJ actually played on most of the Fishing... and p.h.u.q. sessions. They were both recorded at the same time.

Who made the Smileybones guitar and what happened to it?
Jens Gallmeyer

A guy in Sunderland that Danny knows made the Smileybones guitar. It was stolen in New York on a video shoot when a roadie left it unguarded (and our management didn't insure us!).

Did you have any input into the Wildhearts box set released in Japan?
Richard Steckles

Naomi Ohno did all of the packaging for the Japanese box set, with Nobby Okumura from EastWest Japan. Naomi works for Burrn! magazine. They are both very cool people.

What did you think of Darren's history for the box set? Is there any additional stuff that you could add for those of us who weren't there?
Jeff Hall

I think he did a better job than I ever could have.

Is Darren really as dreamy as he looks in pictures? ;-)
Jeff Hall

Dreamier! Any more dreamy and he'd give you nightmares!

What is your favourite concert moment?
Paul Macomber

My favourite concert moments are the Finland festival riot, the crowd singing a rock 'n' roll version of Don't Worry 'Bout me at Cambridge after Top Of The Pops, the Japanese crowds crying (making us cry too), and many, many more... keep asking!

Do you miss the unique atmosphere that was created at Wildhearts gigs? I know I do.
Matthew George

Yes, I do miss the atmosphere at Wildhearts gigs. The Wildhearts' audience is renowned for being amazing. Other bands were openly jealous. Honest! Therapy? once told Ritch they'd kill for our crowd. I miss it a hell of a lot, but we will be acquainted again, I'm sure!

Were any of the acoustic shows from last summer recorded for possible release in future (aside from the tracks on the bonus CD of Tokyo Suits Me)?
Steve Fiendly

Yes, the solo gig from the 12-Bar was recorded for a bonus CD to go with the live album. The problem is getting a record company to release it in Britain. Don't worry, I'm working on it.

Did you listen to the BushPilots demo I gave you at the London acoustic gig? If so, what did you think of it, and can we do a gig with you?
Muttley

The only good demo I got at the acoustic gig was a CD by New Generation with no details on at all (get in touch). The rest all needed a lot more work on the songs and the production. But everyone has to suck at the start!

You have so many great songs like Schitzophonic, Hate The World Day and the infamous Sky Babies, and a lot of the B-sides that you have never played live. Why? I understand that a song like Sky Babies is hard to play live, but it would certainly kill everybody dead.
Jens Gallmeyer

We never really got the B-sides into the set because we hated rehearsing, and by the end of our career Danny wasn't showing up for rehearsals.

Shitty Fucking Stupid Tracks has now been released officially, and I understand these recordings are owned by EastWest, but what's your opinion of them?
Jens Gallmeyer

Shitty Fuckin' Stupid Tracks has some great stuff on it but it's unmixed, and that to me is a bit of an insult to the fans. But it is flattering, I suppose.

Why did The Wildhearts drop out of the American tour with AC/DC?
Paul Macomber

Lack of cash, bad management and general incompetence.

How do you feel about American mainstream music?
Paul Macomber

American mainstream music allows for rock, punk and pop. And that's got to be a good thing, right?

Any plans for a US tour?
Jeff Hall

I'd love to tour the US. I never did in the past and I'd die trying to in the future.

Any plans for a US recording deal/release on any present/future projects?
Jeff Hall

There are indeed plans to release stuff on an American label in the not too distant future. Our management/record company in The Wildhearts always told me I couldn't get a deal in the States. Hey presto, I came over myself and got one. (Don't listen to anyone unless you know it to be correct.) More on that later, I promise.

I've always wondered why The Wildhearts never made it in the US. To this day, I'm still baffled by the lack of response. I understand that EastWest fucked the band over from day one, but that still shouldn't have deterred the American public from buying Earth Vs. My main question is this: What is wrong with the American buying public? It seems that most Americans wouldn't know a decent song if it crept up and bit them square in the ass. I was just wondering what your opinion is on why the band never really took off in the States like they should have.
Jimbo

America, like every other country, is brainwashed by record company and radio manipulation into buying what's "hot". There are very few people in general who know what they like. As a race, popularity is paramount, and so the most popular, pushed band always wins. It's the same with any product: the hypnotic effect of product placement. Does anyone really think that Budweiser is better than Newcastle Brown Ale?

I live in LA, and apparently that's where you're hanging out these days. When and where are you going to play a show? If you play a show in LA, would you play Wildhearts songs, or would it be mostly the new stuff that you've been writing?
Fredric Newberg

I'll be playing around LA in about a month under the name Silver Ginger. I'll be playing all new stuff in preparation for the album recording.

Have you heard any more about your stolen Smileybones guitar while you've been out in the US?
Joseph Dimmer

The Smileybones guitar is in someone's bloodstream (or rather, has been for some time). Hope they had a good buzz on me.

