| OfficialDamned - Band Sections - Website Interview | |||||||||||
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Hi Dave, Given your interest in film and the style of your writing, would you like the opportunity to write film scores?? Thanks and have fun in U.S.A... love Heather From a very early age film scores were probably the most important music. I listened to and has most certainly influenced my writing over the years. Which is ironic considering most of this kind of music is purely instrumental and I am a singer. The atmospheric scores of the likes of Bernard Herrmann, Waxman, John Carpenter, etc., embody an inseparable link with the imagery on the silver screen. The Third Man is a brilliant film made even more so by the haunting zither music that you just can't get out of your head once you've seen the movie. Likewise, the fantastic score of the Day The Earth Stood Still, with its out of worldly theremin overtures, makes the film a very special viewing experience. Obviously I am influenced by other types of music I have listened to over the years, but I always find myself coming back to sound tracks which probably comprise more than half my entire collection of music. Any favourite book(s) that have influenced you and/or your music? - James Calgary Many and varied are the books which have found their way into my subconscious when writing songs, more so than the straight quotation of lines used as lyrics, as I've always tried to keep away from doing that. From Poe, Stoker, H.G. Wells - to Kerouac, Hammet, Chandler, etc., to name but a few. I've also always enjoyed a good Biography. There are a few exceptions: a biography of James Dean by David Dalton influenced me to write the song Plan 9 Channel 7 based on the relationship of Vampira and James Dean in his early days of Hollywood. On reading Ann Rice's 'interview with the Vampire' in 1976, I penned the song which became known as 'The Dog' but was actually about the strange vampire child Claudia, described in Rice's book. The idea of an adults mind trapped in a child's body was too fascinating to resist. There is also one more I can think of, with 'The Phantom Chords', which is 'Swamp Thing', written about a character in a Kerouac book, called 'Doctor Sax', who in turn is probably influenced by the character 'The Shadow', with his large black slouch hat and cape like overcoat of which I have always been a fan of the 1930's/40's radio shows - but that's another story. What do think you would be doing now had you never been in the Damned and why? - James Calgary. This is a difficult question, because unlike most musicians response to this question-there are many areas I am interested in. I have so many interests it is hard to pin down what I would have done as fate so often plays such a large hand but hopefully I would be as happy as I am now. David Has it all been worthwhile?- Chris The answer to this question will depend on the definition of the question. In monetary terms probably not, but in many other aspects I would say that I was very fortunate. Are there any plans to release a video/DVD featuring the concert footage filmed recently? Still in progress. Over the years, what has been your most memorable time in the Damned? - Paul Sheppard When I was on the top deck of a double decker bus traveling down Oxford Street towards home, abstractedly looking out of the window, to my surprise, I saw the biggest band poster I'd ever seen. Jake Riviera, Stiffs impresario and our manager had created the largest posters yet, done for a band in this country. The words 'The Damned' followed by an enormous picture of my own face and four smaller pictures of the rest of us were displayed in what seemed to be almost every other large upper window of the shops down the length of Oxford Street. It was at this point in my life I realized that the band were on the tip of an iceberg going somewhere instead of nowhere. This was a good memory. In the excellent XTC's "Homegrown" sleeve notes, Andy Partridge is telling he likes repetition and he compares his music to "an almost Warholian desire to replicate the same hypnotic part over and over". Well, to which painting would you compare the Damned songs? - FredSwimsuit "Gabrielle d' Estrees and One of Her Sisters" , from the School of Fount ainbleau (late 16th Century) I like "~Absinthe~"! Well ...I like the song and the drink, too (I've tasted it for the first time in Spain at the time of "~Phantasmagoria~" and for me there was like a secret connection). Absinthe has a sulphurous reputation but it calls to mind all the parisian Belle-Epoque, the impressionist painters, Toulouse-Lautrec, Verlaine, Rimbaud and of course Van Gogh... A lot of artistic and literary connections! Well, my question is a sot question: do you drink absinthe, how and which one? (if you're used to drink it, remember Van Gogh and take care of your ears! You need it, ha ha ha!) - FredSwimsuit I've tried different brands from different countries and still have my ears. Thank you. "~Till' The End Of Time~" is a Captain song but for me it's really strange because it sounds more like a song written by you (and in my humble opinion it could be a good single for a radio airplay). You said in an interview that you should have liked it with