Band Name: James
Chat with Tim Booth from James, Sunday 23 August.
Question: Hi Tim, thanks for braving the rain to chat to us!
Answer: Hello.
Question: Tim, are you looking forward to the gig in Manchester? I am going.
Answer: It’s too long away to look forward to but the Manchester gigs are all amazing celebrations. If I held my breath that long, serious damage would ensue.
Question: How has V98 been? Who are you looking forward to seeing again?
Answer: I saw Robbie Williams yesterday and his big charisma and I think he’s a very well hung performer.
Question: What’s next from James?
Answer: We are working with Brian Eno on a new masterpiece that the critics will hate. Have I got a chip on my shoulder or what? Sarky northern git.
Question: Why did you do that free gig in Manchester down by the canal?
Answer: Sounded like a good idea at the time.
Question: Which of your albums do you think is your greatest?
Answer: Laid. That’s why we are working with Brian Eno again.
Question: I just want to say you have total stage presence. You really got everyone pumped up.
Answer: Gee thanks.
Question: Do you ever get sick of all the attention you get?
Answer: Seldom, I’m very greedy.
Question: As, ahem, “Elder Statesmen”, what do you think of the younger bands today? Not saying you are Status Quo like!
Answer: They’re all too young. I like Nick Cave – he’s my favourite, that famous Aussie octogenarian.
Question: Frank Sidebottom! Is he a top bloke or an arse in a papier mache head?
Answer: Arse in a papier mache head.
Question: Who are your favourite band ever?
Answer: The Doors or the Beatles, sorry to be so predictable.
Question: To continue a theme: Pet Sounds or Revolver best album ever?
Answer: I hate Pet Sounds. It’s a musicians album, not for me.
Question: Ok, since we’re on the subject of down under rockers. Do you like Kylie?
Answer: What do you mean by like? She’s very sweet. I ended up in a corridor at Top of the Pops telling dirty jokes with her.
Question: Are you sick of Sit Down?
Answer: Sometimes, but the song has a life of its own and I’m grateful to have co-written a song that touches so many people.
Question: What is the scandal that would get you on the front of the News of the World; girls, booze, drugs… dodgy politics?
Answer: Well, the rest of James are more akin to the Happy Mondays and any day would provide enough scandal for the News of the World.
Question: Do you ever find yourself ridiculous and why?
Answer: Of course. Human life is often ridiculous and I’m not immune.
Question: Who are your greatest influences?
Answer: Patti Smith and Iggy Pop.
Question: Have you had a chance to see Iggy Pop at this festival?
Answer: Not this time but I’ve seen him maybe fifteen times when I was an impressionable youngster and he impressioned me.
Question: Where will you be in ten years?
Answer: In a rocking chair wearing Val Doonican pullovers in Hawaii. Very high.
Question: If you could spend thirty minutes with anyone on earth ever, who would you pick?
Answer: God. He’s got a few questions to answer. Sorry, she.
Question: Were you ever into Northern Soul? Ever followed a youth cult?
Answer: Punk. I was a teenage punk.
Question: Thanks a million Tim! Nice one.
Answer: Goodbye good people. May your gods be with you.
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