13 extreme voice

Warren Cann A PREVIOUSLY UNPUBLISHED INTERVIEW FROM 1986...

Plus: Out Alone II & III • Rare in Eden Thanks to: Introduction for unstinting support.

Hello, thanks for joining us for another issue of EV. As you’ll have noticed by now, the Midge Ure. quality has improved somewhat! From now on, EV will be properly printed throughout. Billy and Heidi Currie. Let us know what you think of the new format! Paul Cauldwell and Roy Meredith of Quite a few subscriptions run out with this issue, in which case your address label will Karussell Records. say “subscription expires with EV13”, and a sub renewal form will be enclosed. The rates have increased slightly to accommodate postage increases and printing costs, but we Steve Davies of think you’ll agree that EV is still good value for money at £5.50 for the year (or however . long it takes us to get three issues out!). Talking of which, EV14 will be out very shortly, Peter Gilbert and probably by the beginning of December, so please get those subs in as quickly as Frank Drake. possible, so that we know roughly how many issues to print. EV15 will follow hot on its Kate Hanson of CMO. heels, roughly at the beginning of February next year. That issue will probably be taken up with something that we’ve had countless requests for – the most complete Mel Brown of BMG. (and related) discography ever published. We’re not sure yet whether it will all be in one Jo Murphy and Sam issue, or in sections with several issues as a kind of A5 ring-bound affair – we’re looking of Windsong. into it! We’ve been researching the discography for over a year, and it is currently being checked by seven collectors and general boffins, one of these being Warren Cann! If you Sir Harry Cowell. know of any items that you think we might have missed, please do drop us a line. All Steve Cox. contributors will be credited. Ginny Clee. Something else we’ve had quite a few requests for is a ’s Corner. This will Barbara Marsh. start next issue, so get that pen to paper. This is your chance to be published! Simon Edwards.

Finally, something that we’d like to try and do is put your questions to band members, Steve Weltman. and print their replies. We’ve had no luck tracking down John Foxx as yet, but we can contact Warren, Midge and Billy, and possibly even Chris. Questions on postcards or the Thanks also back of a sealed envelope only, please, and we’ll do our best. Here’s the address! to the following for contributions: Cerise Reed and Robin Harris, Extreme Voice, “Fernleigh”, 8 High Street, Staple Hill, Bristol BS16 5HP. Andy Carruthers. Tel: (0272) 570 747. Jasmine-Sharon Chin.

All the very best! Alison Collins. Paul Hitchcock. Michael Hole. Stephen Graham. Simon Joslin. Carole Kelly. Rob Kirby. Gary Mack. Alison McBride. Paul & Karen O’Donnell Rob Portman. Dean Price. Angel Cuartiella Roca.

Cover photograph by Peter Gilbert, reproduced by permission. Steve Vox. Tim Welsh. Windsong confirm that it would embarked on a number of one- be regarded as a John Foxx off live performances around release even though it would the UK and Europe in churches include two tracks performed chosen from an architectural with Ultravox. guide for their natural echo qualities. He also began JOHN FOXX - A.W.O.L. collaborating with Tim Simenon The column that asks, and released a single, whatever happened to...? Remember, with him under the Melody Maker, 4th June 1994. name Nation 12 in 1990. Another single, Electrofear, “John Foxx founded the this time without Simenon, synthesiser band Ultravox in followed in 1991. The project in 1974. Heavily was supposed to have influenced by German synth continued, but difficulties at the JOHN FOXX pioneers and Brian label brought about a Eno, they signed to Island in premature end. He subsequently Here’s some great news! 1976 but were destined to be a created the music for the video Windsong International have band both out of step and games Gods and Speedball II. been able to license the ahead of their time. There More recently he was to have following tracks from the BBC eponymous debut was been the third collaborator on Ultravox today (left to right): (Keyboards, ), (Vocals), for a possible future release: produced by their mentor Brian the recent Harold Budd / Andy Tony Holmes (Drums), Gary Williams (Bass) and Vinnie Burns (). Eno but had little success. A Partridge LP but other Hiroshima Mon Amour and further two albums, Ha! Ha! commitments made it Slow Motion Ha! and impossible. John Foxx with Ultravox on the didn’t fare much better and in third solo album, The Golden Poly) HELDEN Old Grey Whistle Test (1978). 1978 Ultravox were dropped by Section, onto compact disc in the 3) (recorded live Island. Foxx left the group to near future. Although we have no at The Marquee, London) There is still some hope of life Underpass and Blurred Girl pursue a solo career with Virgin specific details at the moment, we 4) The Wild, the Beautiful and being breathed into the Helden John Foxx on the Old Grey Records. think that it is unlikely that it will the Damned (recorded live album Spies. If all goes well Whistle Test (probably 1980). include any extra tracks - however at The Rainbow, London) there will be a special issue of By this time, Ultravox’s role in we have been pleasantly surprised 5) My Sex (recorded live at Extreme Voice to celebrate the Lose all Sense of Time, paving the way for the likes of in the past. Huddersfield Poly) release of this ‘lost’ album next In Mysterious Ways, and The Human 6) Quirks year. Fingers crossed. Warren Shine On and Stars On Fire League had become obvious He is now widely known as JOHN FOXX 7) Modern Love moved back to America in John Foxx on John Peel‘s late and Ultravox enjoyed a new Europe’s leading expert on the 8) Man Who Dies Every Day August this year and will be night show (1985). lease of life with their huge process of computer imaging, Here’s an oddity... it seems that (German remix) there for quite a while, but this 1989 LP , while Foxx and his work has adorned many the Open University recently 9) Hiroshima Mon Amour is unlikely to be a permanent Hopefully, the following tracks achieved more modest success book covers, including Jeanette used the start of Twilight’s Last (original version) arrangement (we hope!). could also be included, however, with his bleak LP, , Winterson’s Oranges Are Not Gleaming as the introductory 10) (full version) this very much depends on including chart hits with the Only Fruit. He teaches this music to a program on the BR whether or not the master tapes Underpass and No-one technique at art schools across high speed 125 train... When we mentioned this to ULTRAVOX can be located: Driving. He released a further the country. Warren, he said that he was sure three albums, The Golden ULTRAVOX AND JOHN FOXX that there were a couple of Thanks to Heidi for sending us Hiroshima Mon Amour, Section, The Garden and In He is currently working on tracks which were destined for the following information:- The Shadow of Your Smile Mysterious Ways, before music with , an old Fans of John Foxx will also be the first album, but because of and Twilight’s Last Gleaming taking a break from the music Ultravox colleague, and his pleased to learn that there could the time limitations that you have The new Ultravox album, John Foxx on Radio One’s scene in 1985. His next project brother , who also be another Island compilation in with vinyl, they were not entitled Ingenuity, will be Saturday Live programme was in 1987, an unreleased LP drums with Glen Matlock’s new the offing. We have suggested included. One of these tracks released very soon. Ultravox (December 1983). of ambient church music, band, The Mavericks.” the following tracks to form the was called Car Crash Flashback, have just signed to Intercord, Cathedral Oceans, some of basis of the album :- the other was City Doesn’t which is a part of EMI for Morning Glory, In Mysterious which has been used on the JOHN FOXX - Care. Warren has since located Germany, Austria and Ways and Hanging in the Air BBC programme, Horizon. 1) Slip Away (recorded live at his tape of these tracks, and if Switzerland, and the album John Foxx on Radio One’s The Rainbow, London) the compilation goes ahead, they should be released there this Saturday Live programme Throughout the rest of the Apparently Virgin Records are 2) The Man Who Dies should also be included. Get that October, and also in Australia (November 1985). decade and into the Nineties he considering re-issuing John’s Everyday (recorded live at cash at the ready! and New Zealand. A single of MIDGE URE have released a sequel. Rare for them to consider a third CHRYSALIS 25th ULTRAVOX – REISSUES Volume Two, cat. no. Chrysalis instalment. How does this ANNIVERSARY BOX SETS Midge has been writing the new CDCHR 6078, follows on sound for a possible Rare Ultravox – Vienna Many Ultravox albums are now album with an American called directly from the first instalment Volume Three? deleted, but without giving too Richard Feldman. Things went in that all the remaining B-sides 1) Cat. no. Chrysalis CD25CR12. much away, there is a strong so well that he is about to go are featured here, in (extended version) To commemerate their 25th possibility of re-releases over to the States to start chronological order: 2) I Never Wanted to Begin anniversary, Chrysalis have appearing over the next couple recording. The LP should be out 1) Easterly (extended version) issued twenty-five special of years. Watch this space! early next year, by the time the 2) Building 3) Reap the Wild Wind edition CD box sets, one from mixing and artwork, etc are 3) Heart of the Country (12” version) each of their most popular THE DEAR completed. Expect a tour, (instrumental) 4) artistes. Chrysalis decided that JANES Proud dad Billy with daughter Lucy probably complete with a band, 4) White China (recorded live (extended version) Vienna would be the most shortly after that. at the Hammersmith 5) Serenade (special re-mix) appropriate Ultravox album to By now some of you will already the same name will be out some Odeon, June 1984) 6) include in this series. know that The Dear Janes have time before, but as yet we have MIDGE URE – 5) Man of Two Worlds (special re-mix) their own fanzine called The no date. Deals for the rest of FAMILY ADDITIONS! (instrumental) 7) Dancing with Tears in My All of the compact discs in this Adventures of The Dear Janes, the world are being negotiated 6) 3 Eyes (special re-mix) series are presented in blue CD and very good it is too - well, we at the moment. Congratulations to Midge and 7) 8) Loves Great Adventure cases which in turn are housed would say that, we wrote it! girlfriend Sheridan Forbes, who (instrumental) (extended version) in blue, matt-laminated The track list is as follows:- have just had their first baby 8) Dreams? 9) Same Old Story longboxes. They also contain a Those of you whom we think will (this is not the running order) together, a bouncing little girl 9) All Fall Down (extended mix) booklet on the history of be interested will have received a who they have named Kitty (instrumental) 10) All Fall Down Chrysalis, and Ultravox are copy of the first issue (which is Ingenuity Primrose. She was born on 10) All Fall Down (recorded live (extended mix) mentioned thus: free, courtesy of their record There Goes a Beautiful World Thursday March 31st 1994, at Wembley on the 6th of company) with EV13, but if you Give it all Back weighing in at 7lb 6oz. November, 1986) Incidentally, Chrysalis are not “By now, the Chrysalis roster miss out and would like one, Future Picture Forever 11) Dream On (recorded live at able to get hold of the master was the place for any act of then drop us a line with an A5 The Silent Cries Wembley on the 6th of tapes for any of the American ambition to reside. Ultravox, stamped self-addressed envelope A Way Out; A Way Through November, 1986) remixes (Club, Razormaid and formerly with Island, shifted and we’ll do the rest. Further Distance 12) The Prize (recorded live at Disconet) i.e. Dancing with allegiance and were rewarded issues are by subscription (sorry!), rates as per EV. Also, look out for Who’ll Save You? Wembley on the 6th of Tears in My Eyes, Reap the with 16 hit singles, including the the Dear Janes’ debut album, Ideals November, 1986) Wild Wind and One Small atmospheric, heart-wrenching Sometimes I. It’s out in the Majestic 13) Stateless Day – Sorry! Vienna, never a chart-topper but a classic nevertheless.” shops now, cat. no. Castle 14) Heart of the Country As with Rare Volume One the Communications TDJ CD201. According to Ultravox’s (special re-mix) sleeve notes have been written It would have been nicer if these manager, Sir Harry Cowell, these 15) One Small Day (final mix) new tracks were recorded at the by John Tobler – and before booklets were about the artist Stone Room in Shepherds Bush, The added bonus comes with anyone writes in, yes we already featured with the accompanying which has also been used by the last two tracks – Heart of know about the errors among compact disc, this would have The Manic Street Preachers. the Country (special re-mix) them and so, now, do Chrysalis. made these items more and One Small Day (final mix) Unfortunately the liner notes collectable. Both the blue CD BILLY CURRIE - both of which should please were the only thing we didn’t cases and the longboxes are Midge and Sheridan the people who wanted the CD get to see beforehand, and by furnished with stickers of the Billy’s excellent solo album to include something really rare. this time all the inserts had been featured album. Because the printed! Instead write to compact discs are just the Stand Up and Walk is still MIDGE URE – PRODUCTION Heart of the Country was available from Hot Food Music. specially remixed for a German Chrysalis and tell them how standard releases and the boxes CDs are £8.99, cassettes £6.49, Midge recently produced an only 12” single (Heart of the much you want to see Rare are interchangeable, it is going and vinyl £6.99. All prices album for German artist Michel Country b/w Man of Two Volume Three and a similar to be difficult to find out how include postage. Send payment van Dyke, called Reincarnated. Worlds) and the One Small compilation of material from many were actually produced for As usual, if you want more to: The lyrics are by Peter Godwin. Day (final mix) appeared on Midge Ure. It’s in your hands – each artist. At approximately information about any of the Hot Food Music the limited edition 12” single your letters will make all the £17.00 a time, this release is news items, please send us a 20 Lorian Close which came with some copies difference! Write to: destined to be for the very stamped, self-addressed Woodside Park ULTRAVOX of The Collection. serious collector only. But there is London N12 7DZ RARE VOLUME TWO Steve Davies also a 25-track compilation CD envelope (one for each item), There are enough tracks left, Chrysalis Records with a track from each featured or International Reply Coupon Mail order address only – Rare Volume One sold in which have so far not appeared 131–133 Holland Park Avenue album, which includes Vienna. overseas, and we‘ll update you as no personal callers, please. sufficient numbers that Chrysalis on any Chrysalis compact discs, London W11 4UT. Cat. no. Chrysalis CD25CR26. soon as we have any extra news. C ow, it seems that the raffle is rather he competition last issue was quite a tough popular! Thanks for the terrific one, but we think you’ll agree that the response – the winners were drawn prizes were worth it! The answers to the W by Midge in Aberdare, on the last T questions are as follows: o Out Alone tour. The first prize was a signed pin matrix à la video, which 1) King’s Lead Hat, Face to Face, Quiet Men, Midge signed and had a bit of fun with in November Slow Motion, and Hiroshima Mon Amour. The last

in Wolverhampton, and a set of photos of said signing, three were written when John Foxx was in the band. m to authenticate it. 2) Herr X (German version of Mr X). 3) Snake Ranch Studios. We’ve got an even bigger one for you this time! We 4) John Foxx, , Stevie Shears, Warren Cann, have some stage clothes from Midge’s own Billy Currie, Robin Simon, Midge Ure. wardrobe, all from a number of years ago. All come 5) An American Scream. with laminated certificates of authenticity, signed by EV12 raffle winners: 6) Warren’s name appears, on the back of his p Midge, Robin and Cerise. Most of them will be in the director’s chair in the Hymn video (left). competitions in this, and the next issue, but only one Steve Green item will go into this raffle. This time we also have a fantastic prize; some stage clothes Autographed pin matrix from years gone by, from Midge’s own wardrobe. All come

and photos. e All you need to do is return the enclosed raffle tickets to with laminated certificates of authenticity, signed by Midge, e the EV address, with your name on them. A strip of five Robin and Cerise. costs £1.00, or all ten for £2.00. Closing date is the 31st Graeme Mathieson l of December 1994. Cheques payable to Cerise, please. Sue Bretherton First Prize: Lee Whitehouse A heavy black-with-gold-thread “Signature Clothes” jacket, t First Prize: Slow Motion CD, worn by Midge in 1980. The pocket contains a book of f Heavyweight white Katharine Hamnett trousers, worn stamps dated July 1980, some foreign coins, and a piece of

factory-wrapped. i by Midge, circa 1985. paper detailing a meeting for an interview. Also: A guitar plectrum used by Midge on the 1993 Out f Alone tour, mounted on an autographed plaque. Rob Portman Also: A guitar plectrum used by Midge on the 1993 Out t Live 1981 CD insert, Alone tour, mounted on an autographed plaque. Second Prize: signed by Warren, EV12 competition winners: Ultravox’s Revelation album on cassette. Billy and Midge. Second Prize: i a A guitar plectrum and plaque, as above. Heavyweight cream Katharine Hamnett trousers, worn by Sue Goulding Midge, circa 1985. o Third and Fourth Prizes: Julie Furze Quartet marble picture A guitar plectrum and plaque, as above. Ultravox’s I Am Alive CD single. Three-issue EV disc from Warren Cann’s A guitar plectrum and plaque, as above. subscription. own private collection, Third and Fourth Prizes: R Out Alone flyer, Ultravox’s Rare Volume Two CD, promo copies.

