‘Worrying about money never helps things’
JERRY FISH is the lead singer of the Dublin alternative rock band, An Emotional Fish. He is also founder of the band, Jerry Fish and the Mudbug Club. For the past five years, he has curated and hosted a stage at the Electric Picnic called The Jerry Fish Electric Sideshow.
Emotional Fish broke up in 1995 but have reformed to play Feile Classical in Semple Stadium on September 21 and 22. Tickets can be bought at ticketmaster.ie. For more information on Jerry Fish, visit jerry-fish.com.
What’s the most important lesson about money which your career as a musician has taught you? Working as a musician offers very little financial security. But if you’re passionate about something, Lady Luck winks at you every now and then. Money comes and money goes, worrying about it never helps the situation.
What’s your favourite song about money? If I Were a Rich Man from Fiddler on the Roof.
What’s the most expensive country you have ever visited? I used to gasp at prices in Paris or Stockholm. I was surprised recently at how expensive New York City has become. These days, I would have to say that Ireland is one of the most expensive places to visit.
What’s the most you’ve ever spent on musical equipment? I bought a home studio which at the time cost an arm and a leg, and now is worth a fraction of the price.
Apart from property, what’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought? Motor cars, I guess. Not that I drive expensive cars — it’s just that cars are expensive to drive and to run. Children are expensive too — but sure, aren’t they worth it?
What was your worst job? Working overnight from midnight to 8am painting the lines in car parks in Dublin City, denoting where a driver should park their car. I never take for granted what people have to do to make a living so the rest of us can live relatively carefree lives.
What was your biggest financial mistake? Divorce.
What was your best financial killing? I am lucky in life, I have lost everything more than once and now I’m back on my feet. I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, people that I love and people that love me.
Are you better off than your parents? Financially, probably — but they have given me so much more than money can buy, and continue to support me and my family through thick and thin.
What’s the best advice you ever got about money? “Give a penny, keep a penny.” My mother says this and I think it was passed down from my grandmother. I am generous and feel good if I can help someone out, but you must keep something for yourself. It’s like love: if you don’t love yourself, how can you love anyone else?
iTunes or Spotify? I find iTunes better.
What was the last thing you bought online? Tinsel — I throw a lot of parties!
Would you buy property now? Yes, I would love a place in Dublin by the sea. I miss the cockles and mussels.
Do you ever haggle? If so, what’s the best deal you ever got haggling? Yes, I love a little haggle. I spent some time in my youth with the Bedouin tribe in the Sinai Peninsula and I love the fun they have haggling with each other.
What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt? Music, love and laughter.