a best "eastern european feel". It's intriguing and my question is: what is an eastern european feel? (well... I'd like to hear this european sounding version!) - FredSwimsuit Picture if you will; a group of Romanian gypsies huddled around a blazing campfire. Its night in a secluded wooded part of the countryside. A lurching, wheezing sound of accordions and sweet sounding violins come to your ears on a crisp autumn wind. This is what I meant. How and where did you propose to the lovely Patricia Morrison? - Phanny Tasmagoria, Huntington Beach, California Its a long story Phanny. Where is Rat? Roland? Over the years The Damned have played hundreds and hundreds of gigs - looking back is there one show, past or present, which sticks in your mind for typifying the spirit of The Damned? If so, where and when was it and for what reason - Chris Whiteman. Recent
great gigs from my view: Dave, can you please tell us how much the song "Absinthe" was influenced by your own experiences with the green liquid? I never use Fairy Liquid. I've often wondered why 'Curtain Call' hasn't been picked up for cinematic use in a film...it's so atmospheric transports you to another world..what was the inspiration/thinking in creating the piece? - Richard The inspiration had its seed in a shop
sign which I passed on the bus going up Oxford Street tucked away
in a side street; just visible were the words 'Theatreland.' This
was a shop specializing in fabrics for the stage, etc. I made a
mental note to use it someday in a song. Curtain Call, which is
autobiographical and has its links to the old adage 'the show must
on', etc., became the obvious choice for Theatreland to be used
in the chorus. This song started off as an instrumental piece I
had written on an old Sames Harmonium in my basement flat that I
lived in at the time. Captain encouraged me to expand it and wrote
some marvelous guitar parts to go with it (on the original demo
of this there is a kind of sitar guitar). Between that time and
then going to Rockfield to make the album, I then had more ideas
for the centre section, although I was dubious that the band would
accept a classical piece of Scheherazade in the middle section but
I underestimated my musical partners, who loved it. Every time there is ever a documentary on TV about punk 1976 onwards, the media always rant and rave about the Pistols and the Clash. The Damned never seem to get a mention. Does this lack of attention by the British media piss you off and why do they always forget that you ever existed? - Steve - Coventry Hopefully now there seems to be a trend that they are remembering us again. I don't mind people's opinions, what I don't like is when people try and change history. We were there whether they like it or not. First Off "Grave Disorder" made my year Thanx, Question: With the release of "Grave Disorder" and the subsequent tours, especially in N. America, what are your thoughts on how the album and tours have been received. By the way if you don't mind answering who your influences are for playing the theremin are........... - Ross Vancouver, Canada I think the album has been received very well. We've had some of the best reviews we've ever had in our lives. I only wish I could have convinced Nitro to do a little more on the promotional front, perhaps a single and video would have been nice so people who aren't able to see us or know who the hell we are (or think we are dead) could have the pleasure. As for the audiences, they have made it all worthwhile. Theremin question: Ross, check out later answer. I'm in a bit of a quandary; Since 'Grave Disorder' was produced under your "watchful eye" and you're credited with "Beauty of the Beast", maybe you could answer me this: What's that I hear within the last few seconds of "Beauty of the Beast?.. ...this jolly marching song..."Looming pallid on the screen",- Leo Gurevich Its an old war time number, 'Wish Me Luck As You Wave Me Goodbye'. It seemed appropriate. What do you think about Nirvana using the intro Life goes On? Are you flattered or do think they did it unintentionally? Cheers for the opportunity to ask questions anyway and good luck )and how about some more Damned video footage, gigs etc. soon?). loads of love Fe Hardy I thought Nirvana had good songs, bad wives. By the time you read this we will be gigging. New Sanctuary re-issue releases are coming out left right and centre, including a book and a dvd, and talking to film makers regarding doing a live video where the band has some input. I can do no more. I would love to know what the intro music was that you = played on your U.S. tour specifically at Dallas,the last show, cheers Jonathan. P.S. Electric Ballroom is still one of my favs, 142 to choose from! Unfortunately I can't remember what the intro tape was, most likely a choice of our esteemed sound man Andy Hawkins. He loves to choose interesting intros. Mr. Vanian, What would you have titled the first Phantom Chords' album (the one beginning with Someone Up There) if it had been released? Quite a few of us have bootlegs of the album and it would be nice to have a name by which to refer to it. Cheers, Lilli Parker Originally the first album was to be called 'David Vanian and His Phantom Chords'. Unfortunately for reasons