The Wildhearts have had a fluctuating career marked by numerous peaks and valleys. The English band formed towards the end of the “hair metal” era, released their debut full-length (Earth Vs The Wildhearts) in 1993, and re-formed last year with plans for a new album, due in April of this year. However, their mainstay has always been straight up rock n’ roll, highlighted by the talent, and antics of lead singer, Ginger. Formerly of the (London) Quireboys (some of us might still remember the forgotten anthem “7 O’Clock”), and currently also pursuing solo ambitions, we caught up with Ginger to quiz him on the past, present and future.

Share a story about a visit to Austin or a previous trip to SXSW.

The first time I played Austin, at Stubb’s BBQ, I was in a really pissed off mood. Some guy approached me after the show and called me an asshole. I’m English, and have very little patience when it comes to insults so I punched him, and we were both kicked out of the bar. I went back to the tour bus to calm down and an hour later decided to go see if the tattooist was still open. On walking down the street I saw, in the distance, someone who looked like the guy who had previously insulted me. On running towards him, and seeing that it was indeed my foe, I proceeded to chase him around a large tree, throwing lefts until I could get a good right in and knock him out. As soon as I got to the position where I could land a lovely right hook my punch was intercepted by the same guy who threw us out of the club. A classic interception, too, beautifully executed. Even got me back in the bar and bought me a beer. I have never before, or since, met such a cool bouncer. Shame tho’…that was going to be a beautiful punch.

I recorded my first solo album ‘Valor Del Corazon’, at Willie Nelson’s studio, Pedernales, in Austin.
On walking in I spotted, among the many pictures on the wall, a photo of Willie and a very friendly looking guy who I was looking forward to meeting. During the session increasingly strange paranormal phenomenon started to happen, culminating in an unmistakable banging and swinging of a coat that had been hanging in the studio.

Our session piano player later asked if I’d met Bucky, the ghost. On replying to the affirmative he remarked that this must be a good session as Bucky only shows up during the recording of great albums. Bucky was Willie’s assistant who died five years previously. A well loved guy and a great musician. On leaving the studio, after completing the recording, I asked Rusty, the new assistant, who the guy in the picture I saw when I first arrived. The picture was of Willie and Bucky.

Is SXSW fun or business?

The most fun you can have doing business.

Is it still fun to play live if the audience is 95% industry?

Yeah, if they stump up the cash for distributing our album. It’s always fun to deafen people, especially industry people.

What’s your favorite song on the new record? Why?

“Rooting For The Bad Guy”: It is the first song on the album and it’s nine minutes of sonic assault and battery, with some cool melodies and some awesome riffing.

Is there an album an ex ruined for you that you’ll never be able to reclaim?

Every great CD of mine is ruined as my ex was incapable of putting CD’s back into their cases.

Name one record that has influenced you (musically, or otherwise) the most.

Ramones: Rocket To Russia, because it is perfect in every way.

If you could open for any artist living or dead, in any era of their career, who would it be?

The (Rolling) Stones, any period of their career.

What album of 2006 can you not leave at home?

Mastodon: Blood Mountain

Who are you most excited to see play at SXