AL BARROW

...another bass player! Al Barrow has played a big part in recent Magnum/Bob Catley events and has still found time to start recording a solo album.

Thanks to Claire Lee for passing on the questions to Al.

1. What are you currently up to?

Well at this precise moment I'm working in my office at home putting together the album design for Ken Tamplin (Now And Then Records). While not on tour or recording I do graphic design and photography. I have done a few for Now and Then artists over the last couple of years. I have had to fit this in between recording the new Bob Catley album. I have just finished all the bass tracks. I think Bob and Magnum fans are going to love this album.

2. What has been the highlight(s) and lowpoint(s) of your career to date?

Highlights are hard to put in to words, there's no one moment but a collection of times, usually on stage when I think, and "it doesn't get much better than this I have a great life and the good fortune to be surrounded by people who believe and support me in what I do. I have made so many new friends by being in Magnum and had opportunities of meeting people I could only admire as a young musician. Low points are very few. I suppose when I came off a motorbike in Cyprus and badly hurting my hands. I was worried I could not play again.

3. Who have been your biggest influences on your career?

I have many influences but many have changed over the years. I cut my teeth on Rush, When I was younger I would sit and play all there albums and learn them note for note. I was in to the progressive side of things at that time. I don't know whether it getting more mature but I look for more feel in music these days. I spent a long time listening to Pearl Jam. Now I tend to listen to a wide spectrum of music from Willy Porter to Zakk Wylde.I would still say Toto has to be a fave. Feel and great musicianship all in one band.

4. How did the December UK tour with Magnum go? What are the bands plans for 2003?

Very well, we still had a great turn out considering we had toured a short time earlier in the year. Unfortunately ticket prices are on the increase and it shows true fans that will spend hard earned dosh on tickets. It's very touching to know the fans are still there after all these years. Next will be Bob's tour, UK and Europe. When I get back I go into the studio to do the new Magnum album. Then a another tour I suppose. Oh what a life.

5. What are the differences from working with Magnum compared with Bob Catley's solo work? Are you involved in Bob's new album?

With this album being written by Paul Hodson from start to finish I have little to do with the writing side of things. I play the bass and make the tea and get the beer in, oh and smoke all Bobs fags for him. It's a hard job you know. I have had quite a bit of input into the albums I have done with Magnum and Hard Rain. Although Tony writes the songs he is very open to ideas. He has to be my biggest influence. He has taught me so much.

6. Can you make a full-time living out of music nowadays or do you have to Do it as a spare time activity?

Photography: Martin Kessel

I can earn a good living but that's not why I do it. Ok it's great to get paid for something you love doing. As I said it does not get any better. When I get 5 second this year I will be putting my own album together with lots of guest players. I have written about 5 songs so far. It's a slow process but anything good takes a while, watch this space.

7. You were involved with the band Pulse last year. Could you tell us a little more about this and was this just a one-off?

I played bass and did the album design. I have played music with Vince O`Reagan for more years than I care to mention. I sang some of the demos so he could hear what they would sound like without having to get his then vocalist in, as he was busy. I have done the new designs for the next album but i`m not playing on it this time as I have other commitments. Shame as it can be a scream with Dodgy aka Vince.

8. What do you enjoy doing outside of the music business?

I'm well in to computer design; Macs rule I hasten to add. I love buying gadgets. My social life tends to revolve around music, if i`m not playing I will go and see bands play. Many friends are musicians. I'm really into skiing as well but this can be a bit difficult when you are on a red run and all you can think about is whether you will break your wrists. Tony and Bob look at me with big frowns when I say I'm off skiing again. You have to live life to the full. I could say I do all the usual stuff like drinking smoking and generally having the best time I can possibly have. Ask any one who knows me; find it hard to stay serious about anything for long. My philosophy is "Live your dreams, play it loud and play it live. Simple. Oh yeh, when anyone says you can't do that...tell him or her to take a hike.

9. Last book that you read...

Instruction book for new Palm pilot, told you I like me gadgets. How not to kill yourself while skiing like a complete idiot. Does my girlfriends "MORE" magazine count?

10. Message for your fans...

I know i`m a new member to the band and I would like to thank all the fans for making me so welcome. If you lot were not turning up still to support Mark, Tony, and Bob. Harry and me would not have met and be having a torrid love affair. Thanks you guys.

Related> Bob Catley interview

Related> Harry James interview

Website: Magnum Online

£13.99

Cry (from 'Breath of Life')
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Interview © 2003 Jason Ritchie/
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