Interviewed by Mark Dean (Journalist/Writer/Contributor) Myglobalmind Webzine
Influenced by classic guitarists such as Paul Kossoff, Jimmy Page, Wilko Johnson and Chuck Berry, Guy has been a member of the Quireboys since 1989 playing on every album.
Recent side projects have included the Los Angeles based country rock band The Deserters who released the album ‘Riding the Belly ‘ in 2012 and Joe Elliott’s Down n Outz who released ‘My ReGeneration’ in 2010.
Due to other commitments and timing, we were unable to get a face to face meeting to the interview below is conducted via email. As such, MGM took a slightly different approach with this interview and tried to find out a bit more about the man behind the music.
What would you say is the biggest misconception about you?
GG: That I’m moody or unapproachable..I’m just not looking for attention away from the stage..
What were you like at school?
GG: I was a good pupil, loved English ,Art and especially Sports…I started to lose interest in School in my teenage years and then everything revolved around music..even though music lessons at my comprehensive school were a complete waste of time..in fact I was often asked to sit outside the class!
What’s the most difficult decision that you have ever had to make?
GG: Probably moving back to the UK from the States to do the Quireboys again
Do you believe in God?
GG: No, not in a conventional sense..maybe there’s a higher power more in tune with the Universe and Mother Nature..conventional Religion has caused much more pain than Joy in my opinion but I can appreciate why some people need something to believe in (that’s why I wrote Mother Mary cos I know Spike is a believer)..no one wants to think that death is the end of everything do they?..I’m a healthy agnostic, not arrogant enough to think I know the answer..nobody alive does.
What advice would the Guy of today give to his younger self?
GG: Enjoy it and don’t stress out,also don’t be afraid to say no or stand your ground when you believe in something strongly enough
Thinking back to your childhood what was your first remembered experience with music? What song do you remember most as a child?
GG: Listening to my folks Tamla Motown records. The Four Tops..R Dean Taylor ‘Ghost in My House’ comes to mind..also The Who My Generation album..which was covered in my scribbling!
What was the first song that you ever sang,and how did it make you feel? Ba Ba black Sheep?!..
GG: The first song I sang lead vocals on was Rock n Roll Queen by Mott the Hoople in a cover band called Crumble Pie..ironically that’s our new single with the Down n Outz with Joe Elliott singing..
As a child growing up music surrounds us, what type of music did you hear the most back then? How does it differ from what you listen to now?
GG: As I said lots of Motown and American soul/Rand B but also a lot of pop of the time..also country..so not a lot different than what I like now
What do you think your “biggest break” or “greatest opportunity “has been so far in your musical career?
GG: Joining the Quireboys when I was a kid aged 19 then The Stones gig was a good one
What do you feel distinguishes an “artist” from just a musician?
GG: I’m not falling for that one..same as a “”journalist”
With the demise of larger record companies in recent years, how much creative control do you have over the business side of the Quireboys music?
GG: None of anyone’s business!!
What do you like most and least about your profession?
GG: I love to travel and meet people, I don’t like venues, mostly dirty places with people who have no respect for anybody who plays an instrument
Are you happy now in your life, both personally and professionally?
How’s yours going!?
If you could go back in time what would you have done differently in your life?
GG: No regrets .. If I could go back in time I would probably would live someone else’s live that I could choose..and then rearrange it maybe ? Emperor someone ?
Who are your personal heroes, not necessarily from music
GG: Ghandi, Churchill, Thatcher, Benn, Nero
Are you politically active?
GG: Of course
What do you do in your spare time, any hobbies or interests?
GG: Spend hours answering silly questions
What is the side of you that the public never see?
GG: They will never see it, but who cares anyway
Do you wish that you sometimes had more privacy?
GG: Yes
How hard do you push yourself?
GG: When I need to
When are you completely satisfied with your work?
GG: Never
Why have you succeeded in a field where so many others have failed?
GG: Because we’re the best at what we do
What is the magic formula for success?
GG: ???
How do you view changes in the music industry since you first started? Is it for the better?
GG: There is no industry. It’s much better for us
What does the immediate future hold for Guy and the Quireboys?
GG: Rock n roll, turmoil,smiles and ………..
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to put these to you – See ya soon.
GG: Thanks
LINKS:
Currently on tour around Europe in support of their 30th Anniversary shows, the Quireboys can be seen at:
14th May: HRH Road Trip Ibiza Unplugged show *SOLD OUT*
15th May: HRH Road Trip Ibiza 30th Anniversary Show *SOLD OUT*
18th May: Racing Rocks, Rockingham
23rd May: Acoustic Show, Warehouse 23, Wakefield
13th June: Le Forum, Vaureal, France
14th June: Plug n Play night, Troyes, France
5th July: Clusone Rocks Festival, Italy
19th July: Rock Blues Festival, Chiddingley, East Sussex
1st August: Skosroject Festival
2nd Augusy: Million in 10 Rally, Calstock Devon
6th September: Silloth Beer Fest
24th September: Black Carpet, Stockholm
25th September: Norkopping
26th September: Helsingborg Tivoli,
27th September: Varberg, Societen in varberg
30th Septemeber: Orebo TBC:
2nd October: Olsen Pa Bryn, Oslo
A UK tour follows then in the Autumn: