What will you play in Prague? Will you focus on old songs from the eighties like You’re So Fine and The Cave or will you perform songs from the latest LP Back In The Jungle?

We plan to focus mainly on songs from the era of Footu Club’s existence (it was the mecca of psychobilly in London in the eighties – pos.ed.). As far as I remember, we were hoping to play songs we’d never played live, but I can’t vouch for my memory.

How does it feel to compose and record after twenty years?

We enjoyed it, it was a lot of fun. But it’s also a challenge. I don’t know if anyone has noticed, but we’re not eighteen anymore.

Why did you decide to record a new record after all this time?

There’s no harm in trying out some new ideas, and if there’s a new song, why not? But it takes a lot of effort because we can no longer be in the same room exchanging ideas like when we started. And singer Pip lives in the US. I usually record his music and send it to America so he can add his parts. We were never in the same room.

Where do you find your inspiration?

It may be hard to believe, but songs just appear. Usually it’s just me, a guitar and a blank sheet of paper. But that’s the way I’ve always done it, I think it works.

Why did you decide to play psychobilly in the early eighties, which was a new genre in 1982?

I’ve always enjoyed the rock’n’roll music of Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard and The Shadows. Yes, definitely from the age of twelve, I remember when Elvis died, so at least it’s been since the age of twelve. Every Friday night we attend a rock night at Feltham Football Club.

There are about 300 teenage teddy boys and teddy girls (rock’n’roll subculture – ed.), dancing all night long like in the good old days. But then there was new music, crazy billy which turned into psychobilly, and of course the legendary The Meteros. When we were teenagers, the original teddy boys said they were the first, but psychobilly was the new, dangerous, outrageous, and ours! It takes over the entire scene exploding. That’s wild. Other styles didn’t interest me at the time, they were just a blot on what psychobilly was all about.

What inspires you?
My inspiration is to have a new song. That’s a task you have to complete or there’s no board. If I’m inspired somewhere, the songs will sound like that inspiration, like an imitation of it.

How important is the role of the double bass in this genre?

Double bass is the basis of the original rockabilly sound. It consists of slapping bass, acoustic guitar and solos, with only the rare drums. The drums become part of the harder, more aggressive psychobilly, the only problem is that the slap double bass can compete with the snare and hi-hat and throw the song out of rhythm. When you listen to older songs, the drums are very basic, if they exist for that reason.

Many psychobilly players use different aliases or wear masks or makeup. Why don’t you have one too?

I’m never sure about that aspect of the scene, but good luck to those who are. If you enjoy it, that’s great, but for me what’s important is the music. Although now I might look younger with less makeup.