paul_interview

Q: Paul, fresh off of the very successful Roxy Music reunion tour, what are your lasting impressions of the tour? Was it a musically satisfying success to You?
A: Yes, very satisfying, and great to play with such fine musicians!

Q: Is there any particular gig or event from the tour that really stands out in your memory?
A: I think Glasgow (2nd gig) was one of the best. The crowd was superb.

Q: Was this tour the first time that you had a percussionist backing You up? Did Julia and Yourself work out any special pre-arrangements for the songs?
A: First Time. Julia pretty much had everything worked out already.

Q: Looking back at the initial tour rehearsals, was there any particular song or songs that was difficult to relearn or did you pretty much ease back into the groove?
A: I seemed to spend a lot of time relearning the arrangements for "Oh Yeah".

Q: How did life on the road differ for You on this tour as compared to the tours of the past?
A: As we get older, touring doesn't become any easier!

Q: You had the chance to visit some really extraordinary places on the tour. How did you enjoy Australia?
A: Australia was great, but you don't really have the time to enjoy anywhere!

Q: Is there anything you have done or purchased to "reward" yourself in the aftermath of the tour?
A: I rewarded myself by upgrading some of the equipment in my home studio which I am in the process of setting up now.

Q: Have you had the chance to enjoy many leisurely activities? What have you done to unwind?
A: I have been taking it easy. I went to Gran Canaria for a week's holiday and I have been fitting out the home studio for the new gear.

Q: As for the wrist injury suffered during the tour, have you had a medical diagnosis on the severity of the injury or is it just basically sore?
A: I am awaiting test results on the severity of it right now.

Q: Switching gears a bit here, you mentioned on your site recently that you just got finished laying down some tracks for Bryan Ferry's new album. Did you lay down the tracks with Bryan or in your own home studio?
A: I recorded them at Bryan's studio.

Q: What equipment did you use for the new Ferry Tracks? Certainly the good old Ludwig Black Beauty snare came into play?
A: I used the Yamaha Kit with the 12", 14" & 16" toms, the 22" kick, and of course, the Ludwig Black Beauty!

Q: This might be jumping the gun a bit, but is there a possibility that you might be joing Bryan for a tour to support the forthcoming album?
A: It's possible!

Q: Knowing that you are an avid collector of drums and percussion, did you manage to obtain any new items during the tour?
A: I nearly bought a Ludwig Acrolite snare drum in Minneanapolis, but I didn't have the space to carry it in my personal luggage to Australia and it would have been too complicated to put it in with the rest of my gear because of customs regulations.

Q: Have you resumed your pursuit of Tabla teachings since the tour ended?
A: No, still no teachers to be found in the Newcastle area, but I did purchase a Roland Handsonic, which has great Tabla sounds on board!

Q: Since I first visited your website back in January of this year, the amount of hits on your site has more than tripled! How did you come about making the website and how long ago?
A: I think the site has been going for about 18 months now. Lots of people on Phil's site were asking about Me and what I was up to so I decided to give it a go. I started with one page and then it grew!

Q: What are your thoughts and feelings on the comments and questions you see coming across the message board on a daily basis?
A: The forum messages vary a lot, but I am generally very happy with the content.

Q: What are your thoughts on file sharing and tape trading of live Roxy shows?
A: I have mixed feelings about bootleg stuff, but to be honest, it doesn't bother Me.

Q: I thought it would be fun to close the interview with this story, because I love the chance meeting (no pun intended!) of yourself and your idol, John Bonham. You mentioned that you traveled aboard the Zeppelin "Starship" with him once. What was the experience like for You? What went on aboard the Starship?
A: It was one of the best experiences of my life! Jimmy Page was very nice, and Robert Plant told me off for sitting on his jacket, which I wasn't! It was a lot of fun.

My sincerest thanks goes out to Paul for a great interview! I hope you all enjoy it! Please be sure also to visit Paul's site if you have any questions for him, or feel free to e-mail Me at [email protected] ! Please e-mail me with any transcription inquiries. Thank you.