with signed certificate of n signed by Midge. authenticity, and bonus A guitar plectrum and plaque, as above. Monument Christmas THE QUESTION IS: Carole Kelly card, signed by all the Does Midge have any brothers or sisters? Andy Carruthers band in 1982. If so, What are their names and, for an extra point, relative EV bookmark. ages? As a tie-break, can you tell us where Midge liked to do Out Alone flyer, Paul Hitchcock his clothes shopping in 1984? (The answer appeared in a signed by Midge. Steve Green No.1 Magazine interview that year). Rare Volume One CD, Write your answers, along with your name and address (on a signed by Warren and postcard or the back of a sealed envelope only please), and Midge. Also an Out Alone post to the EV address on page one. Closing date is the 31st poster, signed and of December 1994. The most correct answer gets the booty. personalised by Midge.

Rob Kirby Andy Carruthers Out Alone poster, as above. A New Kind of Man b/w Metal Beat Underpass b/w Film One Catalogue Number: Virgin Records VS 303 Catalogue Number: Virgin 101398-100 (Middle left). This has to be just about the rarest (Right). Rare German single, which may have been John Foxx record ever. It seems that the original overlooked by fans of John because of its picture Rare choice for John’s first single was not Underpass, sleeve, which has a stick-man walking down a in but instead John went to the trouble of remixing A flight of stairs (white on a blue background). John’s New Kind of Man before deciding to change it at name is picked out in black at the top of the sleeve. the last minute. As far as we can tell, this alternate EDEN version of A New Kind of Man was never officially No-one Driving b/w Metal Beat We thought that it would make a nice change to released. Unusually, this proposed ’release’ had Catalogue Number: Virgin 101824-100 stray away from Ultravox records for this issue’s even progressed to the stage of having its own (Middle right). German single. The cover shows a instalment of Rare in Eden. sleeve produced. The sleeve design is identical to section of the picture which was used inside the the one which was later used for Underpass. If gatefold sleeve of the standard British release. Here are seven of the most unusual John Foxx you looked closely at John’s shadow to the left of records, courtesy of Rob Portman. the sleeve, you would see lyrics from the track Europe After the Rain b/w Pater Noster Metal Beat (Jim suit / Black hair / Dim skin / Catalogue Number: Virgin VIPX-1618 Gold teeth / Metal beat) which is a reference to (Below right). Japanese single with a unique colour the single’s original B-side. (The B-side was also picture insert. The B-side is a track from John’s changed to the strange instrumental, Film One). second solo album The Garden. Regarding the cover, opinion is definitely divided as to who is sat A New Kind of Man b/w Underpass next to the bike in the picture at the top left-hand Catalogue Number: Virgin VIN 45031 corner of the insert. Although it could be John, we (Below left). Italian single, album version. The picture don’t think it is – would anyone care to comment sleeve is in colour and features the same photo of on this? John (Metamatic album cover) on each side. Europe After the Rain b/w This Jungle Underpass b/w Film One Catalogue Number: Virgin / Ariola 103-624 Catalogue Number: Virgin VIP 2825 (Below). Dutch / Belgian single. The sleeve features (Below). Japanese single. The colour photo on the the same black and white picture on both the back front of the insert is the same as was used for and front. John’s first solo album Metamatic. The reverse features the lyrics to Underpass. Next issue – early Ultravox.

background on it. occupied - we’ll go to Italy and have some fun”. So we did! On Our manager went over just prior coming back we decided “Let’s to us and it seems that everything take six months off”. Warren Cann was set up well, everything was n 1986 Warren Cann left Ultravox, but the reasons taken care of on the concert side, That fiasco in America had really for the shows. The concert bothered us. I’m sure there are a Ifor his departure were never made clear to the fans. agency was very together but lot of fans who are aware of our when he checked out Chrysalis situation in America but for the What follows is an exclusive, previously unpublished Records New York, they hadn’t benefit of the ones who don’t, done a thing, or if they had done we’d never achieved any success interview from 1986, between Warren and Peter anything it was so small, so paltry there other than just being a cult Gilbert and Frank Drake from In The City. This and ineffectual, that he just band. A lot of people in the radio flipped his lid and cancelled. He stations seemed to know us, interview was originally intended to be published in the pulled us out because we really musicians certainly know us but, wouldn’t have been doing we’re sort of a musician’s Ultravox Information Service magazines. ourselves any good at all. We musicians kind of band, we’re would’ve lost a lot of money and ‘cult’, you know...! I mean, ask wasted everyone’s time. It the average man in the street would’ve been great for people about Ultravox and he wouldn’t to see us but we’d have been know what you’re talking about, paying to play! There’s no he’d never heard of us, and that’s promotion involved when you’re primarily due to Chrysalis because in that kind of situation, you’re if you make records that are endeavouring to do the concerts selling everywheres else in the so that the people who know world, if the Belgians can buy your music can see the show and records and the Japanese can buy see you live. The people who are records, and I don’t think they “That fiasco in on the periphery or haven’t heard have much in common, then the of you, you hope because of the Americans can’t be so different. Note: Please take note that this What really happened? How advertising to do with the album You’ve got to have a triumvirate interview took place eight years would you describe it? etc, etc, they’ll think “Well, this that’s working. The management America had really ago. Warren was adamant that if sounds interesting, maybe I’ll go has to have their act together, the we were going to publish it, then Warren: Well, in a few short along and check it out”, but there record company has to do their “Well, in a it should not be altered, even words, I was sacked. I was asked was no advertising or promotion. job and the band has to make bothered us. We’d with the benefit of hindsight. to leave. It was a complete The whole thing was just a good records. You’ve got to have surprise to me. disaster. So, he had the rather the three things right, it’s not like unenviable task of having to the forties musicals you see with Our intentions in printing this come back and face the four of us Fred Astaire and somebody few short words, interview are only to answer To run back a little, what basically never achieved any and tell us what was what. We shouts out “That’s OK kids, we’ll (once and for all) the most asked happened is... after we had done were very upset about that, we put the show on right here!” and question regarding Ultravox! We the last tour in this country we did were really very pissed off! talent always wins out in the end, have also asked Midge the same some shows in Europe then we I was sacked. talent rises to the top. It’s only like success there other question – that interview will came back home and expected to After that we thought “It’s that in the movies! appear next issue. have two or three weeks off while summertime” (we’d had a lot of I was asked things were being prepared in offers to go to Italy, at that point We were very pleased with our than just being a In The City: We’ve read various America for us to do a tour over we hadn’t been there before), manager and the records we reports about the split. Some say there. I’m going back a long ways “Let’s go to Italy and have a bit of made seemed to do well in this that you were asked to leave, here but this is how it makes a busman’s holiday, we’ll do some country and everywheres else so it to leave.” others say that you were sacked. sense, you need a bit of shows and keep ourselves was very disheartening for us to cult band.” have nothing going on in America calculating or planning in a in Eden, Quartet, Lament etc, intellectually. Emotionally I none of the bugs had been and especially disheartening million years will get you one. It’s etc - they’d done zero with all of couldn’t handle it because I worked out yet. We got in there when there were lots of bands all so unpredictable over there, them. We felt that there are thought “I don’t want the band maybe around the end of who, frankly, owed very much to not just for us but for most bands. people having a much greater to end”, I know we’ve got so October last year and Billy didn’t us, were very influenced by us, Someone from the record degree of success than we are much more we can do. I had a lot have an engineer to work the and were doing well over there. It company rings them up and says with far weaker material, not to of faith in it... I was getting bored place yet and there were always seemed the bogey man was “You guys are number one in begrudge them their success, but I could divorce myself from problems. We’d try and plug Chrysalis, which is certainly borne Sweden or Czechoslovakia or good for them, but it pissed us that totally, I was just getting something in and the wiring had out by the fact that no British some place”, the band scratches off. bored with what was happening. been done peculiar and the signal Chrysalis band has broken over its head and thinks to itself I was not getting bored with our got lost somewhere or we started there and the one who’s had the “Why?”. They don’t look a gift So, we decided if we can’t at least possibilities because I thought our getting noise. It takes a while to most success, really, is Spandau horse in the mouth, everyone feel that the next time we’re potential was still very exciting. So iron all of these things out in a Ballet who’ve just spent a year, goes “Oh great, fabulous” but writing songs and going through we took six months off and the new studio. Every place that you eighteen months, whatever, really they can’t help but think the wringer - I know the process six months stretched into a year go to that’s set up as a fighting like hell to get off “How can we be so big there and sounds cold and clinical and I and then some... commercial venture went through Chrysalis. It’s cost them a great not next door in the next don’t want to make it overly those teething problems in the deal to do so but they’ve made it. country?”. You just accept it and dramatic either - going through During that period Billy built a first few months or even year or Only recently Chris Morrison has carry on. We had some talks and the hoops of everything that studio in his basement. You see, so of their opening but they’ve managed to get Ultravox off of thought “Why are we doing this? happens between Day One when we had had a habit of after using cleared all that stuff up. This was Chrysalis in America, that’s been We’re doing it for personal you start writing songs to when a particular studio a certain something that was facing us. It since the group and I parted satisfaction”, but what makes up the tapes go into the record amount of times we would just felt good though. It wasn’t company. Lack of success in the the personal satisfaction? Now, company and they eventually never go back to it. The only physically very much bigger than U.S. really upset us because you continuing to make records and start pressing pieces of plastic, reason that we would use certain Midge’s studio but it had a nice see you need to have goals, you do concerts in this country is compact discs or whatever... but studios more than just the once is atmosphere, it felt a little bit more need incentives and we felt that, great but we’ve got to be honest after going through all of that we because we really liked the place. spacious. while we had basically achieved and, I mean we can admit it to wanted to be able to feel that We really liked Mayfair Studios what we were going to do in this ourselves so I don’t see why there was something to shoot at, and we got along very well with We broke for Christmas and Chris country, we weren’t of the there’s any reason we shouldn’t that we had a fair crack of the John Hudson. Our relationship went off to Russia. I’d gone to inclination to say “Alright, let’s admit it publicly, but that’s not whip at getting something going with was very good Russia the summer before and all just see how many records we can enough. We wanted to crack in America and getting a lot of also. Everything else was an of the sort of horror stories about sell here, let’s see how many big, them up, we wanted to do well people over there into our music. experiment - “Well, we’ll try this Russia that I had told the band “I was not big stadiums we can fill out”. Our there, for financial reasons too, of That we had a chance... and try that, bit of this, bit of made Chris’ eyes sort of light up goal wasn’t to try to be on par course. I would never deny that that, let’s just try these different and he went “Oh yeah, I think I’m with Elton John in this country or there’s a lot of money to be made Nothing seemed to improve with things”. I had no desire to go gonna go there”. I went in the getting bored with Barry Manilow or whoever the there, you could actually make as Chrysalis so we thought “One back into Midge’s studio, I think it summer time so it was hot and hell actually sells the most much money with one successful thing we should really do over wasn’t really on the cards nice, but when he said he was records. We felt very personally album in America, for example, these six months is think about anyways because of him moving going in the winter time I thought gratified by the success the fans than we’ve made in our entire really whether we want to carry house and everything, but I this is just like Chris; what a our possibilities have given us in this country. career in Britain. There’s a lot of on because if this is it, if nothing always thought Midge’s studio masochist, he’s gonna go to difference financially, certainly, else is really going to happen, if was great for Midge, for one Moscow and Leningrad in As far as Europe goes, we did OK, but mostly from a satisfaction we’re just going to ‘maintain’ person and an engineer. As soon December just when it’s nice and not great but not bad either. point of view. There’s a lot of then maybe we should consider as you get three or four people in toasty - “Don’t forget to take because I thought Europe’s such a funny place people there that we know would just packing it all in! Pack it in there you’re standing on each your woolly everythings...!” Billy territory by territory, country by like our music if given the now while we’re ahead”. Midge others feet and you’ve got and Midge went off to country rather, (that’s record opportunity to hear it through us was quite into that idea, Billy and everybody else’s elbow in your Montserrat. I thought that was our potential was company talk), that you just do being marketed better or handled Chris agreed with him, I was a eye. daft, we’d spent all that time the best you can and if the French better. It was completely obvious little stunned considering the idea there while we were recording, suddenly pick up on one that Chrysalis in America didn’t of packing it in but I could see When Billy’s studio was finished, what on earth do you want to go particular song then you’ve got a know what the hell to do with us. that there was some sense to it, or pronounced ‘open’, naturally back there for? I mean, why not still very exciting.” hit, but no amount of trying or We’d given them Vienna, Rage although that was only because it was still so brand new, go to a tropical island we hadn’t been to before, you know, go to couple of days, we’re not going new areas that we were excited but we’d been together for a long “Well, yeah, but Billy if you play Jamaica or Nassau or Hawaii, to get sidetracked, we’ll do this about and wanted to do, wanted time and we’d been through an this and Chris if you did that...”