"When people talk like that I'm shocked, because I never thought that our band would get so commercially successful," he admits. "We don't see what is happening on the outside. Media-wise, we are in control and do everything that we want to do, that's what I'm happy about. I was once asked who i was dating and i told them that it was none of their business- I don't like the fact that people want to know about that," confesses the bassist. "That's why were not doing all the press we're asked to do- It's like, What are we doing? Is this a tour or is this a press tour? What's happening? That's what I want to know."
Mass Media Madness
You can see his point. Four years ago, the release ot the self-titled debut brought the band to our attention, but no one was prepared for the tidal wave of succes that has since swept up SOAD, let alone the media circus created by those rocketing sales. It would seem that everyone wants a piece of SOAD- and the reluctant rock stars wouls prefer if they didn't.
"We don't want to oversaturate the market by being the main deal all the time, on every cover. I don't like that, everyone gets sick of you, I'd rather remain hidden, give a little bit but not all- because if you give all, you lose yourself." It would seem that i'ts not the press just the press that has a lot to answer for...
" I hate the internet, I don't like going on it because there are all these lies, girls and guys just saying stuff that anyone could go in there and write. That's the price you pay, i suppose," he shrugs. "My girlfriend doesen't go on there because of that, she gets pissed off and that's fucked up, why should she stay away from something because of what other people are doing? Everyone wants to be involved- that's the problem, everyone want's to be the guy or the girl who knows the band. We're like an object at times, but we cope with it."
So how do four very ordinary guys who clearly don't subscribe to the rock�n�roll lifestyle deal with fame and the attention that their distinctive looks give them? The answer is simple- they don't go out. "When I'm home, my vacation is staying in my bed,
in my house and hanging out with my loved ones," the bassist discloses. " Going out is a nightmare for me, especially in L.A. I can't go to clubs like a normal guy and hang out the way I used to because every eye is on me, it's like, `there's the guy from SOAD�. People scream and I don't like that, it's like I'm not human and i never wanted to feel like that. None of us are the rock star types, we just do this because we love music and we've just happened to turn into rock stars. If i had my way we'd just be artists, tht's the only thing we've compromised on, i guess we didn't have any choice."
Staying Sane
To retain some sense of normality in this surreal goldfish-bowl existence into wich they've been catapulted, the bassist phones home on a regular basis, resulting in huge phone bills.
"Everyone that I love is there, I miss them and i talk to them everyday," he explains. "I can't just go on tour and be a musician all the time, I've got to be Shavo-that's my name, that's who i am-all my friends know me as that, not Shavo the musician." It's clear that the Bass player is finding his new life stressfull. "It's obvious that it would be, especially for someone like us, where we are constantly trying to remain normal and there is all this outside interfierence, trying to make us sound like were not- I'm the same guy just a little more cautious," he sighs.
He's right to be cautious, people have already taken things that they've said out of context, to the point where SOAD were cited as prophets of the tragic events of September 11.- that's one hell of a responcealbility to shoulder.
"I'ts an awful one," Shavo replies, "how does that work? What are we- mind readers? C�mon, we just worry about today and it just happened to happen. There's one song that was written two years ago an dosen't mean anything and they've made it all about september 11.-you guys are crazy! People are just looking for someone to blame." With all these extra burdens, does the ex-florist and kebab-shop assistent ever wish they'd remaind on a cult level? "Sometimes, but it's only momentary. Like yesterday, I went upstairs to the private bar at Brixton Academy and some dude freakin grabbed me and shook me, it almost hurt me. I don't want to experience stuff like that- if you appreciate our work, come and tell us and be normal. It comepletely freaks me out when people act like that, but it comes with territory so I understand- this is my job and you can't get everything your way," he says with a wry smile.