| 1. What are you currently up
to? |
I live in Nashville and for the past seven years I've been
songwriting, recording and occasionally gigging. Right now I'm back
and out with TYA on the 2003 tour. Early in 2002 Ric Lee, Chick
Churchill and I were asked to replace Double Trouble on a European
tour with American blues guitarist Carvin Jones. The offer came at
the right time for me. I needed a break from songwriting and the
thought of leaving a hot humid Nashville Summer for festival gigs in
Europe appealed. On those shows it became apparent that there were
many fans out there that wanted to see TYA play again. Alvin Lee was
approached but didn't want to make the commitment needed so we looked
for another guitarist and were lucky to find twenty-five year old
guitarist/vocalist Joe Gooch.
|
| 2. What has been the highlight(s) and lowpoints(s) of your career to
date?
|
There have been so many highlights. The Marquee Club, London, The
Windsor Jazz and Blues Festival, Woodstock, The Isle of Wight
Festival 1970, US tours, The Filmores, Madison Square Gardens The
Budokan, Tokyo are all highlights but I think every time we play in
front of a receptive audience it continues to be buzz.
Low points? No complaints but if I had to think of something it would
be the time I've wasted through the years not knowing exactly what I
wanted to do.
|
3. How did you first get into the music business? Who have been your
main influences on your career to date?
|
I got into music at the age of ten when the Skiffle craze started in
the UK. I listened to all the early rock'n'roll artistes, Presley,
Jerry Lee, Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Little Richard
and many more. Influences to date would be everyone who's out there
making music.
. |
| 4. How has the UK tour been going? What has been the fans' reaction
at seeing TYA back on stage?
|
We couldn't wish for a warmer reception from the crowds. Currently
we're in the UK. It's the first time we've toured here in 25 years.
The audience reaction to the new line-up has been great and it hasn't
taken long for people to take notice of Joe's exceptional talent.
We've already played sold out shows in Italy, Germany, Austria,
Belgium,Holland and the Czech Republic. We're on the road in Europe
until September and hope to follow on with a US tour.
|
| 5. Is there a new T.Y.A. album in the works? Any US dates forthcoming?
|
Yes there certainly is. A live CD "One Night Jammed' to introduce
Joe to fans is already available which we sell at gigs and on the
web. A studio CD will be out early October titled `Ten Years After
Now'. US dates are being worked on. Any one interested in TYA can
check out our official web site `TenYearsAfterNow.com' or the dedicated fan site `Ten-Years-After.com.'
|
| 6. You have a new guitarist Joe Gooch. How did you hook-up with him
and what has his playing bought to the band?
|
Joe was recommended to us by my son Tom. . He's added a new energy to
the band.We're lucky to have found him. I believe he'll go far.
|
| 7. How did Ten Years After get their first big break?
|
First big break in the UK was probably appearing at the Marquee Club
and playing the Windsor Festival. In the US it has to be Bill Graham
hearing our first album and inviting us to play the Filmores. That started the ball rolling.
|
| 8. You put out a solo album back in 1996. Any plans to do some follow-
up solo work?
|
I put out two CD's with my band `The Kick'. I've no plans right now to record any solo projects but I still have unreleased material
which at some time in the future I may make available.
|
| 9. You are a famous producer in your own right, having worked with
UFO, Waysted, Procul Harum amongst others. Who did you most enjoy producing? If you could work with band/artist who would it be and why?
|
I enjoy working on all kinds of music. When the vibes right in the
studio and everything `s slotting together it's a magical moment. I'd
like to work with any artist/band with talent that has something to prove to the World.
|
| 10. What do you do in your spare time outside of music?
|
I have many interests but right now I have very little spare time.
If I don't just crash and fall asleep - reading, writing, talking to
people, movies, travelling. In fact anything that stimulates my brain.
|
| 11. Message for your
fans... |
Thanks to all of you for making it possible for me to be still living my dream. I feel very fortunate.
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