Where and when did you first form?
We first played together around Christmas ’86 when Wendy (Morgan), Pat (Walkington), Greg (Dixon), Simon (Pickles) and a drum machine were the group. Shaun (Charman) joined on drums March 1988 and Mike replaced in May 1991. This all took place in Brighton, we all met at Sussex University.
What sort of response did you anticipate?
I suppose our present popularity is about what we expected, but obviously we deserve more!
How Big do you want to become?
If we went Top 40 we’d feel vindicated.
Any particular reason why the current LP’s called, “Snog”?
‘Snog’ is just a cool word.
Are you looking forward to playing, “North of the Border”?
Scotland will be a very long drive but I’m sure they’ll be very hospitable when we get there. It just means we have to leave at 6am.
Do any of The Popguns have full-time/part-time jobs?
Yes we all work which makes gigs, practicing and recording a great strain on everyone. We have to pay rent, etc, so wkring is essential as there’s no money from the record company.
Given the chance, what Tom Jones song would you like to cover?
We wouldn’t do a Tom Jones cover as it’s just stupid.
Do you have disciple fans that follow you everywhere on tour?
Some fans come to loads of our gigs, which makes us feel loved. It’s a shame there aren’t more less-devoted fans!
Most hated groups?
Carter and the Inspiral Carpets
Fave groups past?
The Jam, Beatles, Microdisney, Echo & the Bunnymen, Led Zepplin, The Smiths, Prefab Sprout, Lloyd Cole, The Go-Betweens, Galaxie 500.
Fave groups present?
Pet Shop Boys, The Sundays.
What will The Popguns be up to in the not-to-distant future?
November 1991 sees the release of “Crazy”, the new single, with “Gesture” and “Over your head” on the b-side. We’ll do a few gigs close to home and then get down to writing the next LP for release in October 1992.
Motto?
Motto is, “Virtue is praised and left to starve.”
Interview by Neil Davies