| It makes you happy...Tequila |
|
|
|
 You can’t go far without seeing the name ‘Tequila’ emblazoned in tall letters on chalk boards and adverts of the biggest live venues on the Wirral so we thought it was about time we caught up with the double Buz Award winners to chat about their ten year reign, talksport and getting drunk with Shane MacGowan. Chatty half, Danny tells all…First of all, give us a bit of background, how did you come to be? Basically when we met we were in different bands. I was in Filter House and Richie was in The Shea. We shared the same watering hole, The Wessy and started meeting up after gigs. One thing led to another and we fell in to a band together. Not many bands on the circuit can boast of being around for a decade, what is it that makes you work so well? I think we’re completely chalk and cheese personality-wise and we’re really good mates so that helps. There’s no rivalry or ego clashes with us so we know that whatever decisions we make are in terms of what will work or sound better musically rather than for selfish reasons. We try to enjoy every gig as well and not take it for granted and I think that comes across. If the crowd know that we’re having fun then they’re more likely to be having a good time. You can’t have tequila without the salt or lemon so which of you would be which? I’d be the salt and Rich is definitely the lemon. Where did the name originate from? At the time when we first started out shots were cropping up everywhere, they were the cool thing to do so we kind of jumped on that band wagon. That makes you sound so old! If your voice deserted you tomorrow and you suddenly couldn’t play any instruments, what would you do to earn a living? Hmm. I’d probably just to spray tans for people and Rich would be a red coat in Pontins! My dad’s a singer and I grew up watching him knowing it was what I wanted to do so another career wasn’t really an option. It’s the only thing I’m good at. Do you still get butterflies before you get up on stage before a big gig? No, never. We supported Brian McFadden at the Grand National to 17,000 people and we were fine. I think when we play our own material as Little Genius is when the nerves kick in because it’s completely our responsibility and we’re anxious to see how were received by the crowd.  When you’re not gigging, what do you listen to? Talksport non-stop! Musically speaking we’re still both obsessed with the Beatles, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Crowded House and more recently we’re fans of the Killers. Their first album is incredible, they had the ability to make every song on it into an anthem. Other than Tequila, what are your tipples of choice? Ooh. I go through stages. I like Becks Vier at the moment or Guinness. I know that doesn’t sound very rock ‘n’ roll but I’d rather be truthful in case anyone wants to buy me a drink after reading this! What’s the most Rock ‘n’ Roll thing you’ve ever done, that we can write about in a family publication? Our London trips as Little Genius were quite rock ‘n’ roll. We played a drunken gig there then went on the ale with Shane MacGowan from the Pogues. That was pretty funny. He was wasted but completely switched on about our music. He was pulling out the best choruses and snippets of lyrics explaining why they worked, that was a massive compliment. Are there any cover songs that you don’t tire of playing? We love Oh Bla Di by the Beatles and All These Things That I’ve Done by the Killers are still great songs to play. If there are youngsters reading this now wanting to follow in your footsteps and make a go of on the Wirral scene, what advice would you give them? I’d say just be confident but don’t get too cocky. Remember what you’re doing, who you’re playing for and don’t get above your station. It’s important to find the right mix in the band you’re playing alongside too because if you don’t get along the audience will see through it. Finally, what 3 things could you not live without? Danny - My puppy Bob, the Liverpool Channel and Little Genius Richie - Grand Theft Auto, our studio and a signed Elvis Costello photograph that my Nan had signed while he was cutting the grass. |
| < Prev |
|---|