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Ask Ginger – December 2008

Kris — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:25:16 +0000

What is it with you and ducks? Listening to The New Flesh, one can clearly hear “We’re the duck you’ve beaten once too much”. Okay, so the lyrics on the WHs site try to mask it as “dog”, but that’s not fooling anybody. At first I thought nothing of it, but then it dawned on me… a friendly warning, 13 years ago – “be kind to your web-footed friends”! Please, tell us what you know.

Soundog

Haha, we used to always go on about how Donald and Daffy Duck were the angriest members of their cartoon brigades. I guess it’s got something to do with that, unless it doesn’t. Which could be a possibility.

And what is it with you and the cruci-fixation you’ve seemingly developed? On The Wildhearts, you sing of Tweety, faith and Her who’s All That being subject to crucifixion. A tad brutal, don’t you think?

Soundog

We think that crucifixion should be brought back and put on pay-per-view with cheerleaders and fireworks. In today’s fixation with reality TV and body modification, crucifixion seems a very natural progression for our gore hungry young voyeurs. And so says all of me.

Now that you have Round Records up and running, and you pretty much have complete control of releases (I presume), would you consider having another go a the Singles club idea, even if only to release the singles online as purchasable mp3s only and not on physical cds, (I guess this would be cheaper and less of a distribution headache!). If not starting the idea from scratch just release the other 18 songs that were already written before infernal f#cked it up!

BGennard

Gone, done with, over with and ptooey. I can’t imagine wanting to go back and finish off a project. When there are too many new things to get excited over. Like televised crucifixion, for example.

a. ‘The Wildhearts’ album is amazing, possibly the best album so far, I was just wondering were any of the songs used from the 13 or so demos recorded back in 2004 before the band split, or are they completely new?

b. If the songs on the new album are completely new, will the ones demoed in 2004 ever see the light of day even if only as purchasable mp3s?

BGennard

a) Thank you.

b) There were no demos recorded in 2004, and if there were I can’t remember recording them.

Therefore I wouldn’t remember where we put the tapes.

You have a wealth of material that’s never seen an official release, is there any chance of these songs being released as purchasable high quality mp3′s online?
I’m talking about songs like :

The songs written for Alice Cooper
Beer For Breakfast
If I were you I’d Kiss me
Same Again,
All the Snake Demos
(Kiss My Arse Before You Say Goodbye, Please Baby Please, Wild Wine And Whiskey, Whose Gonna Stop Lorraine, One More Night, Unsociable Emotions, The Violent Ones, Same Sad Song)
Truth
Church of the Broken Hearted
Push
U Wanna
Just Stay

and there’s probably a whole lot more, like all the songs demoed for the proposed second SilverGinger5 album. I know a lot of the songs mentioned above are available on bootlegs etc, but I’d rather see my money go to the artist whom wrote/recorded them and get decent quality mp3s.

BGennard

Hmmmm, maybe I’ll hunt down and release all this stuff one day if, say, I run out of ideas for new songs. Or lose both my arms.

There’s a chat on the Ginger & the Sonic Circus forum about the Landmines And Pantomimes tracks (Abhoria, Velvet Presley etc). I know that loads of people love those songs, but, like me, hate the fact that they never got a proper finish. Any chance you could finish them off and stick them up free on this here internet? Or even charge for them? Or just finish them and stick them on an album? Any chance at all?

whatevermort

There is, in fact, so little chance of that happening that it’s actually amazing.

Many congratulations, and sincere thanks for the new one (The Wildhearts) it is rather spectacular to say the least.

Does it aggravate you at all that seemingly, all of your solo efforts and band efforts are continually dissected and analysed, and each individual note, lyric, delivery style is compared and contrasted?

Keith Richard

Thus is the mixed bag that having fans is. Bless ‘em, I love ‘em. Even the ones who seemingly dislike everything I do.

What is that intro music played on the recent UK tour to support ‘The Wildhearts’? & if it’s the Wildhearts, can you release it in any format?

VanRad

It was the intended intro for the album, and as far as I can recall it has no title. Wanna give it one?

Do you like marmite?

Michelle

I LOVE marmite and find it difficult to fully trust anyone who doesn’t.

