"There’s probably loads of stuff I’ve said on stage and regretted, but I just can’t remember any of it"
What’s going on?
Well, right now I’m in the middle of finishing off an album. I’ve been in the studio and have just finished writing it. I’m on tour constantly. I am looking forward to going to Australia at the end of the year and hopefully New Zealand. It’s one long big tour for me... and then there’s a tour with The Beat as well! I’ve never stopped working! I was working all the time when I was in America and then I came over here. I’ve been here now nearly three and a half years and it’s taken me this time to get my own name established, you know?
What does the term ‘rude boy’ mean to you and how as it evolved?
Rude boy could mean well, two different types of person; rude as in cheeky and rude as in being a bad boy. I think I fall under the first one (laughs). For me it’s not about being a bad bad boy, you know? Jack the lad or cheeky lad... It’s just speaking your mind.
If someone lent you a time machine, what is the first thing you would do with it?
I’d go back to my school days and mess around again.
What is the first gig you would go to in it?
James Brown when he was really hot! Around the time he was first getting big. He was an entertainer, you know? That’s what I do, I entertain.
What was the last music you found truly inspirational?
Bloody hell. Alright... Neh... I’d be lying I can’t remember, honest to god. (The interview is interrupted by a builder arriving. Neville is trying to find the keys which open his front door. ) Sorry about that. Just having my bathroom and living room done.
What was the last thing that made you laugh?
Bloody hell... I can’t bloody remember! It’s been so long (laughs). Write that in, that I couldn’t remember. Well, you just made me laugh... there you go.
When performing live, have you ever done or said something that you really wished you hadn’t?
Yeah, erm... Nah, I can’t remember. There’s probably loads of stuff I’ve said on stage and regretted, but I just can’t remember any of it.
Thinking about it, it’s probably a good thing?
That’s just life... It’s just the way it goes. Do you know what I mean?
The bands that you’ve been involved with generally have short explosions of studio recording energy. Is there a reason?
You know why though? Specials for instance, we got so popular and the record companies and everyone wanted to see us. So we was travelling and travelling and we got burnt out. Then when you’re living together like that, you know? Some bands can cope with it... You just end up arguing. It’s like a husbands and wives scenario when you’re on the road. We used to do two shows a day!
Do you think there is such a thing as a musical life-span?
No, not really. If you’re popular you’ll always be popular, from Beethoven straight down. The Rolling Stones for example, people will always remember them and as for Lee Scratch Perry he will always be remembered. Maybe not by massive amounts of people, but his name will always be there, you know?
What’s your secret?
Do you mean why does everybody still like The Specials? Because at the time we were something that people were waiting for. We were singing about social issues. What was affecting us, where we were living, and I guess it touched the nerves of a lot of people in different towns and cities and countries. Plus it’s very powerful music when you’re there live. So you’re there dancing and enjoying yourself and when you get time or when you sit down and chill out you listen to the words, you know?
Do you think that youth is a catalyst for creativity, or does the best music come out of experience?
Experience! I think I’m getting better with doing live stuff because of experience. You need it! When I started I didn’t have experience, I just learnt it over the years. I know much more than I did then.
Do you think that overall the internet has had a positive or a negative effect on the way that people listen to music?
It’s moving with the times innit? I hardly watch stuff on the TV, like MTV and that stuff. If I do watch it, I watch it once a fucking month. I hardly listen to radio. Internet, ha, I’m crap at it, but that’s what the young kids are into nowadays. I’m just an old fogey. I’m not used to the internet to be honest with ya. I know it helps to get your records and your name about. But I have people to do that for me.
Is there anything you feel nostalgia for from pre-internet days?
Erm... when you used to get into a band, you used to know who the fuck they were. You hear a band name now and you haven’t a clue who they are! Everybody sounds the same. Previously, you could tell different bands, I mean, who was who.
Just out of interest what format is most of your music on?
What you trying to say? 45s and LPs, why? Have they changed it now? Buying vinyl used to be nice you know.
If you could make music with absolutely anyone, who would you choose and why?
Oh god, that’s a very difficult one you know. I’ve played with Sly and Robbie. I wanted to play with them. I’ve played on stage with them and they’ve played with me on stage. I’ve done Sting. It’s hard to say, there are so many people I’d love to go on stage with. I would’ve loved to have done it with The Clash, they’re my favourite band of all time.
If there was a nuclear holocaust and you were given the power to save just one city, which one would you choose?
I’d save the place where my mum lives in Jamaica.
What was the last book you read?
It was an Agatha Christie novel. I used to read all of her books.
Is there anything you’d like to say to LeftLion readers?
Come see me play... and check out my new album when it comes out. That’s it!
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