which were never explained to me, M&G Polydor, buried the album and had me tied to a contract which meant I couldn 't re-record the songs for five years. The Big Beat album was put together in the wake of this fiasco and inherited the original title. Dear Mr. Vanian, Do you consider yourself to be a real vampire, and what are your thoughts on the aspect of there actually being an afterlife? I notice you didn't leave your name, are you related to the Van Helsing's by any chance? DEAR MR. VANIAN MY NAME IS GREGG MEDINA. I AM 20. I RECENTLY GOT INTO THE DAMNED. MY FATHER WAS A BIG FAN OF THE DAMNED BACK WHEN SENSIBLE WAS THE BASSIST I WANTED TO KNOW IF WHY DONT YOU PLAY MORE OFTEN IN EAST LOS ANGELES WE LOVE YOU DOWN HERE. MY UNCLE SAID HE OPENED UP FOR YOU BACK IN THE EARLY 80'S . DO YOU REMEMBER A BAND BY THE NAME OF THE BRAT??? I think I do remember your father. I don't think we've actually had any offers from East L.A. If we had I assure you we would be there! Patricia says she remembers The Brat very well, saw them quite a few times as well. What cd was your favourite to make? What was your favourite song off of it? --Melody Packman As Grave Disorder is the first Damned cd I ever made it would have to be that. Favourite song changes from day to day, mood to mood. Just wondering what your thoughts are on Stars In Their Eyes? I really enjoy the programme and am still waiting eagerly for somebody to do either of you - Eddie So am I! David - what was the inspiration behind the lyric to 'Sanctum Sanctorum'? Also, which lyric is your own favourite? Bill Davies Patricia Morrison was the inspiration for Sanctum Sanctorum. Favourite lyric from? Anything happening on The Phantom Chords front? 13 tracks coming to your neighbourhood soon. Fingers crossed. PS: Your Phantom Chords biker jacket's not for sale is it? I'm afraid not. Will we see a MTV-ready video in the near future? - John That is a question I ask as well. Hi, My name is Jean-Paul, once I met
you in 1994 in The Hague when you did a gig in "Het Paard",
my girlfriend Marisol from Argentina and me enjoyed The Damned concert
very much, thank you. My favourite Pre-Raphaelite painting is The Death of Chatterton, 1856 by Henry Wallace. I bought the last print the Tate Museum had back in the 1980's. Other favourites are The Lady of Shallot, 1888 by John William Waterhouse and Proserpine, 1877 by Dante Gabriel Rossetti. What ever became of the follow-up tracks (you once told me nine were recorded) to Anything? Was there ever a planned third album from the MCA lineup? Ta! Nothing. Hi I would just like to ask Dave ,Is it true that he likes old Motorcycles? If it is which motorcycles does he own? & what Motorcycles would he like to own? I own a 1942 750cc Flathead '45 Harley-Davidson in civilian trim, and a bobber. I had to beg, borrow and steal to get these but they are well worth the effort they take to keep on the road. There are a couple of bikes I would like to own: 1950's model K Harley-Davidson. 1968 Triumph Daytona, I had one once and wished I'd never sold it. Hello just like to ask! when are The Damned touring Ireland again? December, my friend. Dublin and Belfast. Which film, or films, is the dialogue in 'Thrill Kill' from and if you had to name but one or two of your fav. film noir, which would it be? Difficult choice I know, but for myself it would have to be either 'Gilda' or 'Build My Gallows High'... Two for the price of one but there you go? - Wytch1 The dialog is from a mix of different things one of which being The Human Jungle. Some of my favourite film noirs: The Petrified Forest, The Third Man, Gun Crazy, Touch of Evil, Double Indemnity, Sunset Boulevard, White Heat, The Blue Dahlia, Sudden Fear, D.O.A., Laura, and Out of the Past. To name but a few. Phantasmagoria and Anything were a bit of a departure from what The Damned had done previously. It was what most would consider The Damned's most "commercial" period...major label albums, videos, etc... As a fan I enjoy that era of The Damned as much as the rest but I was wondering, in retrospect, how do you view it all now? Thanks ~Steve I think you are right in your thinking. I enjoyed it, some of the production in retrospect could have been done a little better, but it was the '80's. Some of those songs were just as heartfelt as anything that had gone before despite the frills and ruffles. i'm darknessia, i'm french and i had
a question to ask you. i'd like to know if the song Absinth, was
inspired by the film Dracula by FF Coppola, because the beginning
of the song, reminds me this film. and another question, will The
