The following interview took place in the Oxford Jericho Tavern on Monday 17th February 1992. White Lemonade’s Oxford contact Paul Wigley pleads guilty; right-hand man Neil Davies is charged with aiding and abetting. A girl called Dawn is cautioned for making background noises while the Wedding Present’s Dave Gedge gets off scot-free… well almost!
Here’s the transcript of the proceedings:
PW: The Oxford local newspaper described you as a ‘hard-working guitar combo’ Would you agree with that statement?
DG: Er, it’s not really work to be honest. We’re very busy but it’s more of a hobby really, so I don’t see it as work. It’s a hobby that’s taken over my life!
PW: Do you think the addition of Paul Dorrington has improved your live sound?
DG: Yes, I think he’s of greater use because he can write songs as well.
PW: The obvious question; why are you playing the smaller halls on the tour?
DG: It’s something we’ve been trying to do for years and years. It’s usually a better sound really, echoing around the roof. It seemed like a good opportune time to do it. Later on in the year we’re going to do a ‘normal’ tour back in the normal size halls.
PW: Why aren’t you playing London on the current tour?
DG: Well, we’re avoiding all the major towns like Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow. You can’t really play a small venue in London because it’s too large a place.
PW: Do you think the release of your last two singles is going to back your earlier sound such as ‘Bizarro’ and ‘George Best’?
DG: I don’t think it’s going back to the earlier sounds as such. It’s going back to the earlier philosophy.
PW: Do you prefer the new format for TOTP?
DG: Definitely. I feel a bit stupid rather than completely stupid now. It sorts out the good singers from the bad.
PW: Did you enjoy Nirvana on there?
DG: I didn’t see much of it but I heard it was quite funny.
PW: Are you going to play any festivals this year?
DG: We haven’t been asked yet. We’re always up for it because you get paid quite a lo9t of money. So if you know anyone who’s organising one get in touch with us!
PW: Do you enjoy them?
DG: Er, not really. It’s an experience. I mean Reading is exhilarating. You walk on stage to 20,000 people and it’s terrifying. I think I’d rather the smaller venues.
PW: Silly question, but why did you play the them to the TV programme, ‘Cheers’ as your intro music, the last time you played the Reading Festival?
DG: Silly question, but quite a boring answer, really. We didn’t have time for a sound check, so we thought rather than use one of our songs we’d play that and our sound engineer would get the levels right.
PW: Did you enjoy playing in the United States?
DG: Yeah, it was quite good actually. I’ve always been aware of American sub-culture and really been that keen. It’s nice to go there. It’s like going abroad to any country.
PW: How did they react to ‘Kennedy’? Did they understand it at all?
DG: Oh yeah, yeah. They’re very similar to us and it’s obviously one of our most popular songs and it has the same effect there.
PW: Do you think that if you re-release Kennedy in the UK, it would do far better than the original chart position?
DG: I think it would actually. You’ve read the conspiracy; you’ve seen the film, now here’s the music!
PW: You seem to do your fair quota of cover versions?
DG: We’re this year, we’re doing twelve.
PW: Why did you do the classic Tom Jones number, ‘It’s not unusual’?
DG: It’s because it’s me mum’s favourite!
PW: My mother sat on Tom Jones’ knee in the 60s (Lots of laughter from PW, ND & DG).
PW: There was no Festive 50 this year, are you upset by this at all?
DG: It’s a bit of a loss. I mean I can see the reasons why he didn’t do it. It might sound stupid but it’s always been a part of Christmas for me – opening presents and listening to the Festive 50!
PW: Who would you have voted for?
DG: I don’t know. I would have voted for Hole’s first single – I’ve forgotten what it’s called now.
PW: What do you think of Welsh bands, other than the Manic Street Preachers?
DG: Coronation Street Preachers! I quite like Datblygu, they’re OK. I don’t like Anhrefn very much. I thought they were a bit poor pop really.
PW: Have you heard of Y Cyrff?
DG: Yes, they’re alright. Darling Buds, they’re from Wales aren’t they?
PW: They are indeed.
DG: I quite liked them at the beginning but they got a bit too glossy really.
PW: Do you rate any of the Oxford bands other than Heavenly?
DG: Heavenly, I really like them actually. I used to like Tallulah Gosh as well. I think Amelia was here tonight which is quite nice to see. I haven’t bought the Heavenly LP yet, but I’ve got some of the songs on tape. There are some really good pop songs.
PW: Do you think RCA have regretted signing you?
DG: well, they’ve had three chances to drop after each of the LPs came out. We’ve carried on so they couldn’t have regretted it that much. I just think we’ve missed opportunities. The worst problem we encountered was when we wanted to call our video compilation ‘Spunk’. They said ‘You can’t call it that. The shops won’t stock it coz it’s rude!’
PW: Do you feel the release of the limited edition single makes it difficult for the avid Wedding Present fan to purchase a copy?
DG: I think it certainly does. Unfortunately, it was one of the compromises we had to make. When we said to RCA we want to release 12 singles they said ‘What!!?’
PW: Have you been surprised by how high the chart placings have been?
DG: Yes, as it’s limited. It’s the first time we’ve been in the Top 20. Mind you, no one buys singles anymore. I see Ride are number 8! It’s quite easy to get a chart placing these days. Any old sod can put a single out and go Top 20.
PW: Ride aren’t that popular in Oxford, well, amongst certain people!
At this point the interview was interrupted by a rather drunk Lawrence from Ride!
Lawrence: Hi, I’m Lawrence from Ride. You came to see our gig.
DG: We were just talking about you actually.
PW: Yeah, we were just saying you were crap (all round laughter!). Have you a word for your Welsh fans?
Lawrence: Yeah, I haven’t washed for three days!
PW: are you going to play Wales soon?
Lawrence: yeah, Newport Centre.
PW: OK! Yeah! Thanks!
Paul Wigley and Neil Davies are now in custody awaiting sentencing!