. I there’s all sorts of tropical islands then we’ll move on”. We had lots to work within. But this time, for awful lot together. I still respected thought if I press any more I really we haven’t been to! Obviously of little avenues that we could the first time, we sat down and everybody as players, I knew we couldn’t blame them for turning Midge got married and work in. We found a lot of ideas discussed it and it became clear had it in us to do it, it was just around and saying “Hey! Back everything while they were out but there was only the three of right from the word go that we whether we wanted to do it and off! I’ve got some ideas too”. It there. I timed my return so that I us, Midge wasn’t around, he was were all adamant the album I reckoned we all seemed to want was kind of a difficult situation flew back from Los Angeles, still doing his solo tour. When he should have a completely it enough so there’d be no and even more difficult when you where I spent my Christmas came back he was moving house different sound. A total change, a problem. I wanted us to sound can see both sides. Perhaps if I holidays, the same day as Midge which is quite a palaver, very drastic change. ‘hard’ again, almost heavy metal, was totally megalomaniacal and Billy returned from disorientating. I think also at the and to totally strip off our old about it or totally dogmatic and Montserrat. I reckoned it would time he’d come down with really I thought “This is good! This is image. I wanted R-O-C-K could only see my side and wasn’t give us a couple of days to get bad flu, but Midge was just right great!” because during all this music...! aware of Billy or Chris then over jet-lag and then we’d be out of the picture. The time time off I had begun to get more maybe more would’ve got done, I back in Billy’s, by this time there’d before the Christmas holidays, and more bored with how we Well, while in theory it was clear don’t know. As it turned out, I be an engineer and all the little when the three of us were in went about things and the everybody really wanted to guess I wasn’t particularly tuned connection problems and there, doesn’t really count prospect of going back when we change, it started to seem to me in to what Chris and Bill were up teething troubles would be taken towards song writing, we were got together again to carry on in that, in practice, it was a totally to because I had thought care of and we could get on with just helping to try and get the the same way was, with each different kettle of fish. In practice everything was pretty hunky- doing some work. studio operational. From the passing week, becoming more it was proving very difficult; when dorey. We’d had lots and lots of middle of January on it was just and more unpleasant. When I you’re working with people it’s a sort of ‘tools down’ and little The majority of those glitches Chris and Billy and me and it was heard everybody else say “Yeah, very fine line between you being chats over coffee saying “Hey, were cleared up but not totally, that way from mid January until yeah, we’ve got to change” - excited about something and things are really going good”. yet it seemed we were getting off the last week in April or the first everybody’s proud about what saying “I’ve got an idea, bear That thread remained throughout “I’m kind of on the to a very slow start in terms of... week in May and the songs were the band have done but it’s a with me a sec... if you did this and the whole time but then when well, if you looked at it very cold written with just keyboards, bass classic case of “That was then, you did that and I played this then Midge came back everything and said at the end of the day and drums, occasionally some this is now” - “Let’s take some it’ll sound great”, which is completely changed. “OK, what have you written? guitar, Chris would play that, and real risks! Let’s take some something that goes back and defensive here but What have you actually achieved I felt very positive - I know I said chances! Let’s be self indulgent!” forth within the work process a Just before I get into that phase that I can hear or see?”. Well, that earlier but let me back track but not in the usual sense that lot, but there’s a fine line between of it, the situation in Billy’s nothing really, because we didn’t again for a minute... self indulgence is taken in, “Let’s that kind of enthusiasm and it studio... I mean, I’m not an early have any material that you could just go out there and have some sounding like you’re giving orders riser, it kills me to get up before I think I can be categorise or encapsulate that You ask me one question and I fun again”, all that kind of - “You play this, I’ll play that and noon and if it’s before ten then way for quite a long time but we don’t stop talking! attitude, I thought “Great!”. That you play this” and nobody likes I’m just like a walking zombie. were very up and positive. We perked me up and I threw myself being given orders. It’s difficult Maybe somebody with a cattle excused for feeling were achieving things and settling We did something unusual at the into it wholeheartedly. I’m kind of when four people are prod could get me out of bed but into the working studio very beginning which was talking on the defensive here but I think I contributing input but we’d been I don’t get creative until I’m relationship. We told our about just how we should do the can be excused for feeling that together a long time and we have awake and I don’t really wake up manager “It’s all happening, it’s record. It was unusual for us in way... this is the first opportunity a mental shorthand as to how this until mid afternoon or late that way... this is gonna be good, we feel very that every time we had gone to I’ve had to say my piece. sort of thing works, it would be afternoon. So it’s all well and positive about this” and things do a new album we had never an undecipherable process to good to be in the studio from say got sorted out and we got, day by really discussed it, we never really However bored I’ve been with anyone watching or listening but noon ‘til eight or later, we never day, more into the frame of mind had to. We just sort of knew, it how things had been getting, it made sense to us. But I started usually worked later than twelve, the first opportunity for writing and there were less was understood... the things that here I saw a chance, not only for to feel that to get Billy and Chris but I would only start to come and less distractions and things, we were bored with, the things me but for all of us, to just totally into the things that I wanted to alive about the time Chris would we soon started getting to the that we still liked, things that we put everything we’d done behind be hearing, the stuff that I leave and Chris always left early. I’ve had to point where we had too many felt still had depth, things to be us and carry on and do something thought we should be doing, I He’d be there at twelve or half ideas to work on. We’d have to explored, where we hadn’t got new. I still liked working with was really pushing my luck! I was twelve or whatever and I used to say “OK, this is the idea we’re the best of particular areas yet Chris, Midge and Billy. Any group sort of on the limit, as it were, as turn up quite late sometimes, like gonna work on for the next wanted to keep working at, and of people have their differences to just how much I could say two or three or whatever, but he say my piece.” would always leave at about six or every system has got its pros and bass line and drum beat or the stuff and said “Ahh... yes... WC: No. Not at all. I really had so and I thought “Well, this isn’t cons. whatever, was something good yes..... that one’s a definite no.... no inkling at all. When we first a nine to five job”, I couldn’t that we could get into then, if I yes.... etc”. Later on in rehearsals started talking about doing the really understand that. I put it to Some days at Billy’s I’d be didn’t have any more drum parts most of the stuff I liked most was album I had thought of various him and he just said “You just horrifically late and other days I’d to do on things we’d already the stuff that he liked the least. producers. I didn’t want the band wake up later than I do, I’d much be there on time, but Chris would been working on, then I would do to do it again because we’ve lived rather work these kind of hours”. always leave. I put it to him and a little ‘demo’. The next day in the We decided we’d go into live in each others pockets for a long he said “Well, these are just the studio I’d say “Listen guys, I just rehearsals and bat around some time, there aren’t that many ITC: Can I just ask you one hours that I like to work” and he kinda threw this together last of the things that Chris and Bill surprises in amongst ourselves. question there Warren. Was there obviously wasn’t gonna change night, what do you think of it?” and I had put to tape to see how We’d always had the idea of any agreement that you started at so I couldn’t make an issue of it, and Bill and Chris would nod their they felt ‘live’ and also because “Let’s work with exciting people twelve at any time? I’d made as much of an issue of it heads and go “Hmmm... yeah”. the ideas you come up with in a and pick their brains”. Even if as was gonna be made. That was I’d think “Great” and would then rehearsal room are bound to be they’re working in a field that’s WC: There was a rough that, so I thought “OK, I’ll cope”. come up against “But you know different from what you do in a completely apart from Ultravox agreement that we’d start about Billy would usually pack in about we’re working on this other thing studio. It was immediately there’s bound to be ricochets of twelve, one o’clock, thereabouts seven / seven thirty / eight o’clock right now so let’s take one thing obvious that there was a real things that they do that would but, again, it isn’t a factory, you or so for dinner and more often at a time or we’ll get completely clash, things were not going very occur to us and no-one else and don’t have to punch your time than not, not come back screwed up, let’s just get that out well. Both Billy and Chris didn’t “Oh, that’s an idea we could use” card or anything and nobody’s downstairs. After he’d had dinner of the way and then we’ll see seem to really mind when Midge and turn it inside out, upside gonna sack, I was gonna say no- that was his day. He would come what comes up next”. So I did would object to a particular idea down, and then it’s relevant to us. one was going to sack you back downstairs if he’d been that and, in all honesty, I never or say he didn’t like it and try and We’d all put forward (laughs)! Nobody’s gonna dock working on his keyboard parts once thought that any of these change it, that bothered me recommendations, ideas as to you or say “No, Jones you’ve got then call it a night when he had ideas weren’t being well received. because I thought “The three of who might be good, and it to be on that crane on time or brain damage, but if it wasn’t I thought they were digging us have done this, it is really ultimately kind of settled on the we’ll kick your arse out of here”. something that he particularly them, I really just thought “Oh good, we all liked it before Midge person we were really trying to had to do then, yes, that was Bill’s well, we’re not doing them heard it... Yes, there is ‘give and shoot for, (I think in the end we ITC: How come then in the past day finished at about eight. I because we’re working on take’, but why were Bill and Chris wanted to shoot him!) Bob it worked so well after sort of ten don’t hold myself blameless there another song at the moment”. It not sticking up for these ideas?”. Clearmountain. I was very happy o’clock? but I don’t feel I am solely to turns out later that it wasn’t quite I suppose the only thing I can with this choice because I’ve long blame. I think at best I could only that way, they just didn’t really really say to finish this part, to felt that American engineers have WC: We always hated have been at that point, because like my ideas or the areas or sum it up, is that Midge and I better ‘ears’, their mixes are rehearsing. For the first week of there were only three of us, a whatever, they didn’t like it and were always having a bit of a set- better. I’m not saying they’re rehearsals, for example, we’d be third of the problem! they were kinda being polite... if to over something and he’d say “I more inventive (for people all on time and we’d stay until they really hadn’t liked any of just don’t like it, it’s just not reading this who have a thing “Dazed... seven o’clock or so but as the I thought that was such a waste them then I wish they’d just said ‘Ultravox’ to me” and I’d say against Americans!), it’s got days went by we’d start turning of the studio. We had the “I just don’t like that idea, I think “Yeah, well that’s why I like it”. nothing to do with the aesthetics, up later and later and leaving engineer there, it would be eight it’s crap” or “Well, it’s alright, but Next question! it’s to do with the mechanics of earlier and earlier until we’d all o’clock at night, say, and me I really don’t like it, it’s not to my recording music and putting it to I was really arrive at about two thirty or three absolutely being raring to go at taste”. So I guess I was working ITC: When you were first told, tape or disc. I was very happy and we’d play around until the this point. I ended up doing lots under some false illusions there. or asked to leave, how did you with that choice. Great. Far out. first good idea that we came up of little demos. I didn’t really see feel when it finally sunk in? Good! with had gone down on tape. them as demos, I just thought The stuff that we did get shocked, stunned, Then we felt justified in turning along the lines of ‘one picture’s together, they were our own WC: Dazed. I was really There proved to be problems. It’s up for that day and we’d say worth a thousand words’. Two / ‘writing-demos’ but there were shocked, stunned, dazed, all not like you can just ring “Right! OK, I’m off, see you three minutes of a very rough elements of the tracks that we’d those adjectives. somebody up and he looks in his dazed, all those tomorrow” (laughs). You know, idea cobbled together goes a lot been putting together that we diary and says “I’m clear here”, those rehearsal rooms can drive further than trying to get your knew we would keep when we ITC: Would you say that you it’s unfortunately incredibly hit or you potty when you work under general idea across to people via went into the studio to do things had no inclination at all, there miss. They don’t really know, that format of only writing talking about it. If I thought a full steam. But when Midge came was no hint or inkling? they’re working with a band at adjectives.” together. Every way you try it, particular feel, a certain kind of back he came in and listened to the moment and they don’t have any idea really of how long Midge doing most of the talking. ITC: Didn’t you actually say to a style of management. It they’d say “You’ve got all these they’re going to take to finish. It was Midge, Bill and Chris in that us at one point that you said to presumes you have the drum machines and amplifiers, He’s been working on the project order. And I was flabbergasted. I them “do I have a say in it?” intelligence and the maturity to electronic percussion and things for nine months and of course said “I can’t believe my ears, I conduct yourself and make your like that, why do you still play a he’s gonna want some time off. can’t believe I’m hearing this!”. WC: I can’t recall. Probably. own decisions, that kind of real ?” and I’d say Another band would’ve thought Their point of view was essentially decision. Now, he will turn “Because it has its own role to he was going to finish the first “It’s not working and we feel that ITC: One thing that was around and say “Shut-up, you play and I like it, if I ever decide to band, have two months off, then we can work together, we feel suggested Warren to us and I’d don’t know what the hell you’re change I’ll do so when I feel like do their band and, because the that we’re on the same track and like to put that to you, is that the talking about” when it’s it, when it seems to make sense first band over-runs, this other that you’re the one who’s the rest of the band... something to do with business to me”. I suppose one reason band is clamouring because odd man out. We’ve discussed it, but artistic decisions, that’s up to why it never made sense for me they’ve planned their schedule so it’s very painful and very WC: Can I just say one more the band... deciding to get rid of to make the change is while the as to be able to work with him. embarrassing. We really wish thing? one of the members is pretty technology existed it was always It’s really a lot of luck to get the there could be another way but much an artistic decision and not a little bit ropey, it was never to person you want to work with at we’ve discussed it and felt that I then took the opportunity to get a business decision! I mean, I the standard I demanded. During the time that makes sense to do there’s no answer to it, it’s not a lot of things off my chest, (my wasn’t ruining Ultravox Limited by the last eighteen months a lot of the work. Yeah, sure, we could’ve something that can be worked shirt, my jacket!), and again the embezzling or dealing in cocaine things have happened and worked with Bob if we were out because you’re who you are, consensus between the three of or anything. It was an artistic electronic percussion, in other going to wait eighteen months, I’m who I am, the others are who them was “Well?? So?”