Lee Mark Jones – Interviewed by Adrian Hextall
They’re outsiders, rebels, maybe even heretics in the hallowed halls of rock ‘n’ roll. But Gypsy Pistoleros, led by the effervescent and ever-defiant Gypsy Lee Pistolero, wouldn’t have it any other way. With a killer new album ready to drop, a controversial ‘church’ concept dividing and uniting, and a running battle with the streaming giants, the flamenco punk glam saviours are back, louder and prouder than ever.
Talking to Gypsy Lee Pistolero (the man also known as Lee Mark Jones) is like mainlining rock ‘n’ roll chaos – in the best possible way. There’s passion, frustration, humour, and an unshakable belief in the band’s unique vision. Their latest album, titled ‘Church of the Pistoleros’, is already buzzing, a record Lee feels is “another level”, thanks in no small part to producer Dave Draper (known for his work with Ginger Wildheart). “He’s just a genius,” Lee enthuses. “And the great thing is now he’s not working with Ginger, he’s got even more time to work with us!”.
Our review of the album is is here:
Join the Congregation: The Church of Pistoleros
Central to the new era is the audacious ‘Church of the Gypsy Pistoleros’ concept. Complete with opening and closing prayers on the album, stage props like the ‘Staff of Truth’, and even ‘Blessed Pagan Holy Water’, it’s a bold move. But Lee insists it’s not about forming a cult à la Jim Jones (Kool-Aid will not be on sale at gigs in case you’re concerned!). Instead, it’s about creating a community for the outsiders, the rebels, those who don’t fit the mainstream mould.
“I wanted something… a rough concept for each album,” Lee explains. “We’re playing Rebellion Festival this year… and it seems that we’re going to be accepted a bit more by the Punk promoters than the classic rock promoters”. Embracing their outsider status, it inspired Mark to think, “Yeah, let’s form our own little church… And it’s worked beautifully. People are loving it”. It provides a shared identity, a knowing wink amongst fans, some of whom have even ordered bespoke band cloaks for the upcoming tour. “It will look like a very strange cult at some of these shows,” Lee laughs. (Still no Kool-Aid – just to be clear).
Covers, Controversy, and Streaming Nightmares
Never shy of a controversial cover, the Pistoleros famously tackled Dexys Midnight Runners’ ‘Come On Eileen’ after being dubbed “the Dexys Midnight Runners of heavy metal” – a tag Lee took exception to (“We’re not heavy metal” ). The resulting track, met with cries of “sacrilege”, became a live favourite, even drawing a hen party to one gig demanding the song as it was the sole reason they’d turned up. Of course they played it, much fun was had and the girls carried on their merry (very merry) way into the night. This time, they’ve revisited Ricky Martin’s ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’, a song they’d previously recorded years ago and one that garnered nearly half a million streams. It wasn’t without its flaws when the old version of the band first recorded it. “I thought, for goodness sake, let’s at least get it right and put out the version that we want… updated”. Like ‘Eileen’, it’s a track that, despite its origins, fits the band’s flamboyant persona perfectly.
New Blood, New Label, New Horizons, Dark Fairy Tales…
Amidst the streaming battles, there’s excitement brewing. Ex-South of Salem drummer Pip Sampson is joining the ranks for live shows. “He’s great,” says Lee, hopeful despite the band’s Spinal Tap-esque luck with drummers. “The live shows will be fantastic, they will be on another level”.
Taking the Show on the Road
The upcoming UK tour is eagerly anticipated, hitting beloved venues like Trillians, Bannermans, the Waterloo in Blackpool, and London’s Black Heart. It’s a chance to unleash the new material and connect with the grassroots following they’ve painstakingly built over the last few years. “It’s just been us, so we’ve really built it up… so thankful that people actually come out to watch”. Despite good pre-sales, the economics of touring remain brutal, making US tours currently unfeasible despite a solid following there. Talk of an Australian tour via Golden Robot Records and potential inroads into Japan offer future possibilities, especially with the move to Cadiz potentially opening new doors.
Unrepentant, Unstoppable
Gypsy Pistoleros operate on their own terms, perpetually ahead of the curve by recording an album a year, ensuring a constant stream of new music in an era of fleeting attention spans. They are a glorious anomaly – part punk, part glam, part flamenco, all rock ‘n’ roll attitude. They court controversy, battle industry indifference, and rally their devoted congregation with music that’s raw, exciting, and utterly unique. As they prepare to unleash their new album and hit the road, one thing is certain: the Church of the Gypsy Pistoleros is open for business, and indifference is not an option. Prepare for salvation, Pistolero style.
The UK Tour Info is below:
TICKETS: https://gypsypistoleros.com/shows
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