Colour Code: DANNY, LUKE, BEN, HARRY, CHRIS, THINNY
Q: So, Chris plays on the album, Harry inputs one of the songs, and Ben does technical stuff... if you go on tour, who gonna be the rest of the band? Mel, Notts
L: Sorry Mel but you're not going to get a Thunder gig. Harry and Benny will definitely not be in the band....there is no point as that would be Thunder. We'll announce the band soon enough at www.bowesandmorley.com
Q: Luke, as far back as the Terraplane days, you've always written some great songs. I know that Rod Stewart covered 'In a Broken Dream', but has anyone else ever done any of your material? Andrew N., Stevenage, Herts
L: I wish I had written 'In A Broken Dream' but it wasn't me; it was a guy called David Bentley. A guy who's a legend in France called Johnny Halliday (he's sort of the French Tom Jones) did a version of Dirty Love which isn't bad. Dirty Love was also covered by a Canadian dance artist, the name of which escapes me; that was very strange !! Dumpy's Rusty Nuts also covered a song I wrote when I was a teenager called 'Flying On Two Wheels' which wasn't my greatest songwriting moment I have to admit. They are the only covers that have been done as far as I'm aware.
Q: Luke; Joe Walsh once said "If he had known he would have to play Funk 49 every night for the rest of his life he would have written something else" is there any song that you have written and play that you wish you hadn't ??? Steve C
L: Whenever I've felt tired of a particular song I always think of Mick Jagger singing 'Satisfaction' for the umpteenth time and that puts everything into perspective !!
Q: Love the new album to bits (snapped up the only available copy in Pompey on Monday) but must be getting old (48) and sentimental because the tracks I dig best are the ballads, especially (in good-ol' Chinese restaurant style) numbers 5,7 and 9 -the latter has got be a single! Two questions: Have either of you had the chance to catch a gig by a 24-year-old Leicester-based blues-rock genius name of Aynsley Lister ? If so, you would have been knocked out; if not, he's an absolute must for aficionados of the genre. What kind of venue (large, small, cosy) are you looking to play on your eventual UK tour? Finally, muchas gracias for the rich backdrop you've provided for the tangled tapestry of my life over the last ten years. Paul Edmondson, Portsmouth
L: Glad you like the album. I haven't heard of Aynsley Lister but I will look out for him. We're still investigating British shows so at the moment it's hard to say exactly where we'll be playing. Watch this space .
Q: As a big fan of Thunder I was devastated when you broke up, although I understood the reasons why. Then, after a long wait, I hear the news that I had been dying to hear - DANNY AND LUKE ARE RECORDING A NEW ALBUM. Worryingly though they are talking about "a change in direction" and "experimenting with new ideas" which definitely had me worried. However, what a surprise I had after purchasing the new album and hearing it. Well written songs, right mixture of ballads and up-tempo numbers and that soulful voice coupled with that guitar sound = FANTASTIC STUFF. How wrong I was to have such little faith in the guys who bought me so much pleasure through their music and gigs. I hang my head in shame! Be honest now - were you guys nervous at all about the change in style? Kevin Wheeler, Wiltshire
L: I wouldn't call it a change in direction as much as evolution. We will always be the people and musicians we've always been but nobody wants to stand still. We're never nervous about what we do because if it feels natural to us we tend to do it anyway. It sounds like you were the nervous one Kevin !!!!
Q: What does Danny think of Luke's solo album and, if Danny fancies it, will Luke let him sing something from it on the forthcoming tour ? Mark Burton, London
D: Danny thinks Luke's solo album is pretty damn good really, but I would wouldn't I? In actual fact I sang on some of the songs during the demo process, and we have indeed discussed the possibility of me singing one or two of them when we play live. As for which ones, I'm afraid you'll just have to wait and see.....
Q: Hello Luke and Danny, when do you come to Holland for some gigs? It's a long way for us to see you both in Osaka you know. Greetings from the man who give you the wooden shoes!! Fred de Ridder, Holland
D: I must refer you to previous answers to this question, as we have no firm news as yet. Thanks for those wooden shoes, they go very well indeed with my wooden leg.
Q: Hi to both Danny and Luke, Did you celebrate your 40th Birthdays or did it pass you by unnoticed? Angela, Switzerland
D: I know I did celebrate my 40th birthday, but as it was 2 years ago I can't really remember all the details. That's middle age for you I guess. Mind you it sounds as though you may be suffering from the same thing as me if you're asking about my 40th birthday 2 years after the event!
L: I didn't really do anything although I made up for it on my 41st when I did get a little bit tipsy.........
Q: Hey Luke, I have been a fan of Thunder ever since I saw "Dirty Love" on MTV. I just received my copy of the "Gimme Some..." compilation....and I was wondering if the song "Fired Up" was based on an actual event (Love the song!). Thanks Luke! (counting the minutes until my copy of "Moving Swiftly Along" arrives in my mailbox!) Sam, Florida
L: 'Fired Up' was written about a night Danny and I spent in New York in 1988. We were staying with a girlfriend of mine in Hell's Kitchen (aptly named) and to get to her apartment we had to walk past all these 'Ladies Of The Night' who were trying to sell us their wares ! Needless to say we didn't agree on a price................
Q: First of all I just want to say the cd is brilliant, as usual. The style of 'MSA' and 'El Gringo' are so very different to the past stuff you've written, do you think that Thunder was perhaps coming to a natural end anyway allowing you to move on as a performer/songwriter? Karen, Essex
L: That's definitely well observed as I think I would have found it hard to write another Thunder album at the point we stopped.
Q: Have you kept in contact with any of the members of Skin since your tour with them in 1996? And what did you think of them musically? Your new album is brilliant by the way... more please!!! Nicky (God I miss Skin) Walker & Jo (Def Leppard rools) Mitchell, Abingdon, Oxon
L: We didn't keep in touch with Skin I'm afraid. Myke Gray is a very talented guitar player and I think they went down well with our audience so we were pleased to have them out with us.