Are you gonna try to get a North American release for your new record, or even any of the old ones? Now that you're (temporarily?) based in LA it would seem that it wouldn't be too difficult, and you know us fans would love to get some of this stuff at the non-import price! And hey, how about playing a show next time you're up here in Vancouver?
Rich Jones

I hope to release everything, old and new, in North America. I'm working on deals as we speak, so keep watching this space. I'd love to play Vancouver, as I love the place and I could get me old mate Devin in on the action.

When, if ever, will the two mighty forces who collaborated in Vancouver (ie, you and Devin Townsend), release their work to the public?
Mike Drew

Listen, there's no one in this world I would rather collaborate with than Devin Townsend. He amazes, entertains and impresses me on many levels. Ask him!

Do you know if there's any reason why The Wildhearts weren't "pushed" in Australia? Is it an EastWest thing? It would have been nice to see you here 'cos we could never afford to go overseas (although Japan last year was a serious option).
Chris Scully

The only reason The Wildhearts weren't pushed in Australia was because EastWest didn't really like the band! Neglect. It's a pity, 'cos Mushroom would have been great for that. Ho hum.

Do you plan, or have the desire to play here, in Brazil?
Whit

Playing in Brazil? Are you kidding? Have you seen Brazilian women? The only problem I would have in playing Brazil is leaving.

Any plans for a web site so that we far flung Ginger fanatics can travel to gigs, plan meets with other fans, etc. Some of us have to travel a long way (Colorado USA).
Jeff Hall

Hopefully, I will keep in contact with every country that wants to keep in touch with me. How about it Darren? Tara?

Do you use the Internet, and what do you think of the Wildhearts sites?
Gary Taylor

I'm just getting used to the Internet. (I'm kinda backwards with a computer!) I love the Wildhearts sites. Very flattering!

I have a piece of paper somewhere on which you've written: "Web sites are shite, all of them, so don't feel bad that yours is too." What I want to know is, why the change of heart?
Ben Hoare

I was probably joking as I don't know a thing about web sites, so it's a bit like saying "quantum physics sucks." But even so, we all grow up in time. Be open for all new possibilities and don't be afraid to change your mind on anything. It's our prerogative as human beings and essential for both mental and social growth.

Did Jak at Mushroom give you the fiver I sent over last Christmas? I sent her something for Xmas for getting me the Endless, Nameless stuff. I thought I wouldn't get a chance to buy you a pint myself, so I sent it along to Jak.
Jeff Hall

She did, cheers! (Hic.)

If you could have five dinner guests from any time in history, who would they be and why?
Alan G

Denis Leary (humour), John Lennon (sarcasm), Ray Zell (warmth), Christina Ricci (looks), Devin Townsend (talent).

What's your favourite film? And book?
James Smythe

Film: The Exorcist.
Book: Please Kill Me (it changes a lot).

What do you think happened to Richey James?
Jeff Hall

I think he went away somewhere nice to live where the people aren't so demanding.

What are your thoughts on religion? I get the feeling you're a humanist agnostic (correct me if I'm wrong), but it would be nice to know your feelings on religion and all its ills.
Alan G

I do believe in a higher power governing this whole mess, but I detest organised religion as it defeats the whole personal effect of higher teaching. Maybe it's God's idea of natural selection... anyone stupid enough to subscribe to a mass brainwashed clique, to the back of the line!

What's your educational background?
Alan G

I'm completely self-taught as a result of ignorant mass "working class-style" education. I started learning after I left school.

I once met you at the Glasgow Garage and was bowled over by how humble you seemed. Are you really a quiet guy?
Gary Taylor

I'm quiet only when asleep or humbled!

Have you ever thought about packing up the music biz and going legit; getting a nine to five job and a mortgage, a wife and two whiney brats?
Peter Slater

Pack up the music business?! I'm not lettin' you lot off that easily. This business needs someone to kick up a bit of shit. Hey, it's a dirty job, but...

As for marriage, who knows? I'll try anything once.

What are your plans for the future?
Paul Macomber

The future looks so bright I've took to wearing two pairs of Raybans at once. Expect lots of varied activity... I'm turning into a songwriting junkie!

Who's in your new band?
Richard Steckles

There is no real band, just loads of musicians appearing on the album.

Are you really rehearsing with Bam again? Cool if true.
Joseph Dimmer

Yeah, I'm rehearsing with Bam and his wife. Share. Bam's just one of my favourite people in the world. I'm having a blast.

Is your new band gonna play any gigs in the near future?
Joseph Dimmer

Dunno about the gigs. It's not really a proper band, just a recording one.