Damned play in Paris soon? The song wasn't inspired by the film but the intro was. If we can find a decent promoter to book us we will be there! I've been a huge fan for 15 years or so and have always wanted to ask you this! Regarding your fangs: Are your canines filed down or are they attached on (like the movie type fangs)? You've been using them way before any of the little Goth kids. Thanks so much and hoping to see you on tour again! - Bushka Dracul in Florida, U.S.A. Why do all the Vampires come from Florida these days? Dave do you have a 50s harley No, I have a '40's Harley. Hello. i'm really looking forward to seeing you in march with rob zombie. but i want to know if your ever going to come around with the Phantom Chords? i'm sorry, i know that this is a damned interview, but i love the Phantom Chords as well and i would really love to see you live with them!! Sorry if you missed us on the Zombie tour, didn't work out too well for us. As regards The Phantom Chords, hopefully in the not to distant future I will be playing with them again. Hello! I was wondering that with all your current activity with The Damned, are you going to have any future plans with The Phantom Chords? I know it's not a Damned question but The Phantom Chords had such a beautiful sound. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer all these annoying questions. :) Melissa Thanks for the compliment, Melissa and yes contrary to popular belief I should be finishing and releasing a Chords album subject to finding a record company. If I get the record out a tour would follow. Dave will there be more phantom chords stuff ? if so do you need a drummer? seen you lot at blackburn in nov all i can say is quality!!1 First see above, and secondly, are you in a band? Hello, I was wondering if the Phantom Chords are planning on releases any more material (old or new).. I own the self titled cd on Big Beat Records, but would like to hear more stuff.. Deja vu...yes I am still planning to proceed as above. Dave, (and all)... Almost moved to tears at Hackney Ocean buy both nostalgia and the quality of the act in front of me. Been a Damned fan since I was a spotty yoof (35 now). Grave Disorder is truly a quality product. Anyway my QUESTION IS: Who was the motivating force behind the conception of Grave Disorder. I want to know the tale ! Web site is 'kin excellent. Grave Disorder was a group effort. It was all of us working together to create the best Damned album we could. I think we succeeded. Why you are not playing Strawberries/Phantasmagoria/Anything staff live ?? New Additions are Street of Dreams and Under the Floor Again which has never been played live before. Hello Orbit, I assume it's you: Why has Dave, in the past, unexpectedly not shown up at the gigs (ex. in '78 when Holton took vox, and in '95 or '96 as Paul Gray described in his stories)? To go along with this, why does he not practice with the band? What is his regimen for vocal practice, if any? Thanks, LordJim Who said I didn't show up? Don't believe everything you read. If I don't practice with the band I wonder who that doppelganger is. I could get him to do the gigs as well. Bela or Boris? Bela above Boris but what about Vincent? I went to a "Dave Brockie Experience" show (the guys from GWAR)in Detroit and they played "New Rose." What do you feel about bands covering your songs? By the way, they did the song justice. - Rich- Belleville, MI Obviously discerning music lovers GWAR. Hi Dave, If you had to choose just one of your bands to perform with, which would it be and why... The Damned or the Phantom Chords? Which is your favourite song with each band? Good luck with both!! Derek Cheltenham lifelong fan Well Derek, if I could slip into a fourth dimension, grab my anti-matter self I could be in both bands, but since I can't I will exist doing both of them. My favourite Phantom Chords song today is Pretty Girl. My favourite Damned song today is She. What I wonder is what made you guys to record a LP like "Anything" after all the others and then why that did not go on? I wonder if I can express myself (Well I'm Turkish). In other words what was your urge when you recorded Anything and why it did not last. Don't you take "Anything" seriously. Don't you like it? I think it is one of the best albums recorded in the music history. I think Anything is as good an album as any other we've done. It may be lack a little finesse in the production as this album was rushed. Thanks for the compliment. Dear David, What is your favourite crap food? Personally, I favour salt & vinegar Hula Hoops. My all time best would be IHOP choc pancakes but so far unavailable in Liverpool... Good health & Best wishes, Donna Martin. York Peppermint Patties, but they aren't crap; they are a 'low fat food'...it says so on the label so who am I to disagree. This question is for Dave and Captain. Will you please play "Drinking about my Baby" on your next U.S. tour? It has always been my favourite DAMNED song. By the way--Loved the Chicago show! ---Skip Oyler Drinking about my baby? No. Do u still enjoy it as much as u did when the Damned started and will u carry on till u have 2 retire Richkid My answer 2 u is yes. Do the Damned still consider themselves 'punk?' That depends on the definition of 'punk'. Dear David, Ok, I wondered, if you could have acted in any film ever made, which film would it be and which role would you play? I really hope loads of people haven't already asked this...otherwise I'll have to resort to something banal like the 'who's your favourite Spice Girl' question...