Q: Hi Luke, I have just received the new album and I listened to constantly (!?) since. FANTASTIC. It seems to stamp whole new exciting element to your work. Anyway, while there is obvious links to your previous works, I am still amazed at the level of variety and depth to these new tracks. Where have your main influences come from for this album? and will you be releasing any tracks? Say, Freakshow or Change as possibilities? Andy S.
L: I doubt very much whether a single will be released at this stage although that may change later.
I think this album reflects a lot of music we were both listening to as teenagers that wasn't hard rock. Obviously we did listen to a lot of rock but other stuff as well like Motown, Steely Dan, Doobie Brothers, Chic etc.
Q: Your old mate David "Ere's a song for ya" Coverdale has a full, unreleased MP3 on his website. Have you got anything that is unreleased that you'd like to share with us in a similar manner (please)? Mark Burton, London
L: I think we've virtually emptied Thunder's cupboard and B&M don't have anything unreleased either....sorry !!!
Q: Mr Morley, Could U explain the stages a song must go through before it becomes the finished product. Presumably, U write each song with a progression on your guitar but do u write all the other parts like the bass line and brass instruments. I have written a few songs but I think they'd obviously sound much fuller with a range of other instruments rather than 1 guitar. ALSO, Do u always write from your own experiences or sometimes do u use other peoples or simply an idea that came into your head that u may have not experienced yourself, cos u must have had lots of experience of the highs and lows of love! Congrats on a superbly compiled album, hope it makes u millions! Ian H, South Wales
L: I tend to write a song with the whole picture developing all the time; i.e. I always have at least basic ideas for all the different instrument parts. If I can't hear a melody in my head I do find it hard to write so I don't write a piece of music and then put words to it; the whole thing has to come together naturally. Lyrically sometimes I call on my own experience although not always....there are no rules !!!
Q: Hi Boys! I was wondering.....how many e-mails on this web site do you get a day, and how do you decide which ones you will answer? By the way, I love the new album and I can't stop playing it! Sally, Fordingbridge
T: It depends from day to day how many emails we get. It can be anywhere between 10 and 50 (not all for the Q & A section!). When something major happens, like the website launch, tour dates announced, or like this week when the new album came out, we tend to get a lot more than your usual run of the mill day. As for general enquires, questions, etc, I try to answer them all personally. For the Q & A section, I will answer any that I can myself, to save the guys time. Any others will be forwarded on to Luke and/or Danny, unless I see the question as unsuitable (which means it goes straight into the deleted items folder!). Then when the guys read the questions they decide which ones they want to answer (they answer nearly all of them) and send the answers back to me. Usually if a question doesn't get answered it's because it was regarded as either unsuitable or just plain pointless. Thankfully the majority of them are fine, and the odd one may even be slightly amusing.... :)
Q: What's the idea behind the Stag/Deer on the CD? Tomo
T: The deer asked for his face to be on the CD, as he actually wrote, produced, arranged, engineered and mixed the whole of the new CD while Luke was at the pub. Possibly...
Q: Hey, me and some mates are sat here listening to Love Walked In. We're drinking cider, what's your favourite drinks?? What do two do after gigs? Drink?? How often do you two practice (per week?)?? Jonny Wilts
L: My favourite things to drink are red wine, whiskey and cold lager but not obviously in the same glass !! After gigs we tend to sit around a quiet bar in the hotel and relax. Unwinding is very important after a show. We don't practice our techniques if that's what you mean. We've both been doing what we do for a good few years so all the practice in the world probably wouldn't make a difference. If you're talking about rehearsals then we probably rehearse the whole band for three/four days before a tour. If you have good musicians it's nice to not over-rehearse as it leaves some room for spontaneity and keeps everyone on their toes.
Q: Have u had any dealings with Pantera by any chance?? Luke what d'ya think of Dimebag?? Have you two ever experimented with heavier music?? Jonny Wilts
L: I must admit to not knowing much about Pantera so it wouldn't be fair to comment.
Q: I've just heard your new album, do you think the absence of the other 'Thunder' band members have influenced your change in style?? Is there more freedom to experiment?? Jonny Wilts
L: Thunder coming to an end gave us the opportunity to do different things so there was always going to be a slightly different feel. However it's still Danny singing and me writing and playing guitar so there's always going to be similarities.
Q: What was the atmosphere like amongst the band on the last Thunder tour? I was 2nd row at the Newcastle City Hall gig, and there was a real 'end of an era' feel about the whole thing. Good luck with all future projects lads. Aberdeen - but I'm a Geordie
L: On the last tour we all had a lot of fun and the vibe was very relaxed. There were a few emotional moments here and there but it was a good send off for everybody.
Q: Luke or Danny, through reading something a while ago (maybe in Raw or Kerrang!) am I right to assume that Bon Jovi showed you little respect when supporting them in 1995? (I thought you stole the Saturday Wembley show which I was at, despite you only being on stage for 45 minutes!) Also, how do you rate Kick's chances of mainstream recognition in Britain in the near future as they set about recording a demo for a third album with a new record company? (not yet known) Tim, Suffolk
L: The Saturday show at Wembley was a rather good one. There were a few backstage difficulties shall we say !! I think it's very hard for rock bands in the UK right now as most people working at the labels don't understand rock on many levels; musically, how to market it, the touring principle etc. I wish Kick good luck with their new album though.
Q: I am starting work in September And from then onwards I will be putting £25 a week away, I reckon once a few weeks have passed me and my mate (Jonny Wilts) will have enough money to come and watch you boyz at every gig u do in England on your next tour - have you got any plans to do an English tour??? We both love your music beyond imagination! Hope to see you playin' in the U.K soon. Tomo
T: As previously stated, a U.K. tour is currently in the planning stages - no news yet as to when and where the guys will be playing, so stay tuned to bowesandmorley.com to hear about it first!
Q: Hey, do you two know or have had any dealings with Axl Rose?? The first ever band I really listened to was Metallica!! What do you think of these guys, any stories about 'em? Jonny Wilts
L: Axl Rose is someone we met once in California. We ended up sitting and talking about music for three hours. He was very into Thunder and British music had influenced him a great deal when he was growing up. I know he's supposed to be difficult but I thought he was an intelligent and interesting bloke. Metallica are a very good rock band and nice guys as well. Their sense of humour is quite British and they're a lot of fun to hang out with particularly Lars and Kirk.
