Post by ME Forum Master on Aug 17, 2010 15:37:48 GMT
I had the opportunity to link up with Roy Martin, the Modern English drummer from 1986-1990, via email and sent him rather a long list of questions which he answered really quickly. The first set of questions were on the Stop Start tour (answers below) and the second set of questions were on the recording and tour of Pillow Lips (which you can view here imeltwithyou.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=pillowlips&thread=91 )
Email Interview of Roy Martin – Modern English drummer 1986-1990
Stop Start Tour
1. How did you get involved in the band?
Answer: I was living in New York and the bands managers at the time Side One Mgmt also managed The Icicle Works and when they needed a drummer for the Stop Start tour in the USA they asked the guys in the Icicle Works if they knew anyone and my name came up. As I was already living in New York is was very convenient.
2. What was it like being the only Scouser among a group of Essex boys?
Answer: It was fine we all got along straight away. I always had a great time with the band.
3. Do you remember much about the rehearsals before the ‘Stop Start’ tour of 1986, like where did they happen and how was the set list decided on?
Answer: We rehearsed in Jacksonville Beach in a club for a week or so I think. I met the guys for the 1st time at the airport in New York and we flew down to Florida to start rehearsing the next day. I presume the guys (Rob, Gary, Mick and Aaron) chose the set list.
4. What sort of reception did the band get in the US?
Answer: It was fantastic. Some cities bigger than others, but there were stage invasions and I remember being in a car with Robbie leaving one venue and a girl throwing herself on the car and had her fingers through a gap in the window. As the car sped up she let go in time or she could have been really injured. Wherever we went the reaction was manic.
5. How long was the US tour and do you know if there are records of the dates and venues?
Answer: I remember it was around 90 dates in just over 3 months, but I don’t have a record of the actual itinerary.
6. You mentioned that you had seen a video of one of the concerts. Can you give me anymore details on it?
Answer: Just that it was on CCTV (College TV) and it looked really good. We had a copy on the bus during the tour but I didn’t see it again.
7. Mick and Robbie have mentioned that their relationship with their label (Sire) wasn’t very good. What was your experience of this?
Answer: I didn’t get involved in any of that, but I could pick up on the fact that it was nearing its end at that point.
8. The band basically disbanded after the tour. Did you get the feeling this would happen?
Answer: NO not during the tour, everyone seemed to be having a fine time. The business side of things made it difficult though I think.
Roy Martin
Email Interview of Roy Martin – Modern English drummer 1986-1990
Stop Start Tour
1. How did you get involved in the band?
Answer: I was living in New York and the bands managers at the time Side One Mgmt also managed The Icicle Works and when they needed a drummer for the Stop Start tour in the USA they asked the guys in the Icicle Works if they knew anyone and my name came up. As I was already living in New York is was very convenient.
2. What was it like being the only Scouser among a group of Essex boys?
Answer: It was fine we all got along straight away. I always had a great time with the band.
3. Do you remember much about the rehearsals before the ‘Stop Start’ tour of 1986, like where did they happen and how was the set list decided on?
Answer: We rehearsed in Jacksonville Beach in a club for a week or so I think. I met the guys for the 1st time at the airport in New York and we flew down to Florida to start rehearsing the next day. I presume the guys (Rob, Gary, Mick and Aaron) chose the set list.
4. What sort of reception did the band get in the US?
Answer: It was fantastic. Some cities bigger than others, but there were stage invasions and I remember being in a car with Robbie leaving one venue and a girl throwing herself on the car and had her fingers through a gap in the window. As the car sped up she let go in time or she could have been really injured. Wherever we went the reaction was manic.
5. How long was the US tour and do you know if there are records of the dates and venues?
Answer: I remember it was around 90 dates in just over 3 months, but I don’t have a record of the actual itinerary.
6. You mentioned that you had seen a video of one of the concerts. Can you give me anymore details on it?
Answer: Just that it was on CCTV (College TV) and it looked really good. We had a copy on the bus during the tour but I didn’t see it again.
7. Mick and Robbie have mentioned that their relationship with their label (Sire) wasn’t very good. What was your experience of this?
Answer: I didn’t get involved in any of that, but I could pick up on the fact that it was nearing its end at that point.
8. The band basically disbanded after the tour. Did you get the feeling this would happen?
Answer: NO not during the tour, everyone seemed to be having a fine time. The business side of things made it difficult though I think.
Roy Martin