Which songs are chores for you to play on tour and which do you look forward to playing??

Ady

Ah, some days I don’t want to play any of them, but when the audience are in good spirits we love to play them all. It’s all down to the crowd, basically. It’s all your fault.

What happened to the glass guitar with the fish in it from the “Grievous Acoustic Behaviour” show?

davejnick

It went home with its owner. I heard that he bought a catfish and stuck it in there for a laugh, but nothing happened because it was still a fish so it just swam about looking confused.

I made that last part up.

What part? The last part.

And do you ever dig out that guitar we got you for your 40th?

Damian

I’m only 23.

What happened to the record deal with Gearhead ?

Sparky

It went from being a really good idea to not such a really good idea. Some good ideas start out being really good before swiftly morphing into not so good ideas, this being a case such as that.

To me the new album ‘The Wildhearts’ (which I really like by the way) sounds less “layered” and more lively than …Must Be Destroyed, especially the guitars. Can you confirm this is the case?

(apologies everyone for this slightly geeky question)

shockingcandy

No apologies needed, it is in fact an incredibly geeky question but that’s okay.

Anyway, who’s to say what’s a geeky question and what isn’t? Bring that person to me. I’ll have them look in the mirror and have a good, long word with themselves.

I heard that ‘geek’ is in fact a cool thing to be these days, so in that respect you are not allowed to name yourself a geek, just as you are not allowed to name yourself ‘cool’, or ‘cute’ or ‘interesting’.

What was the question again?

Have the band been approached to play Jools Holland’s Later, or any other current TV music shows, and if not are you pushing your PR people to get the band on. If not, I would be interested to hear what the rationale is behind not appearing on these shows.

geordierussell

PR people can only alert a TV show such as Late Night With Joolz Holland to the existence of a band and then the TV programmers have to decide if the band are cool/relevant/classic enough to appear on said programme. Joolz has, so far, been so unimpressed with us that he has deemed every other band/artist more cool/relevant/classic than us.

We can only sit back and marvel.

I noticed that on the Howling Willie album, and also during the encore of “I Wanna Go” recently at Milton Keynes, you played an extract from the theme tune of Z Cars. Was this a tribute or merely a coincidence? One of the TV highlights of my childhood days was the fire brigade of “Trumpton”. Any chance for your next acoustic tour that you could take a look at that wonderful guitar piece as Pew, Pew, Barney, McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble and Grubb slid down the pole and jumped into the engine ready for action?

Keith Richard

It’s an excellent idea, and one that if I were to do another acoustic tour I’d seriously consider.

Alas I am not going to play any more acoustic tours so the question goes in the bin.

OK, last question this time around [Ginger Says - No, please, don't go. I like your name]. Why oh why such a shortage of XL T-shirts during the tour? I managed to grab a shield and radiohead T in XL, but what I really was looking for was the album cover T in XL so I can proudly fly the flag and spread the word back home. We’re not all lean mean fighting machines like the band… the large size T makes me look as though I have bigger tits than my fourteen year old Niece! How / where can I grab a couple of XL album Ts?

Keith Richard

Our audience must be on some pretty strange diets as on some tours they come in medium and large, and some tours they come in XL and XXL. We can’t keep up with you lot so we’ve opened up an online store so we can flog everything we don’t sell on tour, meaning we can bring small, medium, large, XL, XXl and ‘you’re so big you make us all feel safe and protected, can I be your friend?’.

You’ve never hidden your love for country music and in recent years it has become far more prominent influence on your songs – have you considered re-recording ‘truth’?

hansblix

I have considered it for as long as I consider eating soap that smells nice.

1. I’ve heard that C.J. admitted that this song (“The Revolution Will Be Televised”) sounds a lot like Green Day. To my ears, it sounds like it could have been included on American Idiot.

2. Was this intentional? Maybe a British perspective on the world events they commented on?

3. P.S. You guys are WAY better vocalists than Green Day could ever dream of being

pinnick

1. One person’s Green Day is another person’s The Clash. It’s all down to taste, and how good that taste actually is.

2. Very.

3. I like his voice way better than I like mine.

I had a bizarre dream recently where you were climbing up a tree for charity and a load of us G&TSC Board-ers were sat around the tree watching. Then Hannah suggested that it’d be funny if we all ran away and hid so that we wouldn’t be there when you came back down. So we did, and when you came down the tree you looked a bit lost then shrugged your shoulders and climbed back up again.

