Big Cheese Magazine - Elvis Jackson Interview

Big Cheese Magazine interview Elvis Jackson about upcoming UK Tour. Read Below:

Disclaimer: The article below has been contributed by the event promoter or somebody representing the event promoter. As such we take no responsibility for accuracy of the content and any views expressed are not necessarily those of Skiddle or our staff.

Date published: 14th Mar 2012

BIG CHEESE PRESENTS...
TOUR TALK: ELVIS JACKSON

Melding ska punk with metal, reggae and hardcore influences, Slovenia's Elvis Jackson have been Europe's finest exponents of crossover ska punk for 13 years now. After touring the UK last October, they're returning to these shores this week (starting on Thursday 15th March) for an expansive 14 date Big Cheese sponsored tour with a new single, 'This Time' to build up a dedicated fanbase. We caught up with the four-piece to find out more.

Your first ever UK tour was last October, how was the tour?
For the first tour we didn't expect much, so we were just focused on the shows. During the days everything was easy-going, no serious problems, and for the shows we were kind of pissed off in a good way, if you can understand what I really mean.

You've said it was totally different from other parts of Europe. How do you think it's different?
It didnt take long for the people to see that its not about combining Michael Jackson with Elvis Presley but more like combining Slayer with Sublime. Even I didnt know that. Wherever weve been touring around it took a guy from Southampton (or some other place) to tell me that. And that is about 67% of the philosophy behind Elvis Jackson.

You´ll be playing some shows with Yorkshire ska punks Mr. Shiraz. Will you be hanging out and partying with them?
That depends. We need at least 12 hours of sleep to look at least decent and then we will need beer and whiskey and red wine. Why not? Thats our fuel by the way. Why are cigarettes so expensive in the UK?

What's the punk scene and shows like in Slovenia?
For punk rock the best place to be is the punk rock holiday fest from 15th to 18th August 2012 in Tolmin. It's a really beautiful location next to a river. During the year there are some good venues that book bands constantly and some more local venues occasionally trying to catch good bands that are touring. I guess we wont have Madonna (once in the past they tried and failed big time) in Slovenia, but its nice to go to shows of Sick Of It All, La Plebe and A Wilhelm Scream. You can take a look at this site to learn more about the Slovene punk rock scene Slovenski-punk-rock-portal.blogspot.com. We actually have quite a good, vivid scene.

What's the craziest show you've ever played?
One of them was in a pub in Italy (Sherlock Holmes). People were flying in through the window, superman style. The owner of the pub asked us to stop the concert so it was time for reggae. There were many other occasions we dont remember anymore. Why the hell not? Maybe it's been too much of good party.

What's the strangest place you've ever played?
One was Schwerin in Germany. We played in a crowded hallway and people were passing through all the time during the show. Our sound engineer twisted his ankle while defending a cymbal and I also used my bass guitar in new alternative ways.

You've said you want to come back to the UK again and again. Do you think it's time for Elvis Jackson to grow here too?
It was time ten years ago, to be honest. I just hope that if we ever make a documentary it won't be like The Story of Anvil (except for the first ten minutes). I cried more times than when I watched 'Titanic'. Respect to Anvil! Actually we have a new single 'This Time', so why not, this is time for Elvis Jackson after all these years of tours, rehearsals, albums, videos and miles of roads. Dont wait for our documentary, catch us live before then.

Why should someone unfamiliar with you come and check you out on this March tour?
Because we look good if we get our 12-hour sleep and I think that the show will be alright to anyone that enjoys bands that are good live. Elvis Jackson is both Sublime and Megadeth, and I guess you cant see and hear this so often!

What three things should a fan bring to an Elvis Jackson show?
1. Money for the entrance and beer. 2. A sense of humour. 3. A solution for the global recession (optional).

March: