Interview With Spike Gray, The Quireboys
You
released a solo record “Blue Eyed Soul” did the solo career never appeal to
you?
What
happened was it was never released properly there were only 2000 copies printed.
My first proper solo album is coming out next month.
What
would be your dream gig?
I’ve already done it. St. James Park with the Rolling Stones and it was like a dream come true, plus we had Newcastle United’s dressing room. When we got asked to do it, I said we’ve gotta have that. Put me towel straight on the number nine peg.
If
you could put one Quireboys song in a vault labelled “Songs That Suck”,
which song would it be?
They
all sound the same to me.
Spike
asks the rest of the band: “What’s the worst song the Quireboys have ever
done?
Rest
Of Band: “Debbie”
Spike:
“I quite like that one, well we’ll go with Debbie.”
What
is your strangest fan story?
What
we stopped doing was signing people because what we used to do was sign
people’s body parts and we stopped because the day after we’d signed them
some of the fans would turn up with their boobs tattooed.
What
is the best rumour you have ever heard about yourself?
Everybody thinks that I’m a complete alcoholic and that isn’t true.
What
special skills do you use on a woman if you really want to impress her, other
than saying you’re in a band?
I’ve never done that. I’ve never chatted anybody up. What would I say? I’ve never done that in all me years.
During
a typical Quireboys tour what percentage of you were faithful to your partners?
Now all of us. In the past none of us.
When
was the last time you did something R’N’R in a hotel?
American tours - 2002.
The
Quireboys have toured with many bands. What bands were the most difficult to get
along with?
Whitesnake.
It’s never usually the band cause you never see them, its people that work
with them. The roadies are more particular than the band.
What
album have you purchased which you are most disappointed with?
I
think Macy Gray’s second album.
Kim:
Do you know what it’s called?
Spike:
No that’s how good it was. (Laughing)
Terrence
D’Arby I thought their second album was I was just like what the hell is he
doing I think he’s one of the greatest singers ever. He totally screwed that
up.
What
scares you about aging? Looking old or decreasing performance?
Performance which way? I still feel like 18 I’m fine. I don’t get very big hangovers. It’s the best work in the world. It keeps you fit.
If
you could get in the ring with anyone in the music industry, who would it be and
why?
I’d certainly would have a pop at David Coverdale at the minute after the last tour. Some support acts can be a nightmare.
What
has been your most Rock ‘N’ Roll moment to date?
Playing
at St. James’s Park. Probably we’ve met a lot of bands but probably playing
at St. James’s Park.
What
bands influenced you as a child?
Totally The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry. I’m in to the soul stuff.
What
was your favourite toy?
Action
man
What
was your favourite T.V programme as a child?
Tarzan
If
you could choose any musicians (dead or alive) to create a line up of your own personal
supergroup, who would you have?
Stevie
Marriot, Terry Reid and Frankie Miller
Which
band would you like to see reform?
Slade.
I’ve remade their song called Everyday, which is coming out March.
What
song makes you think, “Damn I wish I wrote that?”
Everyday
by Slade
What
is your ultimate ambition?
To
be a good dad.
Do
you write from personal experiences?
Sometimes.
Is
there a message you would like to give to your fans?
Thank you for keeping Rock ‘N’ Roll alive!
What’s
in your pockets?
Absolutely nothing because I’ve just got changed to do a gig but normally my wallet.