Do you think this means anything, or should I just stop eating spicy food before bedtime?

davejnick

That’s really weird, I was up a tree the other day and fell asleep where I had a dream that I was reading questions from you all, the questions ran away, or something.

What are your favourite top 3 pop bands?

Ady

Abba, Bis and The Go Team.

Been listening to Rooting For The Bad Guy for a while now and I was wondering is the Doctor Phibes referred to “the Abominal Dr Phibes” from the Jess Franco film? Knowing of your love for obscure horror/gore flicks I thought it could be possible. Also to further a question posted on these boards just who the hell is Falcon Eddie?

JSayonara

Doctor Phibes was a character played by Vincent Price in the 70′s Dr Phibes movie series. Falcon Eddie was the bad guy is 70′s TV drama Rich Man Poor Man. I am available as a quiz master for a fairly reasonable fee.

1. Hello Ginger. I’ve just a couple of questions for you if that’s okay.

2. The first concerns your stance on laziness/non-motivation. I’d bet that I’m not the only one who has noticed your thoughts and no nonsense stance on it. For example songs such as ‘TV Tan’ & ‘Do Anything’ as well as comments about it in interviews and in live shows coupled with your amazing work ethic made me want to ask why you feel this way. In other words is there something in your life that made you feel so strongly about the subject? (Also I’d be interested to know what drives you, especially when you don’t feel like doing anything. It’d help my rather unbalanced work ethic!).

3. Secondly I wanted to ask about the art direction of single & album covers. Most specifically the PHUQ era artwork done by D. Deen. He has a great style and has been an influence on me with my own drawings (wanna see?! Razz) [Ginger Says - Yes, I do]. I was wondering could you tell us about him, how you met him, where info can be found on him, what you look for in artists for your covers plus anything related to this matter would be cool as I always loved The Wildhearts/solo albums art direction.

1. That’s okay, I’m here now.

2. Know what I do when I don’t feel like doing something? I do something. It’s kinda more essential to do something when you don’t feel like it. Why bother? Because you learn stuff that helps you in all walks of life by simply doing stuff.

3. I met Danny when I was at school. I desperately wanted to hang out with interesting people and a friend told me about this crazy guy they’d met the night before. I was taken to his house where we became friends for the rest of his life. In an artist I look for someone that is drawn to faces. I love caricatures of all kinds.

Would you ever consider playing Anthem as part of a set without Danny? – Obviously the “oh no, I think I’m gonna throw” line has been adopted since his departure…

Andy Roo

I actually don’t like the song enough to eject another out of the set to facilitate the inclusion of it..

Do you read the forums and would you take note of requests for certain bands to appear on tour with The Wildhearts?

Rancidpunk_76

Yeah, I read the forum whenever I can. I always listen to peoples suggestions for support bands and even act upon them, just as long as their suggestions are the same bands as I already thought of.

After the April/may tour, what were your thoughts on GU Medicine and Sign?

benwalton

Both bands very cool, some band members cuter than others but all rock soldiers to the last man jack of ‘em.

Thanks for a superb show in Belfast. Are there any further plans for the band to come back again to hopefully a bigger venue in Belfast rather than the last 2 venues you have played? I noticed a younger crowd this time as well as healthy mix of us oldies and think that Belfast could be a potential hotspot for The Wildhearts moreso than in the past.

wez_wildheart

Love to play bigger places next time. Let’s hope the promoters have more confidence in our pulling power next time around.

Just a bit of gentle nagging.

Any chance of re-recording Truth? You said a few years back that there was a possibility of it happening.. and it’s such a great track. Would be nice to see it properly released..

fluffygrue

Y’ know the thought just recently crossed my mind, or was that indigestion?

Where on Earth did you get those freak cards that you threw at us in Nottingham?!

BenWalton

Forbidden Planet, London, sometime in the early 90′s. I hope you all took good care of my freaks.