. Maybe decision so he stayed out of it. words; electronic bass drums, two years or so... they are, nothing’s going to that last remark is a little bit unfair That’s his style. snare drums, tom toms and fundamentally change so the only but they didn’t seem particularly cymbals and things that you hit, We had a lot of ups and downs solution is a break, a clean break, moved because the major I have not spoken to the band ie you ‘play’ rather than with potential whackos to work we’d like you to go”. I attempted emotional crisis and decision had since. programme like a , with and one day, it was while we to find out what it was that was been crossed and made. They the quality, the possibilities with were in Nomis during the weeks bothering them but every time decided I was to leave and I could ITC: Now one suggestion that the modern electronic percussion, of live rehearsals, there was we started talking about a see that it had been hard for was made to us and I’d like to put state of the art, I really feel now supposed to be a meeting, a specific thing that was getting up them but, yeah, they weren’t this to you is that Ultravox said outstrips acoustic drums. It’s not management meeting, an ‘official their nose, something I was budging. I looked at my manager that you were not prepared to as visually exciting, naturally, in a “They decided I band meeting’. I reckoned it had doing, then the general and said “I’ve been asked to leave play real drums anymore. Is that live concert situation but as far as something to do with “We can’t consensus seemed to be “Yeah, so I shall act accordingly”. I didn’t true? making records in the studio is get Bob Clearmountain and after but let’s not talk about this say “OK, in that case, I quit”. I concerned - it’s The Business. humming and hahhing and yes- because we’ll just go round and didn’t say “All right then, I’ll WC: Partially! I had always... I was to leave and ing and no-ing he’s finally said round in circles, it’s not going to leave”. I just said “I’ve been asked mean it’s kinda funny this, it’s like Electronics haven’t replaced them No, he can’t do it, so we’re falling go anywhere, we’ve decided to leave, I shall act accordingly” I’ve been hoist with my own but to my tastes it’s a far more back on Plan B” (or by this time it that’s what we want to do, we and then they left and I talked petard and given enough rope to viable alternative now. It’s much I could see that it might have been Plan H). I went want you to leave, you’re going”. alone with my manager about it. hang myself with. I’ve always less hassle in the studio, it’s less in and after the exchanged few I had no opportunity, and they I’m sure Chris Morrison was very used drum machines and hassle touring, you never have to hellos and cigarettes were lit and weren’t interested in discussing it, surprised, very surprised and electronic percussion with spend hours tuning, the skins coffee cups were passed around, they weren’t interested in seeing shocked. I don’t think he had very enthusiasm as more and more don’t break, it looks better, you had been hard PLONK it was just laid on me. if a solution could be found, I much pre-knowledge of this at all things were available and don’t have a big forest of “Well, we think that there’s a wasn’t offered the opportunity of and during our meeting he was incorporated it into our music, it’s contraptions all around you. I was problem with the band and that “Well, you know, go home, take visibly very, very embarrassed and what made a lot of our music gel always trying to simplify my you don’t see things the way we some time to think it over... just doing his best to act as sort of but, at the same time, I continued equipment as much as possible. I for them but yeah, do”... etc, etc. maybe you’ll feel, in the light of a mediator, do his Robin Day bit, to play an acoustic drum kit, what know it appeared that I was what we’ve said, that you’d like you know. some people term a ‘real’ drum doing the exact opposite but, for ITC: Who made this statement? to try and tune in to where we’re kit! I continued to do so long example, I managed to do away they weren’t Who was doing the talking? at, or that you agree with us and ITC: But isn’t that lack of after the technology existed for with mike stands, I have a very you want to go... have a think management? me to not have to do so. I’d be special system in my acoustic WC: It was sort of joint about it”. I was not given that interviewed by electronics drums that very few people in this between Midge and Billy with opportunity. I was just told. WC: No, no I don’t think so. It’s magazines or music papers and country know about or use... it’s budging.” an American system where all the like Akai or Panasonic or JVC beat like you can hear in the get the fence back in exactly the context and not a gimmicky one, microphones are permanently could take him over. Not background (builder hammering!!). same position it’s much harder. the actual sound was still not attached inside the drums, that’s necessarily somebody like To keep time whilst layering up You’re bound to not get it in quite quite good enough so that you a basic idea that’s been around Yamaha or Roland, but one of the the various tracks during a the same position and, because it would be fooled. It was also not for a long time but the particular second generation of hi-fi recording, you just imagine a isn’t, then all the other things programmed (nine times out of execution of that idea by Roger manufacturers that are getting better beat or a different, more don’t quite have the same ten) by somebody who May’s system is by far the best. It into the instrument area, and it’d detailed beat or whatever, so that relevance. So I hated having to go understood drums which was enables me to do away with a lot be the best thing that could ever you’re all playing ‘in time’ which back and re-do drums, sometimes really the dead giveaway, of clutter. I was always trying to happen”. It now seems that, in is just about how everybody else it was easy, sometimes it was a probably more so than even the make things better and simpler, fact, that’s exactly what has in the world works, or a helluva bitch. I couldn’t seem to get them sound. But I reckoned if anybody not just for me but for the rest of transpired and I’m very curious lot of people. All of the projects to allow me to just use drum- could do it I was able to. I had a the band, for the audience too. indeed to see the results of that I’ve done outside of the band - machine click tracks and then go lot of resistance over this and I merger. that’s the method everybody back after some bass and guitar said to them before we started I think the “wasn’t prepared to uses. You just ignore what it is and keyboards were down to do a “Look, in the past I feel I’ve been play drums anymore” quote grew Anyway, I left the 9000 alone for artistically and use it purely as a more considered, thoughtful, and very accommodating. I’ve played out of this situation: Billy’s studio a year because I could see it had a metronome, then when the thing exciting drum thing. They wanted simple stuff although I’ve wanted is not large and in a small space lot of bugs that needed to be is shaped up a little bit you go in it straightaway. They felt “Well, to do more because I felt that was like that acoustic drums are worked out of it but after they’d and do a really good drum track how do I know what to play for what the song really required incredibly loud, they take up a lot sort of gotten it together, after but I was always pressured to like the bass if there’s no drums? How rather than shooting all over the of room, a lot more room than a the machine had settled down, I do The Ace Drums straightaway. do I know when to play the shop and making all kinds of “...in the past I Simmonds kit and even that takes bought one and from the entire Well, how could I when I had no keyboards if there’s no bass and racket and playing all kinds of up a lot of room. By the time time I was in Billy’s I was on the idea of how the song was going drums? I can’t play any guitar if flash stuff. I played very straight, you’ve got a few amplifiers, a thing for, oh I don’t know, five, to develop? there’s no keyboards and bass”, very solid, right down the line, feel I’ve been very grand and a Simmonds kit six, seven, eight hours a day, day so somebody was always saying nail-the-beat-to-the-floor-and- in the studio part of Bill’s place in day out. Always on the thing, In the beginning it was far more “After you...!” and it always had not-much-else because there was there’s not a helluva lot of room getting into it, which is pretty difficult to go back and re-do the to be after me. When you work so much other stuff going on that left for anything else. In a room hard because it’s not very big. drums than later on when we with modern drum machines a lot if I joined in, too, there would accommodating. the size of the playing area at Bill’s (laughs). I felt this machine had tended to have a lot of sequenced of such problems needn’t happen have been chaos!” Somebody place you have to make depth... it was an instrument in its bass-lines. I used to put down a at all. Initially drum machines had to nail it down, it was me. I adjustments. That’s partially why I own right and a very powerful drum track with acoustic drums were slagged off, people either didn’t mind that for a very long was playing Simmonds but mainly writing tool as well, not because and then halfway through the hated them or thought they were time but I eventually got to where I’ve played simple I was using my Linn 9000. of the drum machine side of it but song or maybe three quarters kookie and wild and weird and I was rebelling. I didn’t want to because it’s virtually a 32 track through the song I would go back wonderful... or just a gimmick. play so simple anymore, I didn’t The 9000 is basically about the digital tape recorder. For and have another bash to update No-one, even the people who want to play so monotonously stuff although I’ve most advanced drum machine keyboards it’s just the greatest them. The feel of a song really liked drum machines, would anymore or play solid in that and integral sequencer around, thing for writing... wonderful, hinges on drums. All the other admit that “It’s gimmicky” but particular way. I said “I don’t have it’s been out for over a year at this very, very user friendly. instruments can be slightly in and they’d improved to the point the option of playing any other point. I’ve grown up with drum Complicated mind you, but still out of time but if the drums where if your ideas are good and way because everybody’s all over wanted to do more machines and I’ve grown along quite friendly in those terms. I got change from their original feel if you programme them properly the place. If we had our rhythms with Linn drum machines as more and more into this and felt you’ve usually got real problems. you can’t distinguish them more together and not had so they’ve come out. I had the first that this was a far more efficient, Nobody can play so accurately between real drums. many overdubs and didn’t cram in one, the Linn LM-1, then the Linn far more elegant (if you don’t that their bass overdub or their too many melodies I’d actually because I felt that Drum, and now the 9000. mind the phrase) way of doing keyboard overdubs or guitar There was a time when if you have the freedom to where I Although I do have a love/hate the drums. overdubs are going to be spot on listened to peoples singles on the could move the rhythms around a relationship with them! They are and in exactly the same ‘time’ as radio, you could tell that it was a lot more, it wouldn’t sound was what the song now out of business. I made a Throughout the history of the the drums. They’re all sitting near drum machine but for two forced and it wouldn’t sound prediction, I said “The best thing band it seems that they’ve never it; it’s like they’re all sitting on the reasons, because although a awkward”. I didn’t want to play that could happen is Roger Linn been able to cope with a click knife-edge of a fence to a greater machine was good enough to use fours on the bass drum anymore could go out of business because track or thump-bang-thump- or lesser degree, but when you in that commercial environment, unless it was my decision rather really required...” he’s such a klutz and somebody bang type of bass drum and snare take the fence away and try and in other words a ‘real drums’ than “Christ, I can’t play anything else to this or it’ll sound like a Whenever I started to play left the office that day nobody’s fans but that’s a separate issue. see anybody. All I did was stay mess!”. I got quite a few raised differently... I mean, I would have subsequently been in touch with Now we move on to Warren home and read. I read about a eyebrows over that because I days when I’d think “By God, I’m me. It doesn’t necessarily break Cann. What has Warren been million books, I watched really wanted it all to be a lot gonna throw these new things me up that I haven’t heard from doing since the split? television, I watched a million funkier and that was the first in”, something that I would be Midge because we’ve never really videos and I played on my inkling of some potential future excited about at the time, “I’m been close for a long time. On a WC: When you asked me earlier computer games night after night problems. gonna throw these in and just personal level I still like him as about how did I feel and I said until about ten in the morning. hang on to them ‘til the cows long as we’re not talking about “dazed”. I walked out of the Then one day I just kinda snapped Billy was upset about it. He got a come home and the song will anything creative! If we’re talking office and I can’t really remember out of it and thought “Right, I bit of a bee in his bonnet over it have to work around them” but about cars or something we get what I did, where I went... I got to want to do something now. I feel and said “I need to see you sooner or later somebody would on... It didn’t particularly bother a telephone and phoned Hans like doing something”. hitting the drums, I need to get say “You know, that doesn’t me with Midge because the and said “I gotta talk to you” the energy” and I thought “Yeah, sound right, it’s too busy” or relationship had grown into just a because I had to tell somebody I gave it a good hard think and that’s all well and good live. I “Just keep it simpler”. working one, we worked and he was the obvious choice for realised that, while there were a mean, we know what we’re together but after work ‘you go me to tell. He knew I was upset lot of things that I could be doing, doing, that’s not so necessary in I had made a quote in a foreign your way and I go mine’. But with about something so he said “OK, they were all things that I could here”. All I end up doing in interview at some point that I was Chris and Bill it was different I’ll be back at my studio in an be doing at any time. That was rehearsals is I play a beat playing more and more simpler, because we’d been together a lot hour - I’ll meet you then”. When the one thing they all had in everybody likes so they’re almost to the point of being longer and that extra time, plus of I got there I had a couple of bags common. There was no sort of immediately off trying to find playing moronically, and I was course their personalities, has of shopping. I don’t remember time limit to them, there was no chord sequences and writing and kinda worried that I was made me feel much closer to buying any of the stuff, I really kind of pressure. I can study “I haven’t heard things, I can change the beat drumming myself out of a job. them. A lot of families haven’t don’t remember doing it! acting whenever I want, I can round quite a few different ways Maybe that proved to be been together as long as we have Anyway, he said “OK, kiddo work on library albums or I can do but basically I might as well be a prophetic. I find it highly ironic, I and been as close as we have or what’s up?” and I said “You’re film music, there’s all sorts of from Midge... we’ve drum machine. They’d think “It’s couldn’t believe it when they then gone through what we’ve been not gonna believe this but I’ve things, there’s no clock ticking OK, we’ve got the drums to play used . I can’t say through together. I think what just been kicked out of the away. But the one thing that I to, now let’s start writing the he’s a close friend, I don’t know pisses me off the most is that band”. That state of mind, that wanted to do that I felt there was song”. I used to do that at him that well but he’s an none of them just simply came up kind of daze stayed with me for a a time element involved in was never really been rehearsals if there was a particular acquaintance and I like the guy to me individually or privately, in while. I thought it had gone after the making of my own album beat that they were working and I admire his playing, he’s very other words not under the aegis about a week but, in retrospect, because I have no false illusions around, I’d get so bored doing good. But I couldn’t believe that of a meeting, and just said to me while I felt “Oh well, onwards about my stature. I was the guy in the one thing over and over again I’d been sacked and they’d “I’m sorry, I wish it could’ve and upwards” I was still very the back at Ultravox, even a lot of close for a long that I’d put it in the drum proceeded to get Mark in to do worked out another way”. You stunned... You see, I’m glad to be Ultravox fans weren’t all that sure machine so that I could sit and the drums when his style is, for know, just eye to eye, man to out but the timing of it was bad as to what I looked like! I wasn’t have a cup of coffee and a one example, very much an area man, and said that. It still pisses for me and, yeah, I have regrets in the position Midge was or I’d time... On a personal cigarette! Then I could contribute that I’ve long wanted to move me off. because I really felt that, although be recognised every time I stuck by completely listening to what into and where their reactions I know this can be construed as my head out of a window. I they were playing rather than indicated previously that they ITC: That’s the end of the an arrogant statement, I really did wasn’t in the position where I being sidetracked by half of me didn’t like such stuff. That doesn’t Ultravox questions. feel if my contributions had been could wait a year or eighteen level I still like him having to concentrate on my make any sense to me at all. taken to heart more, that the new months or something, I couldn’t playing and only having 50% left WC: I’m sure it’s the end of me Ultravox album [U-Vox] would be go away and do scuba diving or for