Q: What age were you when you first began writing music? Cheers. Jonny Wilts
L: I began writing songs when I was 15 years old but they were all fairly crap until I was 20.
Q: Luke, what inspires you to write songs like Preaching & Love Walked in (both outstanding songs)?? Is it easier to write from personal experience? Cheers. Jonny Wilts
L: Songs come from everywhere in my head, heart and soul and when inspiration comes I don't know where it comes from; I'm just happy it comes !!!
Q: Mr Morley, whatever did happen to Throat Oyster ?? At the time you were saying they were the best new band since, errr, sliced bread. I even jumped on the bandwagon and was in regular contact with Lauren their manager. I've even still got their white label promo CD. Why didn't they make it, do you think ???? Cleggy
L: Thanks for your concern but Throat Oyster haven't gone anywhere. They're still writing and doing the odd gig here + there. They are very young so I don't think they're in a particular rush. I keep in touch with them on a weekly basis and there's no reason why they still shouldn't do well if the opportunity arises.
Q: Hey! You know I had no idea u guys were still doing stuff until I looked in the cover + rear about Luke in "Symphony & Stage". I used to be so mad on u lot as Thunder - just thought id say. Anyway, the question, You gonna be releasing any singles from your new album because it'd be good to see u in charts again with your 17th hit! You could go up against Gareth Gates' next single. Stu, Dudley
D: Yes good idea. Hard to predict who'd win that particular race...........
Q: What would be your ultimate festival line-up? And second, if you could choose a set list by your favourite band for one show what would it be? Matt, West B'ford
L: The Beatles, The Who, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Beach Boys, Elvis Presley (1955-1958 version), Chuck Berry (from the same era). I wouldn't care which songs they played as I love all of it !!!
Q: What sport do you follow (except for football)? Are you into motorsport at all? Margie B & Tricia W, Wales
L: Apart from football I like to watch (and even occasionally play) cricket and golf. Motorsport doesn't blow my skirt up at all I'm afraid.
Q: I know that this question has been raised many times, Is there anyway that Thunder Guitar tab books could be re-issued or re-published? Lets face it, there are many fans who would buy them including me, my Son and My Girlfriend's son Richard (Just 14 and an avid Thunder fan since he heard "Moth to a Flame" two months ago). We look forward to seeing you on tour keep up the good work, enjoy the website. Kevin, Shropshire
L: Unfortunately it's not up to us Kevin. You could try writing to the various publishers and asking them though.
Q: As 2 musicians influnced at some stage, what do you make of the Bad Co. reforming with Paul Rodgers? Also, what are your views on Rodgers vs. Brian Howe? Kieran, Birmingham
L: I'm happy that Bad Co. are touring with Rodgers as he is still a great singer and a good mate of ours, Dave (Bucket) Colwell is playing guitar. Bucket played guitar on an early tour by Terraplane, the band we were in preceding Thunder. Personally I prefer Paul Rodgers' voice to Brian Howe's.
Q: Hi Danny and Luke great to see you guys back in business will be getting cd on Monday will you be doing a tour of the uk any possibility of playing Nottingham Rock City great venue also why did Thunder split? Jan Starchild
T: As previously stated, a U.K. tour is currently in the planning stages - no news yet as to when and where the guys will be playing, so stay tuned to bowesandmorley.com to hear about it first! For reasons behind the Thunder split check out the April 2002 Q & A Archive!
Q: Hey guys, I'm just about to leave school - YEAH! I cant wait to get rid of the place - what did you want when u left school? i.e. were u happy, what did u wanna be apart from in Thunder?!? Tomo
L: I couldn't wait to get out of school either. Parental pressure had a lot to do with me staying on for the sixth form but I spent most of my time sitting in our common room working on my smoking technique and listening to music !! The main reason I wanted to leave was not that I was unhappy but I knew precisely what I wanted to do with my life and I wanted to get on with it. I think that a lot of people never really know what they want to do/be so I do consider myself lucky. I never considered another career path other than music......although having said that, there was only one thing that stopped me being a pro footballer..........talent !!!!
Q: What were you doing, and what were the thoughts behind "Love Walked In". I think that is up there with the best of 'em and I'd just like to know what inspired you??? Tomo
L: Love Walked In was a song that I wasn't too keen on when I'd finished writing it because it was the first love song I'd ever written that came from the head as opposed to the heart. I remember playing it to Andy Taylor and him telling me that he thought it was a massive song. He was right which just goes to show how much I know !!
Q: I was recently reminiscing through my vinyl collection and came across some very pleasant surprises like 'Have I the right' by The Honeycombs (very old I know). What surprises might be found in your record collections? Karen, Essex
L: The last time I dug my vinyl collection out was when I moved house last year and I did come across a couple of great albums that I never got round to replacing on CD. The first was 'Nils Lofgren' by, funnily enough, Nils Lofgren and 'Ted Nugent' by (you've already guessed...) Ted Nugent.
Q: To Danny, do you have any plans for a country wide tour. I would love to see you again. Since Thunder came to Blackburn, my kids have grown to appreciate your music and want to hear you live. We miss you, there is a great lack of talent around these days and we need you to fill the void. Ann, Blackburn
D: It's very nice to hear such words, though I'm not sure how I feel about filling a void....
Seriously though we're consulting with our agent about the possibility of live shows, both in the UK and Europe. No plans are finalised as yet, but if Blackburn is mentioned, you and your words will instantly spring to mind....
Q: Question for both the guys. I am starting to notice a lot of musicians who are starting to exhibit their works of art, Tico Torres and Paul McCartney etc both of which are quite good. Being an artist myself I was wondering if either of you guys had any hidden talent for the artistic side apart from the music of course? Luke if you out surfing you could check out www.jovi.fsnet.co.uk which is my interactive site for Bon Jovi which is soon to have you guys listed in the links section if that's OK? Also guys don't forget Newcastle on the tour you guys need to come back up here. Anthony, Newcastle Upon Tyne
D: I'm great with a brush, and a roller, but emulsion and eggshell are about my mark when it comes to painting I'm afraid. Luke is much more likely to have an artistic bent (and I use this term advisedly, ha ha), as his parents are both heavily involved with the art world.