Is Scott always that sweaty?

BenWalton

Surely that’s a question for Scott? I could guess. Er, …maybe?

Any chance of the Wildhearts appearing in the Guitar Hero game franchise some time in the future? What with downloadable content being added all the time to these games how would fans be able to go about nagging the games developers to include you guys? Heck, is it something you’d even be interested in?

Rancidpunk_76

We’d love to be involved but so far they haven’t shown any interest.

Is there any chance of putting the videos for The New Flesh and Destroy All Monsters onto stores like iTunes? I don’t have Sky so I’m not likely to see the video apart from on YouTube and I’d gladly pay £2 to have a decent copy. I’m sure the fans would love it and you guys can get some more cash.

cjrodwell

Isn’t it on there yet?

Ok, everyone I’ve spoken to (and plenty online too) have said the recent Xmess Tour was the best ‘Hearts gig they’ve seen. So, my question is:

What was different about this most recent tour for you?

Rancidpunk_76

We are getting better all the time.

Why the hell haven’t the Wildhearts released Zen Reqiuem as a single? It’s a great song and a future rock classic. If any Wildhearts song was going to be a number 1, it’s this one.

Cheers for the tunes over the years, keep ‘em coming.

Ben Wright

The song is called ‘Zeen Requiem’, and I hope to report that it has shown up as a b-side somewhere by now.

Have you injured your left shoulder? It looks wonky like mine which I permanently dislocated from my collar bone. If so, what do you do to keep it in shape and does it ache when playing guitar?

robdy2k

No, I just have very bad posture from playing a very heavy guitar too low for too long.

Which member of KISS would you be?

Which member of Cheap Trick would you be?

Would you rather bone the Donnas or the Runaways?

When are you coming to California for F##ks sake?

Rafa

Paul.

Rick.

Joan Jett.

Been. Coming again. Soon-ish.

It’s amazing how many multiple questions you’ve been given, so I’ve tried to break mine down…

Question 1) this surrounds the ultimate Ginger show, not “Ginger the band”, but you putting forward something from everywhere… – If you could write a set list including songs from each of your many projects, which songs would it include ? (Question 1a) which band line up would you want playing it? (and Question 1b) Which venue would you chose to play that gig if there was only one available? (Question 1c) and Why that Venue? (Question 1d) finally Why would that show work more than any other?

Question 2) Is there anything you have ever said live or recorded lyrically that you have gone on to regret? (Question 2a) if so, what?

Question 3) What made the Nottingham gig on the last tour, a show you were so visibly unimpressed with? (Question 3a) was it the early curfew time?

Question 4) Which camp are you in: Maiden’s or Ozzy’s (or rather Maiden’s or Sharon’s)?

Question 5) – sorry, a boring technical question: what amp settings do you use?

Question 6) Is there a song of yours which you feel particularly under-rated or hard-done by? if so (you guessed it, Question 6a) which one? (and Question 6b) why?

AndyRoo

1. I’d have The Wildhearts, right now, as I think this is the best line up of any band I’ve played in.

2. Never regret but on hindsight I’m very glad my views and my writing have matured.

3. I was taking the whole thing far too seriously. I forgot the punchline. One should never forget the punchline if one is able to find it.

4. Neither.

5. Loud and heavy.

6. I believe that our creativity is God given and will reverberate long after we have shuffled off this mortal coil. In 200 years time who knows whether my songs will be forgotten or the most popular music in the world, or, as I suspect, somewhere in the middle. For this lifetime

I’m just grateful for the talent and the inspiration with which to use it.

Ask Ritch – July 2007

Kris — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 14:26:26 +0000

What’s ya favourite drummer joke?
skychaserhigh

How do you know when the drum riser is level? When the drummer dribbles from both sides of his mouth.

How’s it feel to be back?
Adi

I was a little apprehensive to say the least when embarking upon ‘The Wildhearts – part gazzilion’ but I have to say with the new album and a full UK tour under our belts I feel better than I ever have about the band, the line up and our future in Rock n Roll.