listening to the overall thing. I ITC: One final question as far as if this stuff gets out! I didn’t a far better record than it is. something to clear my head out, could then listen to all of it. But Ultravox is concerned and then realise I was going to be so candid clean my system out, to get that as long as we’re Billy really didn’t like that and he we’ll move on to Warren Cann. today. You’d better strike while Anyways, a week, ten days later I kind of a fresh perspective. I don’t was quite adamant, “It’s not What are your feelings towards the iron is hot, I might not do this thought I was pretty much over it have the sort of stature or spontaneous, it drives me crazy” the three remaining members again.....! (laughs) but I wasn’t. It took me about six recognition where I can have the not talking about but I didn’t feel that was fair at all now? weeks because I didn’t go out, I luxury of doing that. People have because most of the time that’s ITC: Let’s talk about Warren didn’t feel like going anywhere, I short memories. I thought what they seemed to want me to WC: The thing that pissed me Cann. We will end with one more was the Apathy Kid. I didn’t want “Hmmm... I’m gonna have to get do, just play the same things. off the most was that after they’d question in relation to Ultravox’s to do anything, I didn’t want to cracking here” and I decided to anything creative!” work further on those little proportions would be, say, it’s not an accepted thing. The enough to get it in the charts, time as far as I’m concerned! vignettes, those things I had just probably maybe 50% mine 50% public doesn’t bat an eyelid at a not even necessarily very high kinda cobbled together over a other peoples but that’s also singer leaving a band and but just get it in the charts, it ITC: An awful lot of fans have coupla hours late in the evening compensated I feel by the fact forming his own thing, or a immediately puts me in a whole been wanting to ask you this to play to the guys the next that I’m producing, playing and prominent member of a group new light as far as the rest of the themselves and that’s why they morning to see if we couldn’t do singing. Now there’s not one forming his own band but the business is concerned and as far were hoping they’d see you something in that vein together. I thing that goes on unless I , it’s not on. as the public are concerned, of sometime at The Flag, but many felt “I still believe in these, I still approve of it. That’s the beauty course. The public will start to of them have written to us and think these are good ideas”. of being your own boss, there’s But I can sing, I can play guitar, I see me as an artist and not just they’ve said that Ultravox in their no committee decisions. can play keyboards well enough what’s-his-name-who-was-the- opinion would never be the I’ve been writing other stuff and to write songs on and that’s all drummer, and the music same again and they’re really I’ve been searching for material ITC: There’s no compromise, is you need. I don’t want to be business will certainly see me as going to miss you. Now, we put amongst my friends, of whom there? Oscar Peterson, nobody’s a real musician, an artiste, and that to you on their behalf. What there are a lot of very good expecting me to be. So I’m quite not just some idiot who hits can you say so them? , because I’m not WC: ... A great deal less confident on that scale of it. drums. But, assuming it achieves going to get my shirt in a knot if compromise! ‘No compromise’ is Singing is a daunting prospect some kind of success when the WC: Well of course Ultravox I haven’t written every single such a flat statement you can because although I’ve always time comes, when my agent says will never be the same again. track on my album. What’s always pick holes but basically sung it’s always been backing it makes financial sense and it’s a Have you seen the state of important to me is the quality of you’re right. vocals, and as the records have viable proposition for me to go Midge’s hairline! No, it won’t be. the songs. I’m already going to gone by, it’s been less and less of out and do live shows, then I’ll Billy, Chris, and I had been be singing, producing it and ITC: What about live the backing vocals whereas I’ve put a band together and I’ll do it. together since 1974 and even playing drums and guitar on it. performances? Have you wanted to do more and more of There’s no point in me putting a Midge as the new boy has been I’m gonna have my plate very thought about that yet or is it it. It’s just a thing between me record out and then forming a in the band six years so that’s much full so I really don’t need too early? and Midge. I certainly never felt band because I have to pay for it hardly new is it? But because the the extra aggravation at the like I was being encouraged and all out of my own pocket and I band became a band when I moment of feeling I’m obliged to WC: I think it’s much too early I also kinda felt that “I shouldn’t don’t have any money to go and joined... up until then it was a write every single note to concentrate on that side of it. have to elbow my way in here” try and create a demand when as couple of musicians looking for a personally. What I’d like to do is feel the and kick people out of my way yet there is none. I’d love putting drummer so that they could have material I have and the direction and say “I want to do this and a band together and going out a band, so my influence I suppose as an artiste I view that I’ve got in mind for the nothing doing if I can’t!”, I don’t to promote the album but I also musically and personally within myself for the time being in the album is strong, I feel it’s going have that kind of personality. So, really feel that some of the stuff the band cannot help but “I’m sure it’s the same kind of vein, writing and to be successful... It’s gonna be a for one reason or another, the on it will be successful enough to change things now it’s not there performing wise, as someone big hit with me and that’s the vocals that I did on our records get people aware of my name anymore. It’s for people to decide like Robert Palmer. He writes a most important person but I’m were less and less but I can do it, before hand. Gawd, I don’t want for themselves whether that’s a end of me if this great deal of his own material quite confident that it’ll be quite I’m quite confident. It’s scaring to go out and play a chip shop in good or bad thing. but he’s certainly not shy at successful, otherwise. That will the hell out of me but sometimes Burton-on-Trent or somewhere, covering old songs or using immediately enable me to do a that’s good for you. You know, you know I’m not expecting to ITC: Do you think that the songs that have been written by lot of things. I’ve got more than it’s a good thing to be shitting go out and do Hammersmith music you’re working on will stuff gets out! other people. It’s the same with the usual amount of question yourself. If you’re not panicking - Odeon either but I don’t want to appeal to Ultravox fans? Paul Young. I mean, who made marks hanging over my head you’re not having fun! play closets which I probably the rules? Who said that you’ve because I’m not just a guy who’s think is all I would be offered if I WC: I think so, I think some of got to write all your own left a famous band. I’m the Your question was...? suddenly rang up agents now. If them will really get a kick out of I didn’t realise I material? Ultravox wrote its drummer and everyone knows my manager rang up our agent it. I’ll probably lose some, too. I material, but that was because that don’t do ITC: ... the question was, is and said “Warren’s putting a expect that but I think there are there was always a surfeit of anything except drum and smash there any chance of doing any band together to do some an awful lot of Ultravox fans who was going to be ideas. There’s no stigma attached up hotel rooms and pick their live performances? shows”, I’d be working in the will like what I do. It’s kind of a to it for a lot of other people so I nose. You know, so few East Cheam swimming baths’ funny area to try and pin down don’t feel there should be any drummers have ever achieved WC: Well, I’ll put the record changing room. No thanks. I’m but so much of what Ultravox attached to me doing it that way. anything, other than what they out and then we’ll see... If the not a snob but I want to have a was is due to my share of input so candid today.” On my album I imagine that the were good at as drummers, that public like one of the tracks good time and that’s not a good and obviously the same works the other way round. So much of I can get away with a lot of WC: Helden is just indefinitely WC: Yeah. It’s more a question policy, as a band at any rate, had what Ultravox was created what things that the band collectively shelved that’s all, no more and of production than what the been that if we couldn’t agree on I am because I’d been in it so felt went against the image we no less. Hans is very busy actual music is. With each how much to open up long! It’s not something I’ve had because, let’s not forget, I working on film soundtracks at passing decade I’m beginning to sometimes, we decided that until come in and out of over eighteen grew up in North America. I grew the moment, working in his think (laughs)... OK, every coupla we could agree on just how far months. The band shaped me up in North America in a British studio, and I’ve had the events years I think “Yeah, I’d like to go we should go, we’d keep quiet just as much as I helped shape family and moved here a long we’ve been talking about to back and remix the Helden about it. the band so people are bound to time ago. I’m a weird kind of cope with. We still see each album”. I listened to it a few hear things in what I do that are hybrid at being both... I can other, we’re still close friends but months back for the first time in ITC: That press release...? reminders to them of things comfortably accommodate both as far as Helden goes we’ve just ages and most of it doesn’t need they’ve heard in Ultravox. They British and American influences put it on hold until the time is remixing, it still stands up, but WC: Regarding the press can see links, they can hear within the same few bars of right to do otherwise. We will do there’s one or two tracks I’d like release, all I was concerned connections, yet at the same music in a way that a lot of other something but I have no idea just to remix, one or two sounds about was that it did state that I time, that goes round and round people can’t. what or when. have subsequently gone on to was asked to leave. I didn’t want in itself. There are a lot of things become so popular that people to see any ‘amicable split’ type that I’m going to do that ITC: Do you feel unchained ITC: There’s no possibility of hearing those particular bits stuff or ‘left due to musical Ultravox never did and some because you’ve got all this sort of Spies being released even in an would think we weren’t being differences’ blah-blah. Some people will listen to those and freedom that you didn’t have? Indie type record? original. papers printed that anyways... make the connection “Ah, well, I can hear they didn’t ever do this WC: Yeah, very much so. I’m WC: In an Indie way, yes. I’ve ITC: I still think it’s a very ITC: Was any other suggestion on a track but, having heard that already beginning to realise now come to the conclusion that exciting album. made to you as to what it should kind of song, I can see why one some of the limitations within there’s no way it’s ever going to say? of the Ultravox songs went in the the unbridled format, such as I go out on a major, nobody’s WC: It’ll probably come out on direction it did go in” and people have a very definite idea of the interested so it’s going to go out Strawberry Alarm Clock Doo- WC: No. Not really. But I kinda can sit around and play board kind of ‘personality’ I want this on an Indie, I don’t know which Dah Records, or even maybe In got the feeling everyone games. People can draw their record to have, the overall - this one yet but there’s a part of me The City. Who knows? Who expected me to just agree to own conclusions. That’s the sounds arty farty - just the overall that just won’t be able to rest knows what evil lurks in the that, you know, ‘parted due to standard stock phrase but it’s approach, the total ambience of until that record is at least hearts of men! (laughs) musical differences’ and leave it “Now that is my true, that’s why it’s a standard the thing. I want it to be very available for somebody who at that but, no, I didn’t want to stock phrase. Hah! ‘up’. Yet a lot of the things that I wants to buy it. I spent a lot of time describing have to spend who knows how like and a lot of the things that I how things led to what long into the future telling ITC: You’re not going to set write aren’t ‘up’ so I’m beginning I no longer have any hopes of it happened. Now that is my side people when they ask me about side of the story out to deliberately alienate the to think “Hmm, I don’t want to being widespreadly successful, I of the story and anyone reading it “Well... yeah, it wasn’t really people that liked Ultravox? put them on this record, I’ll have gave up on that idea a long time this interview has always to like that, you see what really to put them on the next one”. ago, but I won’t rest because I remember that there are two happened was...”. I have and anyone reading WC: No. I’m not going to try I’m wondering how far ahead of put a lot of blood, sweat, and sides to a story. Of course, having nothing to be ashamed of, and out Ultravox Ultravox so that yourself you can end up! You not least a lot of hard cash into said that, you always are at an nothing to be afraid of. I wanted my aim is not, say, for someone know “Er, I can’t put them on the making of that record. I advantage if you have the last people to know I was told to to listen to the record and go the next record, I’ll probably put won’t rest easy until somehow word. So, if Midge and Chris and leave. I’ve got nothing to hide this interview has “Good God, it’s obvious he was them on the one after that. No, it’s available to someone who’s Bill had done a big long involved so that was one thing I was the band, it’s obvious that, that’s no! that’s the one that I’m gonna heard of it and is interested and piece on why they wanted me to absolutely adamant about the essence of Ultravox so it must do all of these other things on...” would like to hear it, then the leave it would’ve put me in an because if maybe Chrysalis tried have all been due to him”. I’m It’s a novel experience for me, it’s circle is complete and I can just excellent position to make them to whitewash it a little bit, then I always to remember not going to try and beat them at exciting and a lot of fun. walk away and get onto other look silly I suppose, or get my would’ve really kicked up one the band’s own game, because I things as far as Helden goes. own back were I so inclined, and helluva stink, but they didn’t and was part of it... On the other ITC: One of the other things the same were they so inclined, I, again, didn’t expect any more that there are two hand, I’m not gonna go and do we were going to ask you is ITC: It’s a funny thing but but they’re not. They’ve been than what came out in print. It an album of 60 minutes of bird what’s going to happen, if music isn’t really timeless is it? very, very quiet about it, I think was just a tiny mention and it noises. I’m just gonna do what I anything, to Helden? Good music can be but because they’re embarrassed barely got into the papers. I have want to do, what’s fun for me. production and things...? and also because our general to admit I never saw any of the sides to a story.” comments that were made expense of us being very Midge would be doing all the about the end, that I won’t be Hans, because that was a great about it in the dailies, I only saw unpleasant people, not only to interviews and I would only be saying anything radically grounding on everything in a couple of things that were in other people but ourselves, to mentioned along the lines of different to anything I’ve said producing because we had a lot the music papers but, no, I each other, and we’re not like “Oh, by the way, is it true Warren today at any future date when of other people in playing on it wasn’t expecting all the music that. I was very shocked that the played and wrote and produced I’m asked. It’ll probably all come and they had to be guided, they papers and half of Fleet Street band kicked me out because I and blah, blah, blah, you know, back months from now if I have had to be ‘produced’... Dealing beating a path to my door simply would’ve thought that did the kitchen sink?”. “Yes, yes, a successful record, then: when with other people, it was good demanding exclusives ‘cos after after 12, 13 or whatever years, that’s perfectly true”. “Oh that’s the press is interested in me. But experience. The little bits of all, I’m just a drummer, I was the the solution to a problem was interesting. Anyways, Midge, there won’t be anything radically production I’ve done in America guy in the back and nobody not getting rid of someone. about you new Japanese different because the facts won’t and some here, like for Duffo. gives a shit, which personally... ITC: That’s the general feeling furniture...”