We had a chat with Ginger Wildheart ahead of the UK tour in December to talk about his incredible career, writing his autobiography and of course, his beloved Maggie
How are you? I saw your beautiful wedding photo, congratulations
I’m great, thanks. Staying very positive, keeping healthy and maintaining gratitude throughout
You’ve had a busy year, I caught you at bearded theory and download, then there’s the tour in December. It looks like lots of dates are either sold out or close to selling out, which is great. I’m going to catch you in Derby. Are there any surprises for the tour? Maybe lesser heard songs getting on the setlist?
We will be changing the set list completely. Some brand new songs, but not too many as no-one has heard the album, and plenty of fan favourites
You’ve worked on so many side projects and different bands over the years, does a particular show stand out for you as a favourite?
There have been honestly hundreds. We’ve played on boats circling the Statue of Liberty, played shows where everything was smashed up and all that was left was an iron and an ironing board, which we did a solo on. We’ve had hospitalisations, overdoses, and arrests. We’ve had marriage proposals, dog stage invasions and glass guitars full of live fish. It’s an interesting job.
With the current line-up, has the band dynamic shifted compared to previous eras of the group?
Oh my fucking God yes. There is nothing but positivity and close friendships now. As anyone who knows the band will testify, this hasn’t always been the case! I always thought being in a band meant putting up with counter productive behaviour. “Everyone hates their jobs” kind of thing. I was so wrong.
I like being educated by experience.
Do you have a favourite song you have written? Does it change all the time? or is its consistent? Which are you most proud of?
With this question my standard answer is a song called ‘Time’ from the 555% album, commercially released as 100%. It’s a sprawling epic that even surprised me when I was writing it, like it was being composed by a spiritual committee. Then it was further written and arranged by the physical committee that was the Ginger Wildheart Band. It’s a special song that I never get bored of hearing, which is rare for me.
How’s writing the autobiography going? There must be so much to go in with your incredible career
I’ve written the basic skeleton of the timeline. I will get stuck into fleshing it out in the new year. I’m always hearing more stories that need inclusion. It’s a real adventure story, with plenty of horror and drama included. I want to write it right up until I leave this world. A unique approach to a RnR bio, I’m sure you’ll agree.
Looking back across decades in the industry, What advice would you give a brand-new DIY artist starting out today?
Just be yourself 100%. Don’t change for anyone unless it’s something you feel entirely comfortable with. Write the music you want to write and always, always beware of contracts.
How’s Maggie? (I had doggie cuddles at bearded theory)
Maggie is fantastic. The greatest living entity in the world. I love her more with each passing day.
Get tickets for the tour here
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