T.C.M. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We've been playing together as a band since 1995. But Gavin and I have been
playing 'Smiths' songs together ever since we've met in 1989.
Can you play everything?
We try to vary the songs every few months and to take on board what people
want to hear, but obviously some songs wouldn't work live. We're proud of the
fact that we play songs that the Smiths didn't get the opportunity to play, i.e.
anything from 'Strangeways'.
What is the band's favourite song?
As with 'The Smiths' themselves, it varies from time to time. We love 'Still Ill', and never
tire of 'This Charming Man'. But it is nice now that we've extended ourselves to playing
Morrissey songs also.
How did you meet Gavin (guitarist)?
Believe it or not, Gavin and I had heard of each other as we both frequented a certain
bootleggers shop on a weekly basis buying everything 'Smiths'. It was in this legendary
shop in Liffey St. Dublin that we both eventually met in '89. From there we formed a band
with our dear friend 'Wally' called 'The Secret'. Unfortunately, it was the best kept secret
ever, and we dis-banded two years down the line and after only one gig. We did however
manage to write a gem or three which we still have stored in the treasure trove.
How did the rest of the band meet?
Des is Gavin's brother, and has been playing the bass since the eighties. He actually
introduced Gav to 'The Smiths' via the 'Hatful of Hollow' album. That's a brilliant album
for bass players, as the bass is very distinctive throughout. Paul was a friend of Gav's
whom he knew as a session drummer. They have both worked on various projects and
in bands together. So it's remarkably similar to 'The Smiths' story.
Who was the instigator behind the band?
Well, officially Gavin started the band by recruiting Des on bass and for a while we went
through about three drummers. I didn't even need to be asked, Gav just booked the first
gig and told me we were re-hearsing! It was really a foregone conclusion that Gav and I
would be doing this one day if 'The Smiths' didn't re-unite and take over. We never could
resist the temptation to do Smiths tunes during our rehearsals with 'The Secret', so it goes
back a long way.
Have you ever seen 'The Smiths' play live?
I've seen them play three times and 'Morrissey' numerous times. The first two were on the
12th and 13th of Nov '84 in the SFX Dublin, and then the last Dublin gig on Feb 10th '86 in
the National Stadium. This was the first time I'd heard songs from 'The Queen Is Dead', and
was the most amazing experience that goes way beyond words.
What does Morrissey think of the band?
He's quiet impressed really. We gave him a CD of T.C.M. with four live 'Smiths' songs
and one 'Morrissey' song recorded in Dublin and he was visibly thrilled.
What do you think of Morrissey's solo work?
Personally, I adore the first 3-4 years. I'll never forget the release of 'Suedehead',
it literally moved me to tears. I think it was far better than most of us had expected.
It really was emotional, because in some ways I was dreading it. He had been in the
most important band of our time and had made the most significant contribution to
the art of popular music since 'The Beatles'. But we must remember that he was working
with the most talented musical partner anyone could wish for, so to say it was a hard act
to follow, has to be the under statement of the century. Therefore, it was a major relief to
hear the brilliance of 'Suedehead'. But what really got me was the video. Seeing him in
Indiana visiting his hero's (James Dean) birthplace, school, eating places, and so on really
struck a chord. It was a case of here is my hero paying homage to his. It reminded me of
when I went to the Smiths convention in '89 to see Salford Lad's club, the iron bridge, the
cemetry and so on.
Have any of you ever met any of 'The Smiths'?
I met Andy Rourke on the steps of the Gresham Hotel in '84 after the 2nd SFX gig. Gav met
Morrissey in June '90 outside the Shelbourne hotel in Dublin where he was having breakfast
with his mother. They were both over for a Pavorotti concert! Also Morrissey walked right past
me on South Great George st. Dublin on March 9th '97 arm in arm with two females and went
into 'Juices' restaurant which is totally vegetarian. I didn't approach as I was in deep shock.....
We both finally met him together outside his house in Los Angeles the day after we played the
Smiths / Morrissey convention in April 2002. He was very charming and asked us for a tape
which of course we didn't have. We chatted for about fifteen minutes and he signed memorabilia
for us. Then within weeks we met him again in Dublin when he came over visiting. This was when
we gave him the CD of the band.
Why doesn't the band play more often?
Well apart from the day to day difficulty in geting the four of us together at any one time, we don't
want to wear out the welcome mat. We tend to focus on each gig to make it as special and as
meaningful as possible. This enables us to maintain a high standard of performance and to remain
dedicated.
What does the band hope to acheive? |