. So, if it didn’t have changed. I don’t think my Just putting myself in stressful that’s upsetting, that rankles. It of the fans too. I mean, I think matter what the hell I did, then memory will have distorted my situations where I was the one upsets me because I’d like to they’re very underestimated by why do it?! I want what I do... I impression of events but one can who was on the spot and think that I was a little more the band to think that ‘musical want to feel like it matters to only talk about it to a certain responsible for all of the music important than that but I know differences’ would be the final somebody. point before what what you are rather than a portion of it and I’m not. To fans, yes, but to the straw because what they’re doing is, it’s what’s called in pulling it off. It’s a great feeling. larger audience and general saying is “after 10 / 12 years it ITC: It seems that it did matter America “Monday morning So I reckon I can do it. Now, I’m public, no. doesn’t make sense”. doesn’t it, really, which is why quarterbacking” - being wise not cock sure about it and I don’t they asked you to leave? What I after the event or trying to work think “Ahh it’ll be no problem, I’m endeavouring to change WC: Anyway... life goes on and find upsetting from my point of it all out after it’s happened I’ll be great”. I’ll be my own that, that’s why Pete & Frank can it’s full of strange surprises. I view, and I think is very unfair, is when, really, what’s done is harshest critic and I’m going to see these little horns growing want to establish myself as an the fact that it wasn’t until done. have a few restless nights, more out of my forehead!! artist in my own right. I had been Midge came back that brought it than a few I should imagine, over “...I simply would feeling very under-utilised in the to a head. I think it’s very sad that I feel that it was about time this but in my heart of hearts ITC: I think it depends, if you band, more and more and more. Billy and Chris did nod approval because the things I’d done basically I think I can pull it off. I talk about the general public I just felt constricted too much, I at what you had achieved to do. outside of the band had given think I can do it because I’m sort who would’ve heard of Ultravox felt like my hands were tied all me a lot more confidence. I had of waking up to the fact that I have thought that but not necessarily anyone other the time. Yeah, we had a give- WC: Yeah. Well. I’ve gone a discovered, to my great surprise I always accepted within myself than Midge Ure, I guess think it’s and-take system of writing but long way, I’m beginning to have to admit, that I actually “Well, I’m a good drummer, not any big deal but I think with after a while it became quite an wonder maybe (print this too!) could do a lot of the stuff that I maybe not the worlds greatest the people that followed the unworkable situation, mostly whether maybe I haven’t gone a had underestimated myself upon but I can sure hold my own”. after 12, 13 or band for anything up to 10 between me and Midge because bit too far in revealing my side of in the past. As I had the Good line that, it’s in a film that’s years... he started to just get more and the story. I’m beginning to opportunity to do things and try out at the moment, “I can hold more adamant that he was the wonder whether I haven’t things I found myself thinking my own”. This is not a blue film whatever years, WC: I was very personally only person who was ‘right’ and revealed too much but what the more and more often “This isn’t by the way!! Answers on a dissatisfied with the way a lot of that you could have ‘your hell! It’s hard, you know. It’s how so hard, this is easy, I always postcard, please... things had gone. The opinion’ but it was only that, an I see it, It’s how I feel and I’m thought this was really hard!”. contributory factors were in opinion, whereas he was right. probably talking far more freely You know, “I thought you had to I’ve never really spent any time the solution to a many instances not anyone’s Let’s look at it this way... I felt to you two because I’ve known play guitar years before it could trying to do anything else fault but just the way the ball that it didn’t matter what I did you for a long time and trust sound like this...”, so on and so because, in a subtle way I was bounced, the way the cookie anymore. I felt that I could’ve, your ethics... it’s not a matter of forth. I thought “Wow! It’s not sort of discouraged from doing crumbled, but there were things let’s take a hypothetical situation; whether I trust your journalistic so hard, I want to do more of it. The guitar player in all the problem was not that could have been better. And I felt I could’ve written the entire abilities, it’s a matter of ethics this”, that’s what’s giving me the bands that you’re ever in, or changed. We definitely screwed album, I could’ve played every and I know you have them so I’m inspiration and spurring me on guitar players, get a bit antsy if up. We were remiss, we let single instrument on it but if I talking straight to you. to be doing what I’m doing now. you start encroaching on their getting rid of certain things go. We let things didn’t sing it, as long as Midge I don’t know whether I would’ve territory. That’s something that slide, for example, in our non- sang the thing, that when the There’s no point really after what had the confidence to be feeling every musician in every band, or relationship with the media. I album was released, if it was a I’ve said here, and whatever the the way I do now had I not done who’s ever been in a band, is well imagine some of those things big success then it would be band may choose to say in the so many other things. If I hadn’t aware of but the way that someone.” could’ve been better but at the Midge’s picture in all the papers, future, I think this is pretty much have done the Spies album with phenomenon affected me was that my friends would say “Why before but now I can’t. I can do numerous points here at my That’s a fairly common thing I’ll put a group together but it do you want to sing? You’re such other stuff but I can’t sing until place! with recording contracts these won’t have a ‘band’ type name. a great drummer...”. Obviously that’s cleared up and with the days, it’s claused like that. I’m not interested in that, the they had no taste at all (laughs) state of my vocals I need every I want it to be out then but Otherwise people could be kept records and concerts will be out but that kind of thing bit of help I can get! If I’d been anything can happen. Chrysalis hanging around for ages. under my own name. discouraged me for far too many doing it for six or seven years could say “Yes we love it let’s do years from ever trying to do it then I might have a crack at a deal” and sign me, personally, ITC: No, what I meant was I toyed around with the idea at because I guess I agreed with going in with a slightly dicky as an artist because I was only supposing they don’t promote it. one point of playing for other them, I thought “Hmmm... why throat thinking “I can get around signed to them as a member of I mean, they might just say people because I have no would I want to sing?”, or it, I can work ‘round it” but I’m Ultravox. Or they could say “Yeah, OK, we’ll see what it fundamental objection to that “Why would I want to try and do not that good yet. No, I’m not “Well, yes, thank you very much, does”. but there are so few people I anything else?”. But once you’ve that good so I need to have my but it’s not quite what we’re would play with for fun that it done it a bit and enjoyed it then, voice in as normal-condition, I looking for, thank you, WC: No, no, hang on... I’m not was never really in the running I yeah, it’s pretty hard to turn won’t say top shape! (laughs) I goodnight, goodbye, get lost”. I saying that I will definitely go guess. down. I still like drumming but I need to give myself a break and don’t know. with Chrysalis. I’m just saying I don’t see myself as a drummer go into the studio when I’m want to see if they make me an If I ever found myself with time anymore. feeling OK and I haven’t been ITC: You’ve got to make sure offer and what kind of offer. off and nothing to do, or I found able to find a studio that had the that the demos are very myself with spare time and ITC: It’s a good thing really right facilities or the right price representative of what you’re ITC: I think they got their wasn’t otherwise occupied doing because then you’re not in a rut until just recently. I’ve found a doing? fingers burnt a little bit with that something silly and I had a fun are you? place so I’m gonna do some weird Bloodied Sword thing. offer, I would never rule out the demos there. WC: That’s incredibly difficult possibility of saying “Sure, why WC: No. because while there’s a WC: This has absolutely not? Sounds like fun!” I’m not ITC: Have you any idea when continuity in the stuff I’m doing, nothing in common with that! ruling out the possibility of ITC: You’re more versatile. this album will be released? it’s only apparent when you see it And I’m not compromising what collaborations with who-knows- all at once. It’s hard to take one, I want to do - this record just who because I think that’s fun. WC: Yeah. It helps if you can WC: I know when I want it two or three songs away from all happens to be very commercial You can get so wrapped up in all play banjo because it’s pretty released. That’s like someone the others, just the way it was because most of the stuff that I of your own problems and all of hard getting drums down onto saying “I want to be a millionaire with all our Ultravox albums. You really like has got very strong the other hassles affecting you the tube station platform! by next year” or, “I want to win know, you’d have a very strange rhythms, very good melodies, so that it’s easy to take the whole the pools tomorrow”. I want it to idea of what the Vienna album’s on, so forth. That pretty much thing too seriously. It’s really far ITC: I think it’s been very be released in about March like if you just listen to Mr X and defines what’s commercial these too easy to just kinda forget that “The contributory interesting. I think most of, in because that’s still in the quiet Astradyne... days; hot production, good beat, the bottom line should be “Am I fact all of the questions we’ve time of the year and again it good melody, “Give it nine out having a good time?”, at least asked have been cleared up. gives me a little more of a chance Yeah. So, I’ll do my best and then of ten - ten out of ten, put it on that’s what I like to do. I just factors were in because the competition is we’ll see what happens. If I don’t the playlist!” want to have a real good time. WC: The only thing you saving their albums for a little bit work with Chrysalis then I’ll take haven’t asked me is what my later on in the year. The period it to another record company. I Of the things I want to do that actual plans are. immediately following Christmas shall persevere because I know I are more esoteric, the really many instances and New Year is the quietest have a very good record in me, it moody stuff, I’ll probably put ITC: That was one of the time of year in the record just hurts when I sit down! those on the second album and questions, that’s why I thought industry so, I won’t be able to maybe do one moody side and you’d answered it! get the thing out by the end of ITC: What about Chrysalis? one bash-your-brains-in / dance- not anyone’s fault January / early February the way I Supposing they’re kind of luke all-night side sort of thing. WC: I’m going into the studio would really want but I would warm?? next week. I’ve had a bad flu bug definitely like to have it out by There won’t be a band called but just the way for the better part of this month the end of February / first week WC: Due to my contract they “Blah Blah Blah”. I’m not and I now have that singers or so in March. No later than have a limited amount of time in forming a new band to just drum dilemma of, I mean I could that, any later than that I’ll be... which they have to tell me one in. As I said earlier, if a demand always work if I had a bad throat the stress factor will go up way or the other how they feel. subsequently is there for it, then Photos: Cerise, 1987. the ball bounced.” this rate the band would be miss him, having ginger hair material, all of which was well Sam seemed to be having a little hope that the next would be playing to an empty halfway down his back! After received by the audience. Sam trouble adjusting to the size of better, the last song of the set, auditorium. The doors the song had finished, the small later explained that this was the stage, as he explained that The Silent Cries (another solid eventually opened at 8:30 crowd immediately showed their being played in public for the he kept standing on everyone guitar-driven song), ensured a and we filed in through approval. first time, and so it will else’s equipment, which again vociferous response from the the doors and down a presumably be recorded for the raised a smile. Ideals was a crowd. An encore was expected set of stairs, past The band then launched into next album. The first, Distance, rougher-sounding song with and after the band returned and another bar into the two classics from the archives, was a slow song which was some quite grand keyboard had been introduced by Sam, we auditorium. All Stood Still and Slow quite atmospheric at the sounds, and a bassline not were not disappointed, as Motion, which saw Billy taking beginning, with the contrast of dissimilar to that of Way of the Hymn was the final song, with The venue was really one of the many opportunities quite a harsh guitar part in the World by Genesis. Sam letting the crowd do some small and basically that night to play a solo in middle. Sam told the crowd that of his work by singing the consisted of an the middle section, although if “This is one that you may Vienna was then performed as middle chorus. As the band extremely small stage there was to be any criticism of remember”, and with that they a three-piece by Billy, Sam and disappeared a second time the area, which appeared crammed the evening it was that Billy performed Dancing With Tears Tony, and despite the age of the lights came up and it was, sadly, full of equipment, a standing turned to the violin a little too in My Eyes, again as excellent song the final section still time to go.. REVIEW BY PAUL HITCHCOCK area of about 20m sq, plus a often during the gig. As with all as I always remembered it, and managed to give me goose raised area with some bar stools the older songs the band played faithful to the original. Next bumps, although I was Although the concert had been This little tale had started the scattered around the side. With that evening, although the came a very passionate version disappointed that much of it was fairly short (approximately 75 previous Thursday when the EV both of us not really wanting to instrumentation and of Perfecting the Art of sequenced. This fact however minutes), it had seemed longer. flyer had dropped through my stand for a couple of hours, we arrangements had been Common Ground, seeing Billy did not seem to dampen On out way home Liz and I letterbox telling me that Ultravox decided to grab a couple of changed in places, by and large soloing on the violin again. anybody's enthusiasm, and the talked about the gig and would be playing a couple of these and stake our place. The the band had remained faithful song brought the longest cheer although we had enjoyed end-of-year dates, and that one club holds around 500 people to the original versions. After the The next song was called There of the night, as it always has ourselves we agreed that it of these would be in Camden. I but by the time the band came end of this Sam said, “Thank you Goes a Beautiful World. Billy done. Another new song, Give wasn’t quite the same as it had had last seen the band in May at on stage there were only around and good evening!” to the seemed to have one or two it all Back, was another been years before, and that with The Forum in Kentish Town 100 people in. However, there crowd and asked everybody problems with his sounds before highlight from the new material, current trends favouring dance- when they had been promoting was (thankfully) no support whether they had attended the they started this, prompting one with a catchy chorus, a nice based music it was difficult to the Revelation album, but I had band and so at 9:15 the house gig at The Forum in May, because member of the audience to rhythmic bassline, solid drums see how the band were going to read in EV12 that the band had lighting went down and in the the singer hadn’t been him! shout out, “Don’t give up, and another fine solo from Billy’s be as successful as they had changed fairly dramatically in its darkness two figures could be Billy!” raising a smile from the violin, ensuring that the crowd been in the past. However, the line-up since then, and so with seen negotiating the equipment, Throughout the first songs the band. This was by far the pick of were kept interested. One Small new material did show promise this in mind I decided I would go one character making his way to band looked to be enjoying it the new songs – a fast-paced Day kept the mood upbeat, and and there is no doubt that the to see how the new personnel the keyboards which were set up and showed themselves to be guitar-driven song with a good after Sam had wished everybody new band deserves better than compared to the old. on our right! quite a solid unit. For a small tune and a catchy chorus – a a merry Christmas and a happy the music critics seem to give venue it had excellent acoustics, possible single candidate, new year with the them. The next album will On the actual evening of the gig There was a steady beat on the meaning that you could actually perhaps? hopefully silence an unusually speedy journey of hi-hat from Tony Holmes, hear what they were playing, them once 45 minutes from Romford to dictating the time, and the without the band drowning and for Camden (oh - if only this were familiar chords of Systems of themselves out (although Vinnie all. the case at 8am on a Love from Revelation filled the seemed to turn himself up a little weekday!!!) had left us with auditorium. This is one of the too much on one or two about about an hour to kill better tracks on Revelation and occasions!). Sam wasn’t quite as before the doors opened, so my also one that comes across energetic as I remember Tony friend Liz and I decided to better performed live. As the Fenelle had been, but showed us bravely spend this time in the song gradually built up, guitarist that he had a good voice and Worlds End public house, under Vinnie Burns and bassist Gary that if he had had any nerves which the venue was located. Williams joined the stage, and as about the shoes he was filling of We ventured out to a very wet the song started proper, the last the previous holders of his post, High Street at about 8:15, only member of the band Sam Blue then he did not show them. to find the doors still shut and took to the stage, dressed in only about a dozen or so people jeans and a blue shirt with white The good thing about the show waiting to get in, which worried spots. It was the first time I had was the fact that the band took me a little as I started to think at seen Sam, but you could not the chance to preview some new haul, you be careful!”