925 Fine

Once the clock struck five and everyone was free from their corporate shackles, we caught up with seasoned rockers Dave and Liam of Silverjet. Over a pint we spoke about touring LA, the importance of bass, and not wearing make up in Grimsby.

What have you guys been up to today?

Dave: Nothing rock and roll, it’s been a day at work in the day job.

Liam: Same for me, I’ve been sorting out invoices.

Tell Toast a little about how the band came together.

D: Well, it’s kinda a long story.

Urgh. Go on then.

D: [laughs] Our first gig was in September 2004 and there’s actually only myself that’s an original member. The band I was in when I was 17 disbanded – it was a sleazy glam band, so I started what has become this.

Why’d you decide to start a band like Silverjet, then?

D: One of the reasons the band I was in came to an end is because I was into the heavier side of rock and roll and they liked Bowie. I started with the idea of doing something heavier and getting in a wailing singer but that didn’t work out. I ended up singing after two years of not finding anyone. [laughs] It started out as a laugh really. We just wanted to have a few beers and play some songs.

You’ve released three albums and two EPs thus far. Tell Toast a little about the musical journey you’ve been on.

D: If I could show you the first EP and our latest album, you wouldn’t think it was the same band. It’s changed so much, not just because of the line up changes but because of our tastes and writing styles too.

L: It started real bluesy and mellow and it’s just got heavier. We still have bluesy guitar and classic rock elements but now it sounds a lot more modern.

You went on a self-funded tour around Las Vegas and LA. Nice. How was that?

D: It was weird. In America there’s a rock cruise. You go on the cruise and there are loads of old 80s glam bands on it. Me and the original drummer—along with our other halves—went on this cruise and took some CDs. Someone we met there suggested we go play in LA, so she kinda started the ball rolling. She got Whisky-A-Go-Go to have us on, which is every 80s metal fan’s dream. It wasn’t like it was in the 80s. [laughs] We booked some more dates and went on holiday. It was a lot of fun, but it wasn’t 1988.

Any good rock and roll stories, though?

D: Vegas was really good. We did a launch night for a guy that got his tail cut off by his missus. What’s his name?

L: Bobby? Bobby something? [This will obviously be poor bastard John Wayne Bobbit.]

D: His wife cut his tail off and he went into porn and it was his movie release night. That one was a bit more clichéd because it was full of porn stars and rock stars.

L: It’s never as exciting as you think it’s going to be. Some bands are known as being partiers and it’s all front.

D: You know Yardbirds in Grimsby? We played there with a band called Pretty Boy Floyd. They have lipstick, make up, everything. They rocked up to this place full of hairy bikers and decided to give the make up a miss that night. [laughs]

You’ve supported some famous bands. Who were the most influential?

D: We did a tour with Hanoi Rocks and on that tour is where Liam first saw us.

L: Yeah, I Myspaced them. Hanoi Rocks are one of my favourite bands so I was a bit gutted I missed out on playing with them.

D: Michael Monroe is the ultimate front man. Anyone could see him and think ‘Jesus.’

You’ve gone through a lot of bass players and yet you’ve always endeavoured to find a new one. Quite a few bands don’t have bassists these days. You think bass is still an essential part of rock?

L: I think bassists are the most important member of a band.

D: He would say that. Guess what he plays. Me and the old drummer used to record a lot of demos and it would never feel right until you’ve got some ear drum bursting bass there. I don’t think I could go on stage without a bass player.

L: There are some good bands without guitars. Perfectparachutepicture, for example.

Your bio talks about how it was a big decision to get Sally in as you perceived yourself as a ‘guy band.’ Scared of some competition?

D: [laughs]

L: She fitted in perfectly. I think Sally is really underrated as a guitar player, some people think she’s there as a bit of eye candy which is really irritating.

D: Yeah, it is.

L: She’s got quite a dirty, punky sound that compliments Dave’s quite straight sound.

D: She joined and a couple of weeks later we were gigging. It’s a lot to ask of someone to learn 12 songs and be gig ready but she was.

Some of you have a couple of side projects don’t you? Discuss.

L: Yeah we had a bit of a break and did stuff to fill the time. The side projects haven’t restricted us, they’ve given us more opportunities and experiences. I sing in a band called Modern Day Dukes. We play hip hop to metal, punk to power ballads.

D: I play for Tommy R Jones. I think he hired me because I look like him. [laughs] I always wanted to do a solo CD so I did that. I also play guitar for Teenage Casket Company.

Did the break help you musically?

D: We’re not trying to hide anything. It was me who wanted it. It’s hard when it’s not your proper job, you have two jobs so it takes its toll on you.

L: This year, I got to the end of work holidays and I’d only taken five days off because we weren’t doing Silverjet stuff. Normally, I’m begging my bosses for a few extra days.

The new EP is coming out. Tell us a little about it.

D: It was quite difficult deciding what to put on it. We thought about doing a ‘catch up’ thing. For an unsigned band we’ve got a lot of CDs. We wanted something that brought everyone up to speed with the new line up so there’s like six or seven tracks on there.

L: We always talk about adding things on and it builds quickly. EPs mean we can do things like acoustic versions of older tracks too.

What’s the next chapter in the Silverjet story?

L: Well after this EP, there will be an album. A couple of tracks on the EP will be on the album too, it’s a bit like a taster I guess.

D: We are going to be doing a few tours. We’re trying to put something together at the moment with Teenage Casket Company and New Generation Superstars. We all know each other …

L: We’re similar but different. New Gen play Ramones type stuff and Teenage play power pop then we play more classic stuff.

D: We’ve got a few dates in but not much confirmed yet. They’ll be a couple in Scotland. Love playing Scotland, the crowds up there are the best.

L: You’re not supposed to say that. Sheffield is the best.

Silverjet are having their EP launch at West Street Live on October 8th.

Tickets are no longer available for this event