L: I did pass Art 'O' level but that was the last time I raised a brush or a crayon in anger ! Both my parents were art teachers (Dad taught painting and Mum taught history of art) so I was surrounded by it all my early life. This of course tended to put me off the whole thing being the arkward git that I am. I remember being taken to Paris by Mum when I was 7 or 8 years old and visiting the Louvre which as I'm sure you know is where the Mona Lisa resides. I just remember thinking that it was disappointingly small and wishing I was kicking a ball about with my mates instead. I was a Phillistine even then !!! Seriously though I do feel lucky to have grown up in a house which was dominated by art, books and music and my folks always encouraged me to take an interest in everything. I'm sure it had a massive effect on my wanting to be a musician. Art school and rock 'n' roll have always been inextricably linked since the 60's when just about every influential musician (Townsend, Lennon, Page, Beck, Ferry, Eno etc.) seemed to have passed through it at some point. Do feel free to link us to your Bon Jovi site.
Q: Which web sites do you both like to visit??? By the way, I've got a web site if both of you would like to visit it. Here is the address: http://members.lycos.co.uk/theorganman. Tell me what you both think. Ben Jackson, Nottingham
L: I tend to use websites for stuff like travel tickets or the occasional purchase. When I got my first computer I spent quite a while surfing but I guess the novelty wore off. I will check out your site though.
Q: You seem to have a unique view of and relationship with your fans, in that you don't mind allowing them access to you, i.e. after-show meet and greets and this Q and A section. Just wondering where it came from and if, both of you have best and worst style experiences coming out of it? Doc, Ireland
D: There are definitely pros and cons to being "accessible". We have always felt that it's important to be as real as possible. In the early days it was always the quickest way to get girls too...
The big advantage of the "real" approach is that fans are always prepared to tell you how they feel about everything you do, and this is vital market research (know your markets and all that). The down side is that they're sometimes a little too free with their views and opinions and a fair degree of tongue biting can be required. Being available after the show is sometimes quite wearing (when you're dead on your feet and you just want to slip out the back and have a quiet night in the bar), but when you add it all up, we've always felt the advantages outweighed the disadvantages. Besides, we're still around, and loads of the so called competition have long since opened papershops (no offence to newsagents, vital role in society etc), so it must work...
Q: When I first heard Thunder I was 18, am now 28 and still get a warm glow in my belly (like an old friend!) whenever I hear a Thunder track. What artist gives you the same warm glow? Megan, Wirral
L: Anything by The Beatles because my parents played them all the time when I was very young.
Q: Luke, a few years ago you appeared on a programme hosted by Angus Deaton about liars. Do you remember, you were asked to wait in a room filled with goodies and you were being secretly film to see if you would steal any of the things. I just wondered if you guessed that things weren't as they seemed or if you are a gullible person? Candy, Kent
L: They took people from different walks of life and professions (I was the token rock musician) and stuck all of us individually into a room full of goodies (wine, food, designer clothes etc.). I was told that everything in the room had been left over from a photo shoot and a party the night before and that while I was waiting for Angus to finish his previous interview I could help myself to anything I wanted. The objective of the show was to see how the different individuals would react to being told they could have anything in the room they wanted. They didn't however tell us we were all being secretly filmed. The only problem was that I happened to notice the badly hidden security cameras and I knew the show was called 'Temptation' so it didn't take me long to suss out what was going on. Also I had a crippling hangover (the show was filmed at 10.30am) so the last thing I fancied was wine or food. I suppose I could have thrown up on some of the designer labels but I certainly didn't want to be filmed doing it!!
Q: This one's for Luke - As a recent Dad myself (less than 48 hours ago) I have found myself feeling absolutely elated, exhausted, nervous, and requiring new underwear. Did you feel like this when your nipper was born, and was there any heart stoppers during the labour? Also, do any of the Thunder crew boast ankle biters? Christopher Smith, Darlington
L: I'm not quite sure where you get your information Christopher but as far as I'm aware I've haven't become a Father as yet.........................Congratulations on your own new arrival though !!!!!!!!!
Q: In your life so far, which day has been the best, and which day has been the worst? And your reasons why for each? Mags & Fiona, Fife
L: Being born was a pretty good day...........and I'm fairly sure that the day I die will be the worst !
Q: What CD is is your CD player right now, and who was the last band you went to see live? Sandy, Edinborough
L: I've just opened my CD player and it revealed 'Songs In The Key Of Life' by Stevie Wonder. I went to see 'The Illegal Eagles' last week. Tribute bands aren't really my thing but Chris Childs (former Thunder bassist and the man who plays on our new album) is currently playing with them so Harry and I went down to say hello and have a couple of beers.
D: My CD player is currently roaring to the juxtaposing sounds of Nickelback's "Silver Side Up" and Sheryl Crow's "C'mon C'mon". The first band I saw live was Bad Company at The Rainbow Theatre in London in December 1974. I remember every second of the show, including getting my tour poster caught and subsequently ripped in half in the doors of the tube going home..... I sobbed....
Q: 1, do you intend to release the Thunder live video on DVD, and 2, will you be playing any thunder songs live on your new tours, cant wait to see you both again, see you soon.? Dale, London
T: There are currently no plans to release the Thunder live video on DVD, though a lot of fans seem to want to see this happen. I know for a fact that one fan in particular is currently in discussions with Eagle (with the help of Townsend Records) about the possibility of making this happen! We'll keep you posted! The guys are still working on what songs they will or won't be doing on the tour. No word yet as to whether or not this will include Thunder material, but Luke has previously stated that it is a possibility, if they feel that the the odd Thunder song will fit comfortably into the set alongside the new material!