. After the show we walked across the road and bought a wonderful doner Rhetoric & Rhyme kebab each, since we were starving by that point. Got MIDGE URE – OUT ALONE II AND III beeped at by Steve and Midge as they pulled out in the jeep from asically, Midge was bored! He TOUR DIARY NOTES BLACKBURN across the way, followed by Bsays that this was one of the WINDSOR HALL frantic waving, surprised the hell reasons he ‘invented’ this form Tracks featured: Saturday 27th Nov 1993 out of us! Arrived back Rob’s at of tour. Midge really is ‘Out Dear God 4:30 in the morning. Urgh. Alone’. It’s just him with an No Regrets electric guitar, an acoustic guitar Trail of Tears Ah, on the road again! Drove up and a keyboard with All Fall Down to Rob’s, Rob then drove on up YORK accompanying sequencer (his Sleepwalk (not that one!) to Blackburn. After some THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE “glorified karaoke machine”!) to Vienna confusion we got to Blackburn looked down towards him and Barbara and Ginny; “We Monday 29th Nov 1993 give body and backing to the The Supernatual by first driving through Preston, electric guitar sections. During Man of the World said, “Hey, are you sketching wondered when you two were the course of the evening Midge My Mind’s Eye and arrived at the venue at now?!”. Molly was playing going to show up!”. Steve Rob drove again today. A stone talks about his music, his Do They Know it’s Christmas? 4:30pm. About to ask directions “statues“ in and out of the aisles Weltman is “as we speak” in chipped his windscreen on the Breathe influences and what currently to the auditorium, but couldn’t whilst Midge stopped-and- New York, trying to get a way up, which really pissed him interests him, after and indeed Cold, Cold Heart get a word in edgeways – “Are started playing All Stood Still. licensing deal for the Dear Janes, off! Neither of us had ever been during which, he takes questions One Small Day you with Midge Ure? This to York before. All the car parks (and light-hearted abuse!) from Homeland He then went over to see a so Barbara and Ginny are driving the audience. After the gig, he Light in Your Eyes way!”, must have been our EV couple who had travelled a long themselves around this time. We close to the theatre seemed to usually stays for an hour or two, Guns and Arrows IDs. Saw Steve on stage setting way to see him, but were unable gave them their copy of EV, and close at 6:30 or 7:00pm, so we The Maker to chat to whoever is left. No up Midge’s kit. Cerise; “How’s to stay for the show. We gave the picture they wanted from had to park just outside the city pretence, no stage set, no tour Lied Scotland?”, Steve; “Cold!!!”. Midge a present, a Balti curry the stack we’d taken earlier in walls (£1.40). Whilst walking trucks… no roadies. On the last Feel So Good Sheridan and Molly were there, around town we bumped into two tours we even got roped cookbook. “It’s a belated the year. During the show Midge into carrying a few , and Extracts from: and Sheridan was all wrapped Birthday present, an early sang Do They Know it’s Barbara, not far from the loved every minute of it… Reap the Wild Wind up. She’d got a bad cold, and Christmas present and a Christmas?; “I don’t often sing theatre. Apparently Ginny was Wild Thing couldn’t take anything for it, congratulations present all in this”. Nice retort from Midge in back at the Opera House, All photos by Robin and Cerise Magic Roundabout (!) being five months pregnant at one!”. Midge (book says that answer to someone who nursing a bad headache. Barbara except ‘The tourmobile’ and The Boys are Back in Town the time. Molly was wearing a was probably going to go back ‘That tattoo’ by Alison Collins OUT ALONE II the Balti originated from persistently shouted “John Gladiators T-shirt. Checked out to the Body Shop and get some NOV / DEC 1994 Baltistan); “Oo-er, I was told in Foxx!”: “For Foxx sake, shut the The tourmobile! the newly designed tour the cookery shop that Balti is Foxx up!!”. There were a lot of make-up. She was also merchandise, which was still Indian for bucket – I’ve been people waiting for Midge after impressed with the number of being handled by Nice Man. Not telling that to everyone!!”. We’d the show. Rob and Mick Feeney book shops in York. We both Magoo this time, but another put an EV bookmark in as a joke chatted to Steve Cox. Asked agreed that York is beautiful. guy called Billy. Sound today was – Midge; “It’s a long thin tour Steve if we could interview Betty’s for lunch – Café Vienna by Berenice and Dave of Normise pass!”. Molly was scared about Midge again – seemed to think each (coffee sprinkled with Ltd, an irreverent pair whom we her impending operation to that York would be our best bet, cinnamon sugar, mmm). I had instantly hit it off with, and remove her tonsils – Midge; but not Wolverhampton or Traditional Welsh Rarebit (a very would see again on the next leg “The hip and trendy people have Stafford. Steve liked my boots, elaborate and alcoholic version of the tour. Midge started the their tonsils taken out!”. Molly wanted to know where I got of cheese on toast, to the soundcheck with Trail of Tears. showed us the toy ring that them, “nice shape”. Midge was uninitiated) and Robin had the Robin was sat in the front row Midge had bought for her earlier concerned about our drive home Traditional English Breakfast making notes, and Midge in the day. Big hugs from that night – “That’s a fair old (pig). Robin tried, rather Brown and his friend Paul, Andy strange to go back to the town I and then we both helped Ginny show, fairy stories, but out of a Carruthers, and Sue Bretherton. went to college in. Couldn’t and Babs with their guitars. The proper book, not just The Dear Janes kept their have gone back to Wolves dressing rooms are down some illustrations! He mentioned that, promise and played Sore Thumb without stopping off at Jasmine very tiny wooden stairs. Ginny the night before, the aerial on during their set. Again there was House for a meal (best Chinese and Barbara were in need of his car had been broken off. a quite a few people waiting for takeaway anywhere, according stronger lighting in their dressing Apparently Molly had suggested Midge after the show. Steve to me!). Ate in the car with rooms. Ginny couldn’t find the replacing it with a wire indicated Molly and myself, and chopsticks, and despite this backstage loos, so Rob joined in coathanger. It hadn’t worked, said that it “was nice to see the handicap, Rob still finished first (I the search! Shortish soundcheck but Midge was amazed that she children playing together!”, think we can draw our own for Midge – he played a synth had thought of it! Before the eliciting a withering glare. Midge conclusions from that!). Arrived solo, and Ginny was listening; interview it was decided that we mentioned that his Harley is now at the hall, no sign of Midge, “Lovely!”. Midge seemed would ask the most delicate black, rather than aquamarine – Steve or the Dear Janes. Mitchell surprised, and joked that “It’s question, about Warren’s someone ran into the back of it, was already there (or was it John called Lick My Love Pump 2!“. departure, first rather than leave unsuccessfully, to get some room. It was a beautiful theatre, and the paint colour couldn’t be Leslie from Blue Peter?!), we’d After the soundcheck we were it to the end, and Midge thought slides (he collects them from which had apparently just cost matched. He also mentioned that agreed to meet him for the due to get the interview out of that would be fine. He was very places he’s visited). Midge and four million pounds to renovate. Kate (from CMO) wasn’t able to soundcheck. He’d brought with the way. There was a happy to pose for pictures of the Sheridan had gone to the Pie Robin took as many pics as he come. But she’d recently had him a book full of poetry and photographer waiting by the pin matrix for the EV raffle. I’d Shop. Got back to the venue just could from as many places as four days in Japan with Blur – lyrics he’d written, to show to name of Mark Hadley, who had made up some plectrum display in time to see Steve Cox arrive, possible (stalls, circle, dress circle “What does she get with me? Midge, who kept it until after taken a fantastic picture of plaques for the next competition helped him unload the car. and the boxes). The Dear Janes One night in York!”. Midge, the show to have a good look at. Midge at the offices of CMO, (see pages six and seven). Steve Robin let Midge in through the even took requests during the again concerned about our Mitch stubbed his cigarette in a holding a Patrick Eggle Vienna was very impressed; “Hey, we stage door! Sheridan and Molly soundcheck – a new song called journey; “You two be careful, it’s ‘live’ can of coke, and was still Pro guitar. I spoke to him and he could sell those, Midge – a fiver were wearing hats that Mick Sore Thumb sounded “luscious snowing!”. Very slippery, I went apologising half an hour later, very kindly sent us copy, which apiece!”. Steve also asked Karn’s wife had knitted for and lovely!”. Midge, Sheridan ‘cobble surfing’ on the way back, ha! Sheridan and Molly arrived we’ll print next issue. Backstage about, and seemed surprised by, them! We had to go all the way and Molly were going back to kinda fun, but it took us a good with Midge and Steve in the Midge offered us something to EV’s circulation. Rob asked back to the car to get the the hotel when Midge saw a thirty minutes to get back to Landrover, but they were going drink, and it was decided that a Midge about a compact disc he (forgotten) questions for the leaflet pinned up on the notice Rob’s car, rather than the normal to be catching a train straight coke each would be just the had bought which featured an interview, but luckily when we board backstage, advertising a ten or fifteen! Snow for at least home, as Sheridan was not thing to ‘hit the spot’. Midge “AC Mix“ of Cold, Cold Heart. got back to the theatre, the “ghost tour” of York; “Sounds forty miles on the way home. feeling very well. We had told us that Molly had been Midge explained that it was soundcheck hadn’t started. I like a great idea, we’ll have to Stopped for a bite to eat, and decided to get a cuddly Mister reading to him on the way to the something sorted out by the gave Molly piggy-back rides come back again!” Went out again a bit later on for a snooze Blobby for Molly. She loved it – around the auditorium, in and after the soundcheck in search of in the car, but we were absolutely “Ooh, I’ve always wanted one of out of the aisles during Midge’s something warm to drink, found frozen when we woke up. Got those!”. Midge pointed at soundcheck, to squeals of the Punch Bowl pub. Found an back at a quarter to six in the Molly’s Mister Blobby and delight (from Molly, not Midge!). empty table and were pleasantly morning! (Yawn). Stayed over at exclaimed, “Blobby, Blobby, Midge; “You’ll regret that, surprised when Mick Feeney Rob’s. Couldn’t bear to drive the Blobby, Blobby!!”. Molly Cerise! She won’t let you forget turned up – obviously the Punch extra 70 miles to Bristol! explained that they always speak it.” Robin was making more Bowl is the place to be seen in! in Blobby language when they notes when Molly thought that Hot toddies each (Southern WOLVERHAMPTON see one. Much sniggering it would be a good idea to creep Comfort for me and Port for WULFRUN HALL abounded. Midge took Molly up behind, and tickle him. Robin), Mick had a pint. It had Friday 3rd Dec 1993 and Sheridan to the train station, Midge had a problem with his just started to rain when we meanwhile we helped unpack guitar and had to get a walked back to the theatre. Met I drove – M5 and M6. Revisited the Landrover. Rob took Midge’s replacement from the dressing up with Lee Kirby, Mitchell my old ‘stomping ground’, very bags down to his dressing room After the show we hung around tour so far. Rob drove today, Hmmm. Ginny had Barbara OUT ALONE III and to see Midge perform Trail backstage to make sure that motorway all the way. Arrived in falling about laughing by asking JAN / FEB / MARCH 1994 of Tears twice whilst being Mitchell wouldn’t get thrown Stafford at 3:45pm. The whether or not bees have ankles filmed from different angles. out, and was able to see what directions Rob had gotten earlier (“well, they have knees!”). The WESTON-SUPER-MARE Midge messed up the beginning Midge thought of his book. in the day were spot-on and we Dear Janes were staying over in PLAYHOUSE of one – “That’s one for the Midge returned it, was had absolutely no trouble in Stafford, as they were going to Thursday 3rd Feb 1994 Christmas reel!”. Berenice and impressed, and advised Mitch to finding the venue. We parked be at the Wolverhampton Civic Dave are doing the P.A. for the advertise for a musician who the car and walked to the Hall tomorrow supporting The There’s something rather whole tour this time, much to Berenice and Dave doesn’t write lyrics. Rather than theatre, just in time to see Steve Saw Doctors. Rob and I split up wonderful about the first day of our delight, and Billy (from Nice American record company and drive back the same way we unloading the Landrover, and before taking our seats, to see a tour, when you know you’re Man) is on merchandising again. that he wasn’t very happy about came, we decided to go via helped him in (again) with people and collect the tickets, seeing a fair few dates. Even We gave a personalised EV pass it. Apparently the “AC“ stands Kidderminster and take a detour Midge’s stuff. Inside the theatre and absolutely failed to find getting lost is fun. We don’t to Midge, since he’d play-acted for Adult Contemporary, and to the Merry Hill Centre (another they were playing Peter Gabriel’s each other again! Still, the staff even bother buying maps any being miffed that he hadn’t that there were only about 100 old stomping ground of mine – I new album Us, much to our were very good (not to mention more! This time we had no need gotten one! Steve liked it and manufactured. Even though practically lived in that cinema delight. Peter Jones (sound amused) and eventually got us in though, I used to live in Weston- asked if he could have one, too. Robin had brought the CD along when I was a student!), to see if engineer) was also there and the same place at the same time, super-Mare (or Weston-super- After the show we walked the with him, Midge didn’t there were any late-night was wearing his Dear Janes T- just in time for the start of The Mud, as it is better known!). Rob two Alisons (the by now particularly want to hear it! showings of any films we shirt, which he had bought on Dear Janes’ set. They played drove over to me and I drove to infamous Two Alisons) back to Before the show Rob saw Ginny wanted to see (hoping for the last tour. When the Winter Homing In especially the venue. Parking in Weston their car. We had planned on at the bar, she was all ready to something like The Abyss, soundcheck was over, Midge for us that night, we were well was a nightmare, everything is having a Chinese takeaway on go on stage, but she’d disguised Bladerunner, Aliens or started playing on the keyboards chuffed. Barbara even did some limited to a one-hour stay, and the way home, but we didn’t feel herself by putting on a large Terminator 2 – Judgment – excerpts from Love’s Great shadow puppets, sorely missed when we did find a car park like it in the end. Called in to my black coat so as to go Day). No such luck! It looked Adventure, the rhythm from at previous gigs! After the fairly close to the theatre, we Dad’s house on the way home. ‘undercover’ and buy a couple of like we missed Demolition Man Lament, After a Fashion and show, Rob minded the didn’t have enough change on glasses of Port! It didn’t work. by about twenty minutes, The Maker. Didn’t want to merchandise stall for Billy whilst us, to feed the meter! So we LEAMINGTON SPA The Chippendales were next though. Stopped off to get some breathe too loudly, it might he packed up. Saw Midge for a ended up parking in the NCP car THE SPA CENTRE door, in the Civic Hall. Midge; “I petrol and something to eat. break the spell; “A captive few minutes after the gig, said park half a mile away. Typical, Wednesday 9th Feb 1994 can hear the sound of G-Strings Stayed over at Rob’s. audience!” Midge; “You’re our goodbyes. I was chuffed to isn’t it?! We eventually arrived at hitting the wall”. Guy in the easily pleased!”