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| The Exclusive Interview with Simon Kirke! |
| Legendary co-founder/drummer of Free and Bad Company, Simon Kirke, is as busy as ever in 2003! Not only is Simon due to take part in the June 18th Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp in New york, but Simon is hitting the road as we speak and is doing his own thing in shows entitled "An Evening with Simon Kirke", in which Simon will be playing the guitar and singing some of his own material as well as some of his well known classics! Simon was kind enough to take a break from his busy schedule to answer a few questions! |
| Q: Simon, thank you so much for taking the time to join me here for this interview! It is a thrill for me, as I have been a fan of your drumming for many, many years. I just wanted to start off here by catching up with you and asking you about this series of shows that you are kicking off entitled “An Evening with Simon Kirke”? A: The "Evening with Simon Kirke" is me singing songs, accompanying myself on guitar and piano with help from a second guitarist Jeff Perez. I will encourage questions from the floor and tell the odd anecdote. Q: Are you going to be hauling the drum kit along with you? Might these lucky crowds get to see a bit of a drum clinic from you? A: No drum clinic! Far too boring... Q: Are you anticipating adding more tour dates throughout the summer? A: I hope to do a lot more shows in the summer, Bad Company schedule permitting. We plan to record a new album in the fall for release in 2004. Q: You are taking part in another very interesting program in New York on June 18th, as you are one of the featured guests at a Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp along with other legendary rockers such as Roger Daltrey, Ace Frehley, Mark Farner, and many others. Is this the first time you have participated in this kind of event? Are you pretty much THE house drummer of the event? A: I am appearing for one day only at the Fantasy Camp..I am not the house drummer. Liberty De Vito is. I will be doing a clinic plus songwriting and playing guitar and piano. Q: That is great news about the future Bad Company release coming next year! What is the status of Bad Company right now? A: Bad Company status as above. Bad Company is me and Paul (Rodgers),and there might be personnel changes on the way...watch this space! Q: When Paul Rodgers came back into the fold a few years ago after a long absence, how did it change the chemistry of the band? With no disrespect meant towards Brian Howe, it just seemed that Paul’s bravado was missed during his time away. A: Yes I missed Paul too. Brian Howe wore on us after a while. It was good to have PR back. Q: I wanted to touch on our favorite subject here: The drums! Can you tell me what kind of equipment you are currently using on the road and in the studio? A: I play DW drums and Paiste cymbals. Q: Knowing that Ringo Starr was one of your biggest idols, as he is for many of us, how did it feel to be on stage, and in some cases, drumming right next to the man himself during his All-Starrs tour a few years ago? It must have been absolutely stunning, knowing that he hand-picked you himself for that tour! A: Playing with Ringo was a thrill and an honour. He was one of my influences growing up. We worked very well together. Q: If you had your choice and artistic freedom to cover any one Beatles tune, which would you choose, and why? A: Tough one, that. She's Leaving Home and Strawberry Fields...Very touching, the first one is and I Am The Walrus so radical. Q: After all of these years, how would you describe the feeling of still being behind the drum kit? How would you describe yourself when you are playing? A: Playing behind the kit is like slipping into a pair of old shoes. I come truly alive when I play. I enjoy it as much as when I first started. Q: Knowing that you have influenced so many drummers out there today, do you have any particular favorites yourself right now? A: I like Manu Katche with Sting and Peter Gabriel, Taylor Hawkins with the Foo Fighters, and Zach Alford, session guy...great players! Q: Are your children musically inclined, and if so, at what levels are they exploring their musicianship? A: All of my kids are involved with music to a degree. My son plays drums, my eldest daughter sings and my middle daughter sings and dances. Q: Simon, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to join me here. It has been a real pleasure for me. I just want to wrap up here by asking you what other projects we may see you involved in over the next few months? A: Might do a tour in the summer with some friends, as yet to be decided, plus my own stuff, and in the late summer maybe a tour with Roger Daltrey. Then, at the end of autumn into the studio with Paul. |
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