(shudder) - Kitty I would have liked to have been Long John Silvers wooden leg in treasure Island. I think I could have brought a new dimension to the part and stopped any of this nasty of musicians making wooden actors. My favourite spice is Cinnamon. Subject: Question for Dave Vanian: I read that you and some friends have recorded a new Phantom Chords album in California (Summer 2000). When will this album be released? Also it's a pity that the Phantom Chords album recorded in 1990 has never been officially released because it's absolutely great music! Deja vu vu vu vu vu voodooo....check above. And thank you. i've always wondered, was there a particular reason that the MCA split-up when it did,especially as it was pretty much at the height of the bands commercial success, was it the age old musical differences or something else? The delightful vagaries of the Music Business. On GMTV with Barry Ryan what did you really want to say to Anne Diamond when she asked you if you slept in a coffin?? You looked embarrassed,she was serious. - ANDREW PRILL I wasn't embarrassed but marveled at the inventiveness and intelligence of her question. If I had a pound for every time I have been asked this question I could afford a crypt to put it said coffin in. What is your favourite horror movie of all time and why? Can't answer this as there are so many that I have enjoyed over the years and hopefully there may be a film in the future that will become my favourite overall. Is The Damned a full time job? If it's not what do you during your "down time"? Regards Roy Freeman 'Down time'... isn't that a Petula Clark number? Well I wanted to know that after all the years of playing music do you feel you have come full circle or do you think you have a lot more to explore musically? - From Amber Garcia San Jacinto CA,92583. PS,I have been a fan for 15 years and I have always been impressed by your wonderful voice,thanks for many years of happiness. Amber, thanks for the compliment. I feel that I still have a lot to learn. The beauty of being a musician to me is; you never stop learning, exploring, inventing or re-discovering. Hopefully I will still be creating new and old sounds for many years to come. Dave, Do you not mind (how do you cope with) the Captain bearing his arse (and other bits) on stage in front of your wife??!!!! Has Patricia just got used to turning a blind eye ??!!!! - cheers Pilky Captains ass is for all to share.Patricia here - Dave, I don't really notice it anymore. Just an average day, play some music, naked dancing man appears. What do you think about all this anti-vampirism slander on the message board? Damn Buffy Lovers. Dave, Any update on when the new (& the original non-released) Phantom Chords album will be available? Many thanks, Andy. I have in my possession, 12 re-recorded tracks and 1 brand new track of the finest quality sans vocals. All I need is a studio, perhaps a producer, a small amount of dollars and an interested record company and this platter will be winging its way towards you quicker than you can say 'Link Wray'. You've been with the band since right from the start and must have played thousands of gigs. From the shows I've been at recently, you seem to still really enjoy performing live. Do you find live work as enjoyable as you appear to? What's the secret? Regards Froggy I do find it enjoyable and that's the secret. How did they get by financially during the "lean years"? Were the royalty cheques from previous sales plus a few gigs per year enough to keep the wolf from the door? Did they send the missus out to work? Or were they ever reduced to getting temporary "proper jobs"? I'm wearing a cardboard belt! Being a long time Damned fan I've admired and enjoyed pretty much every era and lineup the band has been through, but I'd been waiting and hoping a long time to see the Vanian and Sensible team together again putting out new records...that done, I think the results are terrific and The Damned is better than ever. What do you have to say about the fans and critics who complain, saying things like "Its just not the same" or "This isn't the real Damned" etc etc? I know the same sort of things were said about the band in the past, mainly after '84 when Captain had gone solo, but what is your reaction to those sort of comments now? Especially now with the internet and web site factored into things...critics and fans thoughts and opinions are much more "in your face" for lack of better term. Leading to a second question....in your opinion, what sort of impact has the net and the web site had on The Damned? How can it not be the real Damned? The Damned is what it is the moment you hear it. If that moment is 1976 when you heard it, it always will be and there is nothing I can do to change that.The web site has been a good friend to The Damned. David, I enjoy Lounge music (as it is now called) immensely when not frugging and swimming to the Now Sound that is The Damned. Have you checked out any of the Beat At Cinecitta compilations of 60's and 70's Italian soundtrack gems? The Popshopping collection of auf Deutsch telly commercials on that same label is enjoyable as well. Those loveable Germans do crank out some wonderfully bizarre sounds when not annexing Poland or nipping off on an extended holiday... Anyway, I would like to hear your take on the Lounge Sound as well as any recommendations. Kary Kary, thanks for the tip, I will definitely
check these out. Patricia and I have always had a taste for 'what
the hell are you listening to?!?' music. Lounge seems to encompass
so many different types of music which is great and so much of the