Q: I dunno if this has been asked already, but is the new album a contribution of both Danny and Luke's song-writing? Craig MacDonald, Gibraltar
T: All the songs on 'Moving Swiftly Along' were written by Luke except 'Something About My Baby' (Morley, Myers), 'Powertripping' (Palmer, A.Taylor, J.Taylor, Thompson), 'Change' (Braidie, Morley, Tempest) and 'Better Times' (Morley, James)
L: When I was about seven years old I lived in Buxton, Derbyshire for a while and this coincided with my interest in football beginning. As all my friends were Man Utd supporters I opted for Man City being the arkward git I am. I must admit to losing interest in football in the 80's as it became very dull but the advent of the Premiership, Sky TV and the influence of foreign players and coaches has made it interesting to watch again and although I still follow City's results I would describe myself as being fairly neutral; as long as it's a good match I don't really mind who wins. The only exception to this is England matches which I do get emotionally involved in and I hate it when we lose. I actually don't have a middle name; this could have something to do with my Mum's middle name being Winifred and her not wanting to inflict similar embarrassment on me !
Q: Luke, KISS recently played a private show for a U.S. millionaire and fifty of his pals and charged a reported £500k for the evening, (I imagine a meet and greet was included in that price). How much would it cost me to have Danny and your good self perform an acoustic set round mine one evening?. (Copious amounts of tea and unlimited Jammie Dodgers would be provided free of charge.) BJ
L: Well, if Kiss charged £500K then we'd have to charge at least twice that amount !
Q: Are either of you religious/spiritual at all and what do you think life's all about (nice easy question!!)? John
L: I don't subsribe to any particular religion although I think if believing in some divine force helps people to cope with life then fair enough. The only problem I have with a lot of organised religions is that they can be used to manipulate and control people. Everybody should have the right to choose their own God and accept other people's right to do the same. I have no idea what life's about.........if anybody can give me a clue that would be good !!!!
D: I'm not religious at all (I shall keep these opinions to myself if you don't mind), but I've had a great many spiritual experiences during my life. Consequently (and not surprisingly) I do believe there's more to life that "you're born, you live, you die". I had one very enlightening experience with a spiritualist a few years ago, and will meet with him again one day. As for what it's all about, that's just a tad too deep for this humble scribe to get into a few hundred words, but my attitude to life can be summed up in
5 sentences:-
1. Be nice whenever you can, and don't hurt anyone unless you absolutely have to.
2. Enjoy your work and work hard, so you can feel you earned it when you play hard.
3. Worrying about things usually makes it either a) happen if they haven't yet, or b) worse if they have.
4. Be honest with yourself about how you feel, at all times.
5. Don't let the bastards grind you down.
Q: What's the score gonna be for the Sweden-England clash in the World Cup? Can you stop Ljungberg & Co? Johan, Sweden
L: I think whoever wins the Sweden-England match will progress to the next round with Argentina so I'm hoping we can nick it. My prediction? Sweden 1 - England 2. I do accept that Ljungberg will be a handful though. I think maybe Sven will get Martin Keown to man-mark him which would be interesting !!
Q: Being a drummer myself and not seeing the personnel on the new album does Harry make an appearance? His sound and style went a long way to defining the Thunder sound. If not what is he up to? Nic, Kent
L: Harry makes an appearance as a co-songwriter on 'Moving Swiftly Along', but not as a performer! He's keeping himself busy, playing with Chris Childs in a band called Bad Influence - http://www.badinfluence.org.uk/ - and he also played with Magnum on their recent U.K. & European dates. For all the latest on the nutty bald geezer check out his unofficial (yet, highly recommended) website at http://www.harry-james.supanet.com/
Q: I pose this question to Danny - do you sing in the bath? Alone or what? Paul, Liverpool
D: Yes I sing in the bath and shower every day, for the same reasons as everyone else, it sounds great! When touring I sing in the shower sometimes three or four times a day (the steam helps re-activate my voice after the previous night's ravaging). As far as company goes, when you're in the shower three or four times a day do you look a bit like a prune, but I'm always happy to consider serious offers from good singers (naturally).
Q: Danny, Did you ever find it hard playing the role of 'rock god' (well in my mind anyway!) and a husband and dad? I myself am a mum, and though we do our best it's hard to get your hair done etc when you have a 2 year old swinging off it! (we keep him under control most of the time!). Is this why you cut your hair by any chance?! Shelley Webster, Wolverhampton
D: Balancing the roles of Rock God (as you call it) with husband and father is and was extremely difficult. However lots of people have complicated lives, so I never felt there were ever any grounds for complaint on my part. I must confess that my choices were sometimes based on what almost worked all round, but you have to do what feels natural. I have no regrets, on the whole I've had a bloody good life. I cut my hair simply because I got fed up with swallowing it during shows (it plays havoc with your esses!)
Q: Are you planning to do any gigs in England after the Japan dates? If so, please don't forget your Geordie fans up North! Lynne Greenup, Gateshead
T: Some dates in England at some point is the plan. As for when and where, it's the same old answer of 'we'll have to wait and see', I'm afraid. Naturally, as soon as anything is confirmed you'll read it on bowesandmorley.com first!!
Q: Are there any plans to release Thunder Guitar Tab books so that us other budding guitarists can learn your fantastic songs. If not then why not? Matt, Norwich
T: There were tab books for the 'Laughing On Judgement Day' and 'The Thrill Of It All' albums available at the time, but they are unfortunately long deleted. There are no plans for any Thunder tab books to be released at the moment. Why not? Many reasons, I'm sure, none of which would be very interesting. I suggest that for the time being you check out http://www.fortunecity.com/tinpan/carpenters/512/tabs.html where you'll find quite a nice selection of Thunder guitar tabs!
