Whats it like living on a tour bus, Paul?
We've only been traveling on the bus for two years. Before that we were in this little van. This is like a mansion compared with before. Inside its really dark with blackout shades, so its nice and cool. Weve got leather seats, flat screen TVs and big bunks now.
Are there any rules on the bus?
Nobodys allowed to poo in the toilet. If youve got to go, then we have to do a truck stop. Luckily were asleep most of the time because we drive to the next city at night. But every morning I run out of my bunk having to poo. Its a pain in the ass (no pun intended), especially when were parked out where there are lots of kids around. Theyll be like, Sign this! and Im like, (pulling a strained face) No I cant right now!, and then Ill run off and theyre all left with these really confused looks on their faces.
Billy is riding the corridors of the backstage area on a BMX bike when we catch up with him. As he hops off we apologise for tearing him away from his fun. Its OK, I really dont mind doing interviews, he smiles.
Did you do anything to mark the first night of the tour?
Yeah, we were in North Dakota, pretty much in the middle of nowhere. After the show we went to a karaoke bar. It was full of old men in cowboy hats listening to country music, then we walk in with all our tattoos, dressed all in black. Everybody stopped and looked at us. But after we ripped the notes on the first song, they were all clapping and cheering for us to do another one. We pretty much took over the place.
Do you get gifts from fans?
Yeah, tones. A lot of people know Silverchair are my favourite band, and the other day this bag got thrown up on stage with all these imported Silverchair CDs in it, and a little note saying, I know you like Silverchair, but I dont know if you have any of these. It was so cool of them to do that, because that probably cost them a lot of money, and its something that Im actually going to listen to.
Any memorable moments on the tour so far?
Something really cool happened the other day, with the help of the Make A Wish Foundation, which helps kids that are ill. We were in Salt Lake City and this kid asked to meet us, so he came to sound check. He showed us that he could play our new single The Anthem on guitar, so that evening we bought this kid out and he played guitar with us. It was pretty amazing that we got to do something for a kid like that.
As we pass the basketball court backstage, we spot Good Charlottes newest addition Chris. The tall, slim-built 22-year-old is wandering around alone, and at first appears to be shy and quiet. But we soon discover how warm and chatty he is.
How did you cross paths with Good Charlotte?
About a year ago I was working in a 7-Eleven. Id been in a band called ECL for four years, but it didnt work out and we called it a day. I was devastated because its all I ever wanted to do. Then my friend Quinn from The Used told me that Good Charlotte were looking for a new drummer, so I tried out. They liked what they heard and I played my first gig the next day in Chicago. They asked me to stay on a bit longer then, before I knew it, said they never wanted me to leaveso I didnt!
Youve done pretty well in the space of a year
Yeah! Its funny because I had Good Charlottes first album and I really liked it, and Id been to see them play in Salt Lake City where Im from. I never thought Id be here now playing with them.
Have you adjusted to life in the band?
Yeah, its working well and its been lots of fun. Theyre great friends and I love them to death. Its been the hardest, most tiring thing Ive ever had to do, but also one of the greatest experiences of my life.
In the practice room, Benji pulls up two chairs near the drum kit. Come sit down I promise I wont play the drums in your face. His spirits have lifted since this morning. Yeah Id just woke up then, he apologises. Im not a morning person. Interview me at ten oclock at night at a bar and youll get the best interview ever. Well remember that next time. Benjis Made cap sits tilted to the side and we notice his hair is no longer pink. Im growing it out, he says.
Do you get to take your girlfriend on the tour with you?
No. I dont have a girlfriend so (Goes quiet)
Is that difficult when all the other guys do?
Nah-uh. I think its easier actually. Having a girlfriend is probably harder because you have more to miss when youre gone. The only thing I miss when Im gone is my dog. And if youre asking, Do I have a specific person I have sex with when I go home, then no.
Are you ever tempted by groupies?
Theyre a turn off for me. Theyre kind of nasty (pulling a sour face). Thats not to say that Ive never made out with a chick. Im a 24-year-old male and Ive definitelysowed my wild oats, so to speak (flashing a broad grin). But after most shows I watch TV and listen to music. Im not into random slutty chicks, and when I do have a girlfriend, shell probably understand that, you know?
Is there a difference between UK and US crowds?
Their accents.
Very funny
Thats it! The crowds are the same. OK, maybe UK kids are a little more musically critical. Theyre like (puts on an English accent) I really like the chords you used in that song, and were like, Oh thats awesome man, thanks! American kids will be like, That was rad how you smashed your guitar! Oh and UK kids are a little paler too. You aint got no sun over there.
How do you feel about being a role model?
I dont feel like Im a very good one, but I do care about the kids. Im human so I make mistakes, but at the same time I do care about what theyre gonna get from the things I say or do. Its always on my mind, and I try to respect that.
Lead singer Joel is battling a cold. Sniffling every two seconds, smudges of make-up not hiding his sore, watery eyes, he slouches on the leather dressing room sofa. He thinks carefully before answering questions in a nasal slur.
What can we expect from your show tonight?
Our live shows are very energetic. Everybodys together, singing along really loud. Its very sweatywith lots of spit. Sometimes youll spit and itll fly off and hit someone because youre moving all over the stage. Benj gets annoyed sometimes. One time I caught him right in the face. He spit on me all night after that.
Good Charlottes fans are pretty dedicated
Theyre the best fans in the world, thats what theyre getting known as. They dress up like us, they write things on themselves and thats just the beginning. Youd think your average banner would say, I love you, Billy or marry me, Benji, but they range from those kind all the way to I love Cashdogg our pet dog!
Youve recently moved into a new house
Oh its rad! Its totally what I dreamed of as a kid. On my front door Im getting a sign with a big skull and cross bone, and underneath its gonna say, Fuck Off. My mom will just go Oh Joel, really!