. The get a Christmas kiss! The the venue at 4:30 pm. About Drove over to Robin’s for lunch audience; “Don’t you mean STAFFORD soundcheck for The Dear Janes theatre manager (nice guy) that time, HTV were setting up sticking to the wall?!”. We got a GATEHOUSE THEATRE was absolutely hysterical, asked Midge to sign a T-shirt to for an interview with MIdge. Nice to see Gordon’s back… mention, someone asked Midge Sunday 5th Dec 1993 haven’t laughed so much in all the staff, to hang up over Steve spotted us and said (with a what he thought of Extreme ages. The comments flying the bar. On the way back to the dead straight face) “I want a Voice (and it wasn’t even us!). Got up late, we were both tired between the Janes and Nigel car we were grateful to find word with you two. What do He explained all about us and from Christmas shopping the (Meddemmen) on the mixing that Fung’s Chinese takeaway you think you’re playing at?! was very complimentary (thanks, day before in Birmingham. We’d desk were hilarious. Ginny; “Is was still open, we were Where the hell have you been Midge!). He went on to talk only spent about three hours this (referring to the absolutely starving by that for the last few days?!” This was about the shooting of the video there, but that was more than soundcheck) any good to you at point. Stayed over at Rob’s. The Steve’s attempt at humour – it for Love’s Great Adventure, enough! Rob had driven there all?” – Nigel; “No, no use next day Rob went to see The certainly had us worried! We and about how originally, all of and back and his fiancée, whatsoever, in fact the actual Dear Janes at Wolverhampton went back outside into the foyer the band were supposed to fly Angela, came along as well. soundcheck takes about thirty Civic Hall, they were supporting to see how the interview was hangliders from the cliff, but Before lunch, I got to grips with seconds, but its all this shit that The Saw Doctors. I had to progressing when Midge how only one of the four the questions for The Dear takes the time!”. Ginny called work, so unfortunately, I was spotted us. Midge; “Oh, it’s you stuntmen could pull off the Janes, whilst Rob busied himself both Rob and I cherubs – going to have to wait until Out two!”. We were invited up to sit flight from such a steep takeoff. with typing up the notes for the “You’ve both got dimples!”. Alone III! in for the rest of the interview before Rob drove to Leamington album, it’ll be a scorcher. We get anywhere on time), but still for tonight yet, have you?!” via Stratford-upon-Avon. Sign- thanked Midge for playing us in time for the soundcheck. Met Berenice; “You do know that the posted all the way. Steve; “This that demo tape, when he told us up with Steve Vitti and family, show at Birmingham has been place has a certain air of that there was also some other with whom we’d become firm cancelled?” – Midge and Steve crappiness about it!”. This stuff he would have to play to friends on the first Out Alone. would be travelling back to comment seemed to rather us, including tracks he’d Hello! Midge went out shopping London tonight. Hell! We’d annoy the venue’s manager. I’d recorded with most of the guys before the show. Steve; “Did gotten to Aberdare by a rather made up EV passes for everyone. from Japan. Midge was kind you buy anything, Midge?”. roundabout route, apparently Steve; “thank-you, darling!”. enough to sign all of the “Yeah, a mandolin!”. Steve; the “most direct” that Berenice – “I’ll wear mine for the competition stuff we had with “Seriously?!”. Excellent theatre, Autoroute could offer. Berenice; whole tour. Anything free!”. us that day. We asked Midge however there was a “dead” “Autoroute is a heap of crap!”. Barbara gave us a copy of the whether or not we could use the sound, this apparently was due Midge played New Europeans new Dear Janes album CMO picture, Midge; “of to the “sprung” stage. Simon on acoustic guitar during the Sometimes I. Gordon and course!”. Bumped into Sarah and Grace (Ginny’s family) were soundcheck (opening chops and Midge and the eds Hilary Giltrap were there, lovely Leafe; “Are you Extreme Voice? I at the theatre as well. Robin and chorus), much to my delight. (Steve’s) manager if he had the later decided to record it in to see them again. Very cold just want to say that I think what I went out and got an Indian Midge to Dave; “It’s your heavy time. Midge; “Yes, it’s the two America. Oh well. It was nice backstage and extremely ‘basic’ you’re doing is brilliant!” – meal for Berenice and Dave. hands on oh-so-delicate knobs!” fat bastards on tour – suck it while it lasted! toilet facilities, nowhere near as Thanks, Sarah! Midge broke one Noticed on the way out that the Dave during the soundcheck; in!”. Great pose. Robin had to plush as at the front-of-house. of the strings on his guitar on the guest list was written on the “That’s a really sensible go to the car to get the posters BATH Invited into Midge’s dressing the last note of One Small Day back of an Extreme Voice leaflet! suggestion, so obviously we for Midge to sign, when he THEATRE ROYAL room to hear a tape of some of that night. Berenice gave Rob a Robin managed to get hold of a won’t be doing that!”. Midge came back he had to knock on Sunday 27th Feb 1994 the unfinished tracks he’d plectrum which Gordon Giltrap stack of posters from the theatre came up to the front of the the dressing room door to get written for the new album. had dropped on the stage. After manager for competition prizes. stage to talk to us at the end of back in, as it was on the catch. On the Tuesday before the show, Couldn’t believe our luck! the show there was just Sue After the show Rob got Midge the soundcheck. Gordon was Midge; “It’s OK, we were just Robin had had a lucky escape on Recognised Trail of Tears and Goulding and a friend, Robin, to sign a couple of things for supposed to have come along snogging!”. Massive signing the icy roads between Ross-on- Guns and Arrows, but there and myself. To Midge; “Sue’s Angela, while Pam Bay surprised for tonight’s show, but he session. Midge tested us on the Wye and Worcester, however his were also a number of rather another Extreme Voice us by very kindly taking a photo. couldn’t make it in the end. christian names of the winners car was a total write-off, so it wonderful instrumental tracks. stalwart”. Midge to Sue; Steve Vitti directed us to a great Asked by one of the incredibly of the raffle, from just the was left to Angie to drive to We can’t wait to hear the final “They’re good, these guys. You Chinese restaurant – The friendly theatre staff, “Do you surnames. We got all except one Bristol. I drove to Bath. Parked get all the inside info”. Wow, an Swindon Rendezvous – which want coffee?”. Gratefully of them! One question we just the car, short walk to the venue. Gordon Giltrap unprompted compliment! As was not far from the theatre. But accepted. There are days off had to ask Midge, was whether We were meeting Sue, Dom and usual we couldn’t resist a it still wasn’t as great as the allowed for on this tour, which or not he would be willing to Nicky at the show. Sheridan and Chinese takeaway before Jasmine House in Wolves! keeps Sheridan happy – Midge; allow us to visit him at his studio Molly were also at the heading back to Worcester. It’s “She’s convinced that her loins while he was recording his new soundcheck. I was flattered that part of the fun! Stayed overnight ABERDARE are going to burst forth at any album, to do an EV report. Rob Molly had remembered me, and at Rob’s. THE COLISEUM moment!”. The baby’s due at (taking off the spiel that Midge wore myself out with more Sunday 20th Feb 1994 the end of March (23rd). Scenes does in the show) – “Midge, it piggy-backs and general arsing SWINDON from The Jungle Book were would be really beneficial to the about. Robin, Angie, Sue, Dom WYVERN THEATRE Great atmosphere, it seemed as painted on the walls of the success of your album in this and Nicky all went out for an Saturday 12th Feb 1994 though everyone in Aberdare corridors backstage. I wanted to country!”, the answer we were Italian meal and left me at the was there. Aston Villa got take a photo of Midge and expecting was “No!”, but Midge venue looking out for Steffen, We set off at 3:30pm. Robin knocked out of the F.A. cup and Steve, but Steve said, “Sorry, I said; “Of course!”. THUMP- who would be arriving from drove, stopped off on the way Steve (who is devout Villa fan) don’t do pictures!” which really THUMP – the sound of both of Germany shortly, with several for petrol. As usual we arrived said “It’s no laughing matter – amused Midge – Steve stated our jaws hitting the floor. He friends. I shared a pizza with later than anticipated (we never you two haven’t got any tickets that we’d have to ask his show took our photo with “very good at handling . Midge revealed that went down a storm, which was Midge and promised to send us equipment!”. Babs and Ginny when he had been on tour with great, as their record company copies, in return for helping him told us that they probably Thin Lizzy in 1979, who were were in the audience that night. with song titles, etc. We never wouldn’t be able to spend much supporting Journey at the time, Said our farewells to everyone did get them! time with us the next day in he made somewhat of a faux that night, since it was our last Woking, because there would be pas, with the girlfriend of the date of that tour. Helloooo SHEPTON MALLET a lot of bods from their record lead guitarist! Suffice to say, Thin withdrawal symptoms! Stopped THE AMULET company there to see them! The Lizzy had to keep hiding him for off at the services on the way Saturday 5th March 1994 theatre had only been open for the rest of the tour! “Hey, I was back home to have a snooze six months, after being shut up young and good at it then!”. before completing the final Had to go into work first thing for the past six years. Berenice Talked with Sandy in the car park stretch, we’d taken our sleeping to run off copies of The Dear seemed to think that the venue after the show, for forty minutes bags and pillows in case of just Janes information leaflet. Went smelt of hamster-bedding! Got before finally getting in the car such an emergency. Imagine our into Bristol and got ‘cat’ cards to spend a fair amount of time to drive home. Kentucky Fried horror when we eventually woke for everyone (except Steve who with Midge as well (though Chicken to eat for a change up at 6:30 am! It was rather Midge – “Yes, it’s the Two Fat Bastards on tour!”. Steve – “Suck it in!” got a card with fish on it, he’s Midge’s dressing room was (only because there wasn’t a more comfortable than we had Berenice instead, very kind! with what had been happening mad on the sport). I drove. No much colder than the Jane’s Chinese in sight!) and a couple anticipated. Went in to the Robin and I spotted Steffen at in our absence, looked like we’d matter how hard we try, the room, brrr). Midge played us the of episodes of Night Court service station for an early the same time, he was still missed a couple of really good nearer a concert is to us, the album demos again, as well as a before turning in. It was going to breakfast. Ben Elton’s wearing his tartan cap! At the shows. The Dear Janes’ dressing later we seem to be in arriving! couple of tracks that he’s done be a long drive tomorrow! observations on cup-avoiding end of the show, Midge played room was a squash court with a Got to spend about two and a with Richie Barbieri, Steve spouts and moisture-increasing another new track, The Maker. rug in the centre!! Midge had to half hours with The Dear Janes, Jansen and Mick Karn (all ex- WOKING napkins are spot on! Billy offered to drive Steffen and walk through the cafeteria to supposedly for an interview, but Japan). We were truly NEW VICTORIA his friends back to London, so get from his “dressing room” to it ended up as a free-for-all gobsmacked, it was fabulous, Sunday 6th March, 1994 All in all, we had great fun, and that they could stay and see the the stage. He asked the natter and general party, “late-evening” music. We want it was all over far too soon for end of the show, as the last train audience about the piece of everyone ended up in there. copies!! He’s now not sure that I drove. The two Alisons were our liking. But I daresay we’ll do went horrendously early. Great sculpture by the river in Newport Berenice told us that although this project will lead to live there, and so was Sandy. The it all again at the drop of a hat! gig, and I even got to wander – “What is it, it looks like a giant Dave couldn’t drive, he was performances, though (watch theatre was lovely, but far too Here’s looking forward to the upstairs to check the sound for key ring!”. There were no this space for more info). Huge big really, for this kind of show. next tour – sleeping bags are at Berenice during the show. What seating arrangements, so we venue for the size of Shepton Robin went out with Sandy and the ready! That tattoo… fun! managed to sit at the front for Mallet. No phone in the theatre, the Alisons for a McDonalds, this one. Got a huge grin from so Robin had to call Angie from which, we were assured by NEWPORT Midge on his way off the stage the box outside Boots in the Sandy, tasted better than the NEWPORT CENTRE after the last encore! We saw High Street! The two Alisons ones ‘back home’. Food fight at Friday 4th March, 1994 him after the show, and he had were there, as well as Bob, a the venue – we all sat down in a look of horror on his face friend of Midge’s who went over one of the corridors just off the This was definitely the strangest when we told him about Rob’s to Montserrat in 1989 to help main auditorium – Steve venue Midge has played so far. accident. And we had a look of after the hurricane hit. Ginny let Weltman; “Looks like you’re The whole place reminded us of horror on our faces when he rip at someone in the audience starting early for Glastonbury!”. the Brittas Empire! Saw Berenice lopped out his tattoo for us! An who had been talking all the Steve (sat on Midge’s chair and Dave tucking into their American EV reader, Sandy way through their set, she got a during soundcheck); “Robin’s a lunch when we arrived. Got a Seaborne, squealed – she didn’t round of applause for her very lucky boy” (referring to his rather unusual greeting from know that Midge had a tattoo! It troubles, too. Great accents in car accident). Berenice – “Why’s Dave, much to Berenice’s was all rather amusing, really. the audience. There were a lot of that then, Steve?”. Steve; amusement. We were filled in Official photographer at the questions about and “Because he is!”. The Dear Janes FOR SALE

ODDS ENDS Extensive Ultravox and related collection for sale. For full list send & an SAE to: Paul O’Donnell, 60 Granville Road ESPRIT GEMA Wavertree RECORDS RECORDS PENPALS Liverpool L15 2HR The excellent music Another good MARIE ROSSITER: company Esprit Mail company to try, even I’d like to hear from Argentinian promo Order have changed for vinyl, is Gema any Ultravox/Midge pressing of the Midge address. If there’s Records, another mail Ure fanatics out there! Ure album Puro, something you’ve order company with I’m 28, my interests picture sleeve has all been after for a while, an extensive are travelling, reading, titles in Spanish only, give them a try, they catalogue: and films. Music-wise I includes an insert with have an excellent also like Robert all the lyrics in English. Ultravox section. Gema Records Palmer, Bruce Excellent condition, 50 P.O. Box 54, Reading Springsteen, Paul German DM including Esprit Mail Order Berkshire RG5 3SD Young, , p&p to the UK, or Esprit House, Gary Numan (early trade for Ultravox 5 Railway Sidings Postal mail order only, stuff), and basically items. Meopham, or by fax with order anything that is any Ulrich Stronczek Kent DA13 0LT form supplied with good, but I can’t stand Therbeckenring 9 45359 Essen (0474) 815010 catalogue. Take That! My other big passion is football. Germany A snippet from trom the Daily Mirror: I support Everton FC, so mostly I’m a glutton Ultravox (and related for punishment! So artists), and other ‘80s anyone out there, electronic acts, for male or female, any sale, send SAE for full age, I’d love to hear list to: from you. Write to: Rob Kirby Marie Rossiter 2 Bramshott Close 29 Wilburn Street London Road Walton Hitchin Liverpool Herts SG4 9EP. Merseyside L4 4EA.

The following is an excerpt from a Sunday JAMES DAVIES: Australian Collection Telegraph cartoon series on Amazing People: I’m a massive Ultravox LP with red/pink vinyl fan. I’d like to hear 12”. Also Australian from anyone mad on Collection LP with Ultravox, Midge, Billy blue vinyl 12”. £25 or anyone who thinks each, or both for £45. Warren is fantastic. A few more discs from Come on, get Australia (and the scribbling now! Write world) available for to: sale or trade. James Davies Andy Carruthers Flat 1 19 Inglstone Crescent 232 Palatine Road Newabbey Didsbury by Dumfries DG2 8DD. Manchester M20 2WF. (0387) 85490. Illustration: Dean Price