Q: Luke, "Welcome To The Party". Was it written for Tony Blair, aka Labour. I noticed the "Tony Blair, IN!" in "The Thrill Of It All". Have you met him? Has he heard the song? Kevin, Kent
L: Welcome To The Party was about the fact that when Blair took over the Labour Party, for the first time in 11 years they had a chance of winning. Because he was a media-friendly leader the Labour Party were acknowledging what the Tories had known years before which is that winning elections today is not just about policies but also how you look and how you deal with the media. I think like a lot of other people at the time I was very pissed off with the Tories and for the first time in years 'New Labour' seemed to generate a kind of optimism. How they've done since coming to power is another question though! A copy of the album was sent to No. 10 and we got a very nice signed letter back saying that he hadn't had the chance to listen to it as yet but he was grateful for our support !! Somebody told me that his favourite band is Free so I'm sure if he ever did get round to listening to it he may have enjoyed it.....who knows?
Q: I hope this won't piss u off, but I've always wondered what sort of houses and cars you drive? You seem to have a nice lifestyle, r u comfortably well off at least for the short term? Ian, Wales
L: Cheeky question Ian. Can I start by saying that I've never actually driven a house.......
I look at it this way.......as long as people still buy our records and turn up at the gigs it allows me to make a living doing what I love and that is a wonderful thing for which I'm extremely grateful. I live in a nice house in Central London and drive a fairly modest car.....or do I?
D: It doesn't piss me off, but I'm not telling. Ha ha...
Q: Guys, as a veteran of many a Thunder show going back to to 1990 and finishing in 2000 at Dingwalls who's been 'exiled' here (in Australia) for a couple of years I'd love to know - are you planning to release the album over here, play a couple of shows over here before or after the Japan dates...or ever ! I remember reading something from Danny that you discussed releasing "Live" over here, but the only albums readily available here are "Live Circuit" and "The Thrill Of It All". I guess, what I am trying to say is, do you see Australia as a market that's worth trying to break into? I'd love to see you guys again, but dunno if I can make it to Japan for a night out!! Good luck with the new stuff anyway - hope it's a great success !! Paul Bloxsome, Sydney, Australia
L: There are no plans to visit Australia at the moment but once again we are talking to people about a release down there. We've always wanted to come and visit Oz, working or otherwise so we are doing everything we can to make it happen.
Q: Two questions. Firstly do you ever get offered original material from other writers to record? The only stuff that I can think of was on 'Moving Target' and they could've been covers. (I'm not familiar with the writers material). Secondly, this is more of a 'pick your brain'. Recently I've been listening to a lot of the old Southern Boogie type stuff, but it along with our own British Blues Based Rock seems to be a bit of a dying breed. Do you know of any bands coming out of the states (or elsewhere) playing this style nowadays, given that Luke's recently been to a showcase? David Boyd, Kilmarnock
L: I can't remember being offered a song written for us specifically.
I'm not au fait with the Southern Boogie scene currently but I'm sure there must be a website somewhere dedicated to it.
Q: You've probably been asked this hundreds of times, but do you have a song that you are really proud of? Emma, Leicester
L: You're right Emma, we've been asked that a lot! I'm proud of a few songs I've written and if you check out April's Q + A you'll see which are my favourites.
Q: Hi, I wonder what's the idea you want to bring to us (like a guys who will go and buy) with the title "Moving Swiftly Along", and who had the idea to title the album this. Another question: what do you think about projects that feature a lot of great musicians and vocalists, (like Nostradamus), I mean they don't extend themselves like either a band or soloist career. Walter Jorge Valdez, Argentina
L: There's not really any significance to the album title apart from we both liked the phrase. I suppose you could interpret it as signifying moving on from the Thunder years but that was not the intention. 'Supergroups' always look good on paper but there's more to being in a band that just being a good musician. You have to gel musically and I believe that the mark of a good musician is the being able to play the right thing at the right time as opposed to constantly trying to impress people with technique. There's no room for egotism in a group.
Q: 50 - 60 year old rock stars (no names, no pack drill!!); sad, ridiculous old geezers with nothing better to do, or trailblazers who are living proof that you're never too old to rock? John Doré
L: I'd like to answer this question with a series of questions; at what point precisely should a musician be put out to pasture and who should decide ? Should a person be stripped of the ability to earn a living because they're too old ? Should rock music be performed and written by young people exclusively? I could go on but as far as I'm concerned attempting to make a living in any one of the creative arts is a vocational issue; I didn't choose this job, it chose me and that's why Mick Jagger, Keith Richard, Jimmy Page, Pete Townsend et al still do it. They sure as Hell don't need the money and if they did they wouldn't stop. You don't survive for long doing this for a living unless you have some talent and love it, believe me. The highs are extreme and very addictive but the lows are fucking grim and you learn to live with colossal disappointment. Nobody has the right to tell another human being that they're too old to pick up a guitar or pull on a pair of leather trousers; no-one can make the public buy a record or a concert ticket because it's a matter of choice. If anybody finds aging rock stars embarrassing I would suggest to them they should look away.
Q: Hi, I play the guitar a little, and together with a friend of mine have ago at a few Thunder songs, we were wondering what key of harmonica is used during A Better Man? Why has there never been any Thunder tab books available? My friend and I often argue over whose playing the correct chords. Mark P. Jeffry
L: 'The harmonica key for 'Better Man' is D. For all things relating to guitar tabs visit http://www.fortunecity.com/tinpan/carpenters/512/tabs.html
Q: Did you ever sing Baby I'll be Gone live? As a fellow lefty when you first started playing guitar how much did it piss you off royal when people told you to play right-handed to save money/get lessons/keep their sales up? Matt, Notts
L: We did 'Baby I'll Be Gone' on the first few dates of the 'Laughing All Over The World' tour in '92 but then decided to drop it. It was a very difficult song to pull off live due to the many different layers on the studio recording; some songs work better in the studio than they do live I'm afraid. When I started to play guitar, for the first 6 months I could play equally well (or badly) left or right-handed. This was because the first guitar I ever picked up belonged to my Stepmother who showed me my first few chords on a right-handed guitar and then I got into Jimi Hendrix; as he was left-handed and I was naturally left-handed I wanted to emulate my hero so I turned the guitar upside-down and changed the strings 'round. I remained manually schizophrenic until I went to the only guitar lesson I ever had. The teacher asked me who my favourite guitarist was to which I replied 'Hendrix' and he told me that as a classical teacher he couldn't help me ! He did give me some good advice though which was 'Listen to the records you like and try to work it out for yourself and that way you'll form your own style naturally'. From that day on I was a left-hooker. It did piss me off that leftie guitars cost more and were harder to find but that just made me more determined to do it my way.