What happened to Security? ‘Let’s Ruin It’ and ‘We Eat Your Kind’ are great songs – would there be any possibility of releasing the demos officially?
Boki

Thanx. Security did have some killer riffs and tunes. I loved playing that stuff live. Some really heavy stuff going on, but due to band members personal lives going in completely opposite directions Security came to an abrupt halt before it ever really had chance to get going. I would have loved to have recorded the band properly for official release. I don’t think the demos are good enough quality to release.

1. Your drumming – while always being intense – also seems to be in very much control, ‘reliable’ and rock steady. Judging from shortly meeting you once (at the Scala SG5 gig… those were the days), that might also apply to your personality. Do you think that besides your drum god role you’re also a stabilising element for the WHs? (cos they could sure use one)

2. At the Scarborough gig, much of the attention focused on Danny, despite you putting in a sterling performance. I read many comments afterwards stating the same and lauding your drum work. It probably didn’t earn that much recognition at the gig because no one expected less. But did you feel sort of overlooked back then? ?(Okay, you wouldn’t answer that you were pissed off, even if you were. Just wanted to let you know that your fine job didn’t go unnoticed.)
Soundog

1. No!??

2. Thanx very much. It’s always a good boost to get the odd bit of praise. But I wouldn’t start moaning if I didn’t get any attention. Or that attention was more on Danny, or that there’s more questions for Scott than me on ‘Ask the Wildhearts’, or that it’s always Ginger or CJ that are asked to be interviewed, or that I have to sit at the back, or that………………

Ritch, I honestly think that you’re the one Wildheart (besides Ginge) who´s ‘other’ projects/bands always blew me away. ‘Blame Everyone’ was such a kick-ass fun album plus chicks love it! I was really fired up about Security. Even the New Disease EP ruled. When are we gonna hear some new (solo) stuff?
schocksmile

I’m sure at some point I’ll get round to doing some more of my own stuff. (working title for new solo album, ‘A Taste Of Dick’)

New Disease was more of a session job than a band, was it?
schocksmile

Yes. Just helping my mate out with that one. Mark Gemini Thwaite. (Yes that really is his middle name.) Great bloke, great guitarist, currently on tour with Tricky I think. And back playing with The Mission.

What’s your favourite Wildhearts album?
schocksmile

Endless, Nameless

Why are Germans not funny? (and damn right they’re not!)
schocksmile

How bizarre. Just seconds ago I got a text from my German mate Ole who dare I say it… made me laugh out loud. Yes, it’s official, Germans are funny… well at least one!

How much input did you have on the endless nameless album. I see you’re credited for arranging the songs, along with Ginger, but how big a part did you play in the writing process?
blackdeathcrew

I didn’t write anything for that album, just helped out with arrangements really, as it says on the album. But I was involved in the creation of the finely tuned crystal clear hi-fi sound of which so many of you WH fans are repulsed by.

I’m not sure if this should be directed at you or Ginger, but, ‘what the fuck brought the duck song on?!’, it’s pure genius, well done.
Ben Walton

Me, Ginger and my Dad as it happens. I remember my Dad singing it to me when i was a wee nipper and one drunken night on the tour bus I started singing it. Any excuse to get out of singing, at the embarrassment of anyone else who is present and inebriated, at the recording session, the Ginger one seems to have a curious way of getting people into the vocal booth to perform ridiculous vocals of which will then go on to be released for WH fans to wonder ‘what the fuck brought that on?!’

Any chance of Genius Penis live? or anything from Endless, Nameless?
evilneil

Genius Penis – absolutely not. I’d love to play loads of Endless, Nameless live but as far as I’m aware most Wildhearts fans don’t care much for that album let alone certain members of the band who shall remain nameless, CJ.

What’s your favourite Wildhearts song?
Sam

The Duck song of course.

Battersby. Surely the best ever name for a drummer?
Dave C

Quite possibly, but I won’t be getting it tattooed across my neck for the fear of old age and a helping hand from gravity taking my neck-skin and goiter on a downhill trip with the embarrassing outcome of ‘Battersby’ slowly and steadily morphing itself into ‘Battyboy’

Ask Scott – June 2007

Kris — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 19:08:23 +0000

What’s it like joining The Wildhearts and how are you enjoying it so far?