I heard that Alex Kane, who used to be in the LA band Life, Sex & Death, is playing with you. Is this true? LSD's one and only album, The Silent Majority, is one of my favorite CDs (right up there with Earth Vs The Wildhearts!).
Fredric Newberg

Alex Kane is indeed playing with me (you know your stuff, pal). He's 10 tons of madness in a five ton bag. (LSD were great.)

The Wildhearts were always ahead of their time. You were doing rock 'n' roll while everybody else was a bunch of melodramatic morons. When everybody was doing pop punk, you released Endless, Nameless. What will you do next? Will you do something new or will you become a new member of the glam movement (nothing against glam)?
Whit

I will be doing something one step ahead of the pack 'til the day I die (if I don't, kill me). My new stuff is back to the classic songwriting of early Cheap Trick, Kiss, etc, etc - stuff you need actual talent to rip off. I hate trends as much as you do and have no intention of buying into one.

How long is it before we can expect to see Ginger gigs in the UK, and if we do what kind of music will it be? Any comparisons?
Richard Steckles

I hope to play the UK as soon as the album is recorded. Comparisons? Imagine The Wildhearts' best tunes, multiply by ten and slap a smile on it.

Super Shit 666 - spill the beans! What's going on?
Matthew George

SS666 is a sonic aggression (mini-)album that is going to blow the cobwebs off your speakers.

What is Silver Ginger, and when can we expect it?
Gary Taylor

Silver Ginger is the name I'm calling my new stuff, 'cos the songs sound "silver." I hope to record the new album starting at the end of April, so expect a September release, or at the latest February.

What do you think of the recent "explosion" of glam rock bands? Are you a fan of Placebo, Backyard Babies et al?
Peter Slater

I love the idea of "glam" bands coming back into fashion. I hate bands looking dull and upset about something... Lighten up and put some eyeliner on.

Will there be any further collaborations with the Backyard Babies (a la Babylon) or maybe The Hellacopters?
Fredric Newberg

There will be song collaborations with Backyard Babies on their next album. As for The Hellacopters, I would love to. How about it, Nicke?

How's the hunt for a record deal going?
Joseph Dimmer

The hunt for a record deal is going good. The deal in Japan is sorted... I'm working on the rest of the world! There are a couple of labels after the new material already. And I haven't even recorded anything more than demos.

How's Ritch doing?
Richard Steckles

Ritch is doing a rock/dance project call The Infidels with Ralph Jezzard (Endless, Nameless producer) and a singer called Zeitia who is a rock goddess.

Any other bands you can recommend? Your last few choices have been top!
James Smythe

Check out an album by Foil and start with a song called Soup. It is amazing. Also Lo-Fi Allstars and Devin Townsend's Infinity poach my kippers. Danny Nordahl (ex-Throbs, NY Loose) has a new band called Motochrist, and they're good. They have a classic song called We Came, We Saw, We Drank. Bubble (Bam's lot) also have a classic song, 6000 Miles. And there's a group called Turd who are great in a Rocket From The Crypt kinda way. The Yo-Yo's are amazing, and the same goes for Vive Finitto. Also, expect great things from Groop Dogdrill. The Black Crowes' new album, and Buckcherry are pretty good. And Fatboy Slim's album still mashes my potatoes.

What do you think of the state of the British rock/metal scene? Is it going underground again?
Claire Butler

I think British rock is looking pretty good at the moment, but no, I don't think it's going underground at all. I think if bands don't start wanting big things for themselves then this current scene will disappear sooner than you can say "martyr."

What do you think of The Yo-Yo's / Jellys / SPF / ST, etc?
Matthew George

I love The Yo-Yo's. Alongside Groop Dogdrill, they're my favourite English band. I'm amazed at how great The Jellys turned out to be. What are SPF and ST? [SugarPlumFairies and Sack Trick - Ed.]

Do you have any crap jokes? Can you tell us one?
Claire Butler

Q: What's invisible and smells of biscuits?
A: Pensioners' farts.

What's the stupidest question you've ever been asked in an interview and what was your response to it?
Claire Butler

See previous question.

Could I get an autograph?
Paul Macomber

Yes!

What do you find is the most frustrating aspect of the music "business"?
Muttley

The lack of consideration for the artist's vision of how he wants himself (or herself, obviously) and his music to be perceived. It's like cooking a perfect meal and someone coming along with a blender and making soup out of it.

What do you really think of your fans?
Vicki Macklin

I think more of the fans than some people give me credit for. If you knew my personality, you would see how much I improve with encouragement from you lot. Really!

Will you come to my 50th birthday party on April 10th?
Pat Olver

I'm constantly amazed at how far reaching The Wildhearts' message spans. Unfortunately, unless your 50th birthday is held in LA, I don't see me making it. But I may be in England at the time, so who knows?

Are you happy?
James Smythe

Happier than I've ever been, but not as happy as I'm gonna be!

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