INTERVIEW

The term legend is oft bandied about when it comes to music, but Tim Burgess, lead singer with The Charlatans, one of Britain’s longest serving and most respected bands, the term legend seems more than appropriate.

TTS- Firstly, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions. Can i start by asking about the forthcoming greatest hits tour? What prompted that decision, cash or nostalgia?

Tim- “both... people gotta remember & enjoy the hits man!”

TTS- I think tracks such as ‘The only one i know’ still stand up today. Do you still love playing the old songs live?

Tim- “Heck ya! Even might dig out Indian rope.”

TTS- I saw you play in Manchester a couple of years ago at The Move Festival, the crowd loved it. Do you think there’s a difference between a Northern crowd and a Southern crowd?

Tim- “Sometimes... the Northerners dance better, have more soul, plus i'm Northern!”

TTS- Over all the years, what’s your favourite venue?

Tim- “Apollo Manchester.”

TTS- Which venue are you most looking forward to playing on your greatest hits tour?

Tim- “The places we've never played... Lincoln, Halifax, etc.”

TTS- You’ve had a long career, almost twenty years, what’s the secret?

Tim- “Keep a good spirit & good company...”

TTS- You were part of that great Madchester scene of the early 90’s. do you feel that you don’t get the same respect as the shorter lived groups such as Happy Mondays or The Stone Roses because you lasted the distance rather than burnt out?

Tim- “Yeah, because we've moved on and ventured out to different styles & they are capsuled in time/that period.“

TTS- Any great stories from that time?

Tim- “E & more e's... i had a blast!”

TTS- The band’s second album, ‘Between 10th and 11th’ was coolly received, was it hard receiving criticism so early on?

Tim- “No, because it was a hit in America. Some people got it and some didn't...”

TTS- Was there ever a point where The Charlatans came close to splitting?

Tim- “Maybe after Rob died...”

TTS- What made you carry on?

Tim- “Rob would have wanted it that way, and the passion was still there.”

TTS- What prompted the move from Begger’s Banquet to Universal?

Tim- “Things change in the business.”

TTS- You live in LA, does America inspire you more than England?

Tim- “Not really... they both have their perks and i get really inspired when flying back and forth.”

TTS- the 2001 album ‘Wonderland’ was very different style to previous albums, was it something you wanted to try before?

Tim- “We recorded it in LA/Hollywood, so it just literally evolved.”

TTS- And more recently, your latest album ‘Simpatico’ again, is another change of sound. Do you feel The Charlatans are still evolving?

Tim- “ Well Simpatico means 'in harmony'. I am always up for trying something new. We try never to have a standard formula or sound.

TTS- Is there another Tim Burgess solo album in the pipe line?

Tim- “Hopefully... it will happen.”

TTS- What are you listening to at the moment?

Tim- “Kinks, Fleetwood Mac, The Clash. All the classics.”

TTS- Any advice to the young whipper-snappers who are starting off today?

Tim- “Always trust your instincts & always keep an eye on your income! and your surroundings.”

TTS- Thanks again Tim.

Jim-tohellwith

www.thecharlatans.net