Q: Luke, This is getting addictive...Do you write poetry? Do you like Poetry? Do you have any favourite poets? Angela, Switzerland
L: I don't write poetry but there are some people I admire; I like dark stuff like Sylvia Plath and Baudelaire because of their intensity. For me the attempting to understand the relationship between words and music is more rewarding than words alone and all songwriters aspire to making that connection perfect; it's hard to describe but songs like 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' or 'In My Life' have that sublime quality where words and music meet and become the perfect marriage.
Q: Luke, I was at a gig organised by Don Airey in his local village and either the guitarist from Jamiroquai or Uli John Roth (!?) played a solo which sounded exactly like the one from "the first day", is the solo a tribute from something, or were they playing a tribute to you? Chris and Harry were playing that night. Chis D, London
L: The solo on 'First Day' is in part a quotation from the Jimi Hendrix song 'Little Wing'. I must admit that I didn't realise until somebody pointed it out to me but as a major Hendrix fan I decided to leave it. Uli Jon Roth is a Hendrix obsessive (he even married Jimi's ex-girlfriend !) so the likelihood of him having played 'Little Wing' is very great I would have thought !
Q: 'History In The Making' seems to be a very emotional song. I think it's one of your most under-rated songs. Was it written with personal experience, or an idea that just popped into your head? Lastly, what is the meaning behind 'Just Another Suicide'? It seems to have a direction towards the press and media. (I might be wrong) Bad experience with them? Kevin, Kent
L: The writing process behind History In The Making is a bit hard to remember to be honest. There must have been a reason why it was never finished properly and I would guess that at the time I thought something about it was flawed. The last time I listened to it was when I was compiling 'The Rare....' and it didn't sound too bad then...oh well !! 'Just Another Suicide' as you correctly point out is about the tabloid press and how their desire to sell papers overrides any moral issues there might be pertaining to any particular story they print; i.e. print now, worry later and damn the consequences.
Q: Do you write songs for other people and if so how much does your genius normally cost? Did you ever anticipate Thunder lasting 10 years, and where do you see the two of you in a further ten years. A rest home? (Only joking!) Kevin, Kent
L: Anybody can perform a song written by me or whoever. Songwriters get paid every time a song is played on the radio, on a jukebox, on T.V. or when it's performed to an audience somewhere. I have recently been co-writing with a couple of artists so I suppose you could call that writing for other people but I don't get paid a fee or wage for doing it; I get paid if the song is a success somewhere. We didn't know how long Thunder would last. We kept doing it as long as it felt like the right thing to do and then we stopped. Ten years time ? I'll just be happy to be here !!!!!
Q: Danny, did you had vocal lessons in the past, and it was rather in the classic style? Fernando, Switzerland
D: After I'd been singing for about 8 years, I thought I should have some lessons to find out if I was doing it correctly, so I got my manager to arrange it. I paid for three lessons, and went to a very strict schoolteacher of a lady who played various scales on a piano and made me sing them. After 10 minutes of this she gave me my money back and said she couldn't teach me anything. I wasn't sure if that was good or bad, but seriously I would recommend lessons to anyone starting out, purely for good technique and muscle strengthening. They won't do any harm and could possibly do a lot of good.
Q: (a) Can you give us 3 things that looking back you would change with regard to Thunder days and beyond.....(b) Can you share with us the 3 really memorable moments (good ones!) from Thunder days and beyond..... Axel Thomas
L: I think the only thing I would change regarding Thunder's career would be that I wish we'd have had the opportunity to tour the USA extensively. When we came along in the UK our timing was unwittingly very good but just as we were beginning to sell records in the States, the musical tide changed and Grunge prevented us fulfilling our potential over there. Other than that I wouldn't change a thing. The career moments that stand out are too many to list but if I had to pick three it would be;
1) Donington '90 because we didn't know how popular we'd become until we went on stage that day and it was a manifestation and realisation of how hard we'd worked during the year before.
2) Headlining Hammersmith Apollo and selling out three nights at our first attempt. This was particularly pleasing as 15 months before we were playing up the road in a little pub in Shepherd's Bush to 150 people and success in your home town is a great feeling. I think it made our parents realise that it had all been worth the struggle for them as well.
3)Wembley Stadium 1995 supporting Bob Joki (sorry, Bon Jovi) and Van Halen. We had the whole stadium on it's feet and certain people on the bill were not too impressed. It was also lovely to meet the V.H. guys as well.
Q: Can you tell me what the policy was with regards to Thunder gigs being recorded; were the majority of gigs recorded or only those when you knew there was to be a live album coming up ? I'm interested to know whether there are gems in the vault like "Merry Christmas Everybody" and "You Can Leave Your Hat On" that have yet to see the light of day. On a similar note how do you go about deciding which live covers to release and which not to? Mark Burton
L: We only ever recorded gigs when there was a need for live material, be it extra tracks, b-sides or a live album and there isn't any stuff laying around that hasn't already been released I'm afraid. When we sat down after the event and listened to the live recordings we just picked the stuff that we thought had come out the best; as usual with Thunder there wasn't any science to it, we just did what felt right.
Q: Can you tell me whether the songs on El Gringo Retro and Moving Swiftly Along were written specifically for those projects ? I was just wondering whether any of them were written when Thunder were still a going concern but that you felt, for whatever reason, that they didn't fit in the Thunder framework and you therefore kept them until the time was right. On the same theme, do you have any songs tucked away that are yet to see the light of day because, again, the time hasn't yet been right ? Mark Burton
L: Some material does tend to stay around a few years. This could be for unsuitability reasons as you suggested or it could be because there's something about the song that I'm not happy with and I feel I need to get some distance from it to finish it properly. A good few of the songs on 'Gringo' were written while Thunder was still together but I didn't know what to do with them until I decided to make a solo album. M.S.A. has a greater percentage of songs written specifically for it but even then some material does go back a couple of years for the same reasons.
