Stranglers on the March again
The punk legends are celebrating 45 years since their first gig. MARTIN HUTCHINSON talks to founder JJ Burnel
THE month of March means one thing to fans of The Stranglers – their annual UK tour. And this year is no different with The Meninblack undertaking a 19-date tour of the UK and Ireland during the month (OK, the first date is in February, but who’s counting?)
Co-founder and bassist JJ Burnel says: “We did a March tour about eight or nine years ago and it worked for us. It seems like people start to go out again in March after all the conflab of Christmas.”
“It’s now become a traditional tour, whether we have an album out or not. It seems to be symbiotic with the fans – and other bands have started doing it, too.”
He says that all is well within the band.
“We’ve been working on lots of new stuff. There are about six or seven pieces and we might do three or four each night on the tour. The songs are still developing, but our mojo is definitely back.”
The Stranglers have no shortage of material to choose from with hits like Peaches, No More Heroes, Duchess, Five Minutes and Golden Brown, as well as tracks from their 17 studio albums.
This spring sees the release of a documentary film about the band.
“During April there will be some special screenings all over the place – not just the UK,’’ says JJ. ‘‘The film will be shown, followed by a Q&A with the director and in some places Jet Black and maybe one or two of the band.
“To be honest, I haven’t seen it yet. I don’t want to have any commentary on it or have any influence on the finished film. I hope it’s gonna be ‘warts and all’, and I certainly don’t album since 1984. A personal, story-driven record based on Shaky’s ancestors, it received critical acclaim for its bold change in style.
The denim and white boots went long ago, it’s all about the music, whether it be hits or the newer tracks, and in the Echoes Of Our Times album it was a rootsy and gritty guitar sound that felt like an homage to the dirty Americana of late Johnny Cash records.
“People must have been able to relate to the stories and enjoyed the different style on the album. It also want it to be a propaganda film.”
He continues: “Once it’s been released, it’ll be entered into some music film festivals. Apparently, it’s not been a ‘cheap’ exercise either. The most expense has been acquiring old footage – some people charge around $20 a second!”
Jet Black, the band’s co-founder and original drummer, is now approaching his 81st birthday, and hasn’t appeared with the band since 2015.
“His health’s not great,” explains JJ. “But he’s still an active member of the band behind the scenes.
The band will be presenting an award to the 400-year-old Star Inn in Guildford where, on December 21 1974, the newly-formed Stranglers played their first live concert.
The Performing Rights Society Music Heritage Awards are given to live music venues across the UK that helped to create music history, by giving now-famous acts their first ever gig.
“We’ll all be there and play three or let me explore more musically and lyrically which I enjoyed.”
Not one to rest on his laurels, he’s already working on a follow up to Echoes Of Our Times which will “keep on with the rootsy style”, Shaky says. “It suits and it’s a move forward for me. We recorded songs at the same times as Echoes so we’ve got stuff there to look at that could fit in. I’ve got a lot, lot more to give yet.”
Shakin’ Stevens is at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, on March 5.
four acoustic numbers,” says JJ.
“I got really interested in the event when I heard that some developer was building nearby and had applied for a noise abatement notice to stop the pub playing music.
“What these people forget is that live events produce so much income. It’s not just kids making a loud noise – they are the potential music stars of the future.”
The band are celebrating 45 years in the business this year. Does JJ feel pride or amazement that they’ve lasted this long?
“Both actually. We have worked hard at it and kept going when others gave up. We’re still one of the hardest working bands around and I challenge anyone to come up with a comparable discography.
“We’ve never repeated ourselves. It’s all about creativity and believing in what we do.”
The Stranglers play the O2 Academy, Birmingham, on Saturday March 16.