I must admit I never thought this kind of music would ever be popular
let alone be cool. Hi Dave, thanks for the presentation at Hackney, I'll remember that for years to come!! My question is, Who would you say was the biggest influence on you as a singer, and who catches your eye these days? Cheers, Al Fiendish. Scott Walker is an influence as is Elvis, Lee Hazelwood and Jim Morrison I suppose. We are all baritones. My ears these days hear Chris Issak and Martyn Jacques from the Tiger Lillies as good singers. But they seem to be thin on the ground these days and I tend to listen to old stuff all the time. Hello here's my question for Dave : Two words: Beau Brummel I've heard you were born in Newcastle. Is that Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, or Newcastle-Under-Lyme? - Anita Neither. The fans discuss this often but which track from 'Grave Disorder' would you like released as a single? - by valerievicious I would really like to see song.com as a summer release. I think its a good track to whistle on your way to work and its a great get up and go number. How did you become interested in playing the Theremin? - Anita Some of my earliest memories of music don't, as you would expect, come from the '60's beat groups like The Kinks, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, etc., but of the strange sounds that emitted amongst orchestral scores from the 40's and 50's film noir, science fiction and horror movies. For 20 years I have been trying to persuade the Damned to put a Theremin on one of our albums but tracking down a player and the instrument was very difficult, at least in England. When I found out that Bob Moog, through his company, Big Briar Inc. in North Carolina was making a small portable unit which was very close in sound quality to the original RCA Theremins, (obviously not as good but close enough), my prayers were answered. I can't say I've yet mastered the instrument but I have managed to approximate some good parts for the album and will keep practicing much to my neighbours delight. There are only a handful of truly musical Thereminists. Clara Rockmore being the genius of the instrument. I have yet to hear anyone come near to her dexterity with the instrument, but unfortunately she has now passed away. The Russian, Lydia Kavina who teaches the instrument and does workshops with Big Briar, and who one day I hope to take some lessons from is another. And of course Dr. Samuel J. Hoffman who is best remembered for his signature sounds on the Bernard Herrmann soundtrack of The Day The Earth Stood Still. The first time I heard the instrument and perhaps the first time it was used in a film score was the laboratory sequence where Colin Clive and Ernest Thesiger create the Bride of Frankenstein in the film of the same name in 1935. (Note from Orbit: Since this interview took place Big Briar Inc have now reclaimed the original company name Moog Music Inc. Hurrah for Dr Bob Moog!) In an interview (from about Sept. 79) with Sting, he said that The Police were never considered as part of the 'in-crowd' with the likes of the Clash, the Pistols, and The Damned. Later in the interview he claims that you refused to speak to him "one night at the Roxy". Was there really a kind of hierarchy, and a bit tension between bands back then? - Anita I honestly don't remember this night and incident at the Roxy. The 'in crowd' comment is an ironic statement as The Damned were always considered the outsiders in punk circles. All I can think of is this may have occurred after a gig in Europe where Brian had an altercation with Sting on a bill which was Police, The Damned and topping the bill, Jayne County. The argument was over Sting drinking the Damned's rider and more specifically Brian's wine, without asking. If they had asked we would have gladly have given them a drink but strong words were said and Sting sulked back to his dressing room with his tail between his legs. Within months of this time, he could afford his own rider as he was rolling in dosh and nubile young ladies. So I personally never fell out with him but I don't like rudeness. If you weren't in a band, what kind of career do you think you'd be doing today? - Anita Dave Vanian-Crocodile Hunter Over the years, have your parents ever been to a Damned gig? And, what did they think of you joining a 'punk' band in the first place? - Anita My parents were hip to the groove and in fact unlike the thousands who claim to have been at The Roxy, my mother was actually there and championed the punks thereafter when challenged by the press. She saw punks as intelligent erudite, colourful characters and could see that the sensationalist press headlines at the time were mostly hype to sell papers. My question is - when will you come back over to Belfast ? I know you will be heading over to the states soon ,have you any plans after the US to come here ? ps Grave Disorder is fantastic,my fav (hard choice .) is Amen....Thanks a MILLION XXXXXXX gEORGIE We will be winging our way to Ireland in December to do some gigs, Dublin and Belfast. Thanks to all the folks who sent in questions and to DV himself for taking the time to answer this immense list of Q's for the web site. |
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