Q: Good luck on your new chapter! Just going back one chapter though (Thunder again, sorry) are there any plans to release another album containing rare tracks, that may have featured on import CD's etc? I know there was the rare, raw and rest CD, but there are still a lot of tracks that I can't get hold of. Simon Walker, Sheffield
T: There are currently no plans for another Thunder rarities album. Such a project would be very time consuming for the guys, and at the moment they are focusing all their time and attention on the Bowes & Morley project, rather than wallowing in the past....
Q: I say some comments cos when Luke said he likes wine from Rioja, well, I want to tell him that here in Argentina, we have a province called "La Rioja", and from this region comes famous & exquisite wines. That's just if you like to know...I have s question for Luke: you said you like songs like "The Great Gig In The Sky", for ..."pure unadulterated emotion and for maximum spine-tingling effect..", and I know there are some Pink Floyd songs that have that condition, and I want to know your opinion about songs like "Marooned" from "The Division Bell" , or "Let's Get Metaphisical" from "About Face" David Gilmour solo. If you like that kind of songs, why you never made a song like that, instrumental? Walter Valdez, Argentina
L: Thanks for pointing out another good wine. If I see a bottle of Argentinian Rioja I'll definitely give it a go. All the Pink Floyd songs you mentioned are very good and Dave Gilmour is an exceptional guitarist. If I had his ability then maybe I'd try an instrumental....I don't think Danny would be too pleased though; maybe it would give him a chance to develop his triangle-playing skills.............
Q: Luke, ever written something and found subliminal influences creeping in? I only ask because I've been spreading the El Gringo word and have had comments like - sounds bit like Santana/Lighthouse Family and even Fun Lovin' Criminals. Angela, Zurich
L: Musical influences and tastes, subliminal, subconscious or otherwise will always permeate your work if you write songs. The brain stores all kinds of weird information and what comes out of the creative parts is nearly always a jumble of everything you like or have heard before. The thing that makes it different is that you can take the same information and filter it through two different people but the end result will never be the same because we are all individuals. I am a Santana fan but there again so are Fun Lovin Criminals (check out 'Loco'); it's a Hispanic groove thing.
Q: To Luke - what brand of golf clubs have you got and have you got a pair of those tartan trousers Danny wore years back to wear on the course? and do you cheat? Paul, Liverpool
L: I use Callaway irons, a Callaway Great Big Bertha driver, an old Ping Eye three wood and a cheap putter made by Penfold. On the course I do like to look as stupid as possible as it can render the opposition useless due to hysterical laughter. I don't have any tartan strides but I like to wear clashing colours, red with green for example or even worse, yellow with pink.
Q: Where was the cover of 'Backstreet Symphony' and 'Giving The Game Away' taken? Did Harry actually go back to the same place for 'They think..' or is it computer generated? Kevin, Kent
L: The cover shot on 'Backstreet Symphony' was taken in the City Of London and I have to admit I can't remember the name of it at the moment although I'm sure Harry does as he did have to go back there for 'They Think...'. I will strive to find out !!!
Q: Luke, you said that you're working on some screenplays/scripts so I was wondering if you've ever thought about trying your hand at musical theatre/rock opera, with your talent, and success, as a songwriter have you ever thought you might like to come up with material for the stage. Musicals seem to be having a revival, Boy George's musical seems to have been well received. Karen, Essex
L: It does sound like an interesting idea writing music for the stage but it would be a massively time consuming thing to do. Maybe in a few years I would look at that kind of project. I certainly wouldn't rule it out. Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of my pet hates so it would be fun to try and keep him out of at least one Theatre !!!!!!
Q: Do the guys feel under pressure to do a lot of Thunder tracks during the forthcoming shows? Phil
L: The most important thing about any show is entertainment value. As a punter myself I always want to feel that whoever I'm watching is giving everything they can to send me away happy. Choice of material is obviously important to any live set but we are doing these shows to promote the new album and that is what the bulk of the set will consist of. This is not going to be a Thunder show so we don't feel pressure to do Thunder material. As the writer and singer of Thunder, if we do decide that a piece of material from the past fits appropriately with what we're doing now then we'll do it. I think people who've been to see us over the years are smart enough to not expect a Thunder show; I do think that people will have high expectations but we've always set ourselves high standards so that's fine with us.
Q: 1. What do you think about the nature of 'fame' and can you take it or leave it? 2. Are you still in touch with Nick Linden and if so what's he up to these days? John
L: Good question...back during the Terraplane years we were signed to Epic Records and we had the same Press person as Wham. I'll never forget the lady in question looking very stressed one morning when we went in to do some interviews as she'd had George Michael on the 'phone complaining about invasion of privacy etc. I said how terrible it must be for him to which she replied " He complains like crazy when he's photographed coming out of a club pissed but he complains even more when he's not in the papers !" I think the luckiest musician is one who achieves enormous success but still manages to keep a low profile. Dave Gilmour from Pink Floyd is a great example; every time they tour they break all kinds of records for ticket sales and grosses but most people wouldn't recognise Dave if they bumped into him in Sainsbury's. That's the way to do it.
I spent last weekend with Nick and a load of other friends playing golf in Spain. We're still good mates and he does the occasional local gig. I have been known to get up and play a bit of guitar with him here + there. Nick works doing set construction for adverts and videos. In fact if you watch Natalie Imbruglia's video for 'Torn' you'll see Nick wandering in and out of shot looking very dapper in a pair of shorts !
Q: Have either of you guys got tattoo's and if so what and where? (proof may be needed here j/k) Sarah Kelly
L: Sorry to disappoint you but neither of us sports a tattoo; I came close once but thankfully didn't. It's not really my style but if it works for other people that's fine too.....each to their own.
Q: Ok...heres the question...the world is ending...you only have 30 minutes before everything disappears.....What do you do? Paul K
L: I'd sit out in the back garden with my guitar drinking a bottle of vintage single malt whisky and watch it all happen....