Chris Davies

Joining The Wildhearts has been great! I’ve been really good friends with Ginger for a while now and it’s cool that we finally get to work together. The 4 of us get on really well and work really well together. We goof around like a bunch of kids but work really hard when it’s time to. It’s nice to join a band that I’ve been a fan of and feel like I’ve always been there!

What are your musical influences?

Skychaserhigh

Black Flag to Waylon Jennings. I’m really all over the place but old punk, old country, and old motown are what I usually listen to.

Were you a fan of the band before you joined? What’s your favourite Wildhearts song (to listen to and to play)?

Robdy2k

Yeah, I was/am a fan of the band. When I was in Amen and we toured with The Wildhearts, I watched them every night in awe. It’s really cool knowing that I’m IN that band now! My favorite song would have to be ‘Sick of Drugs’. My favorite song to play is ‘Rooting for the Bad Guy’.

First off, thanks for taking up the vacant bass player spot and fuelling that rock machine.
Now, for the questions:

1. “Gee, man, you know who you remind me of? Mike Ness!” How often do you hear that in an average week?

2. Assuming that Sorry isn’t your real surname, how come you chose it? Is it just a nice somewhat RnR alliteration or is there a hint to your personality or a story in there?

Soundog

1. Ha! I used to get that A LOT when I was younger. Him and Billy Joe from Green Day. I guess it depends on how messy my hair is.

2. Yeah, you could say there is a HINT of my personality in there! And a few stories way to long to write about…

Are Sorry and the Sinatras still a going concern?

Mark E

Yeah. Just need time. I’ve been really focused on The Wildhearts and the other guys have been focused on other projects as well. We’ll get our shit together soon. We’ve actually been writing since I’ve been home but it’s still gonna be a little while until we are actually working.

The obvious one is – how did you get the job? And well done, you were ace at the Wolverhampton gig.

Damian

Thank you very much! I became friends with guys when I was in Amen and we toured together. Ginger and I stayed close and have wanted to work together for years. So when The Wildhearts were getting back together, he called and asked if I would do it. I did not say no!

What’s Casey Chaos like?

benwalton

A beautiful butterfly gently floating through a sun drenched field of daisies.

Favourite bassline ever written?

Sam

Opening bass line to ‘Love Song’ by The Damned

Slap bass: an essential bass playing skill or hilarious sounding fret wankery?

Sam

Well, my first response would be wankery, but I like Fishbone and P-Funk and stuff like that, so… Neither?

How come you weren’t with BOD [Brides of Destruction] on the UK leg of the (last) tour?

Col

That was just a really weird time. I was going through some shit and just couldn’t make it. Besides I think Jeremy fit in a little better than I did anyway.

Did you have to endure any bizarre initiation rituals upon joining the best band in the world? (The Wildhearts just in case you got mixed up )

Dave C

Not really. I’ve known the guys for a while so any kind of initiation would have been done to death by now!

Are you ready for the adoration you’ll get from us Wildies fans?

Ginger_is_god

HA! Don’t think I’ve ever been ADORED before!

What was the toughest Wildhearts song you had to learn?

Ben Wright

So far it’s been ‘Everlone’. I was learning it while detoxing… what a fucking nightmare.

Pre the latest release (which is pure brilliance by the way), what was your favourite Wildhearts album? Also, can you bring any influence to bear and get the band Stateside (CA to be precise)?

Keith Richard

My favorite record would be Riff After Riff. I would LOVE to get the band stateside! Especially CA. I’m sure it will happen soon.

Who sets your basses up for you? – saw you throwing an Epiphone Gothic thunderbird round Rock City tonight, I’ve got one of those (guitars, not Rock Citys…) and don’t think it could be played that quickly if it tried!

Andy Roo

I don’t really have my basses set up actually. I play really hard so I need my action pretty high and they always seem to come like that.

Since you’re now in the enviable position of being the bassist for the world’s greatest rock band, have you considered a name change? I mean, how can you still be Sorry if you’re rockin’ with the ‘hearts every night?

How about Scott Luckysonnuvabitch?

Or Scott Betyouwishyouwereme?

Pinnick

Very true! Don’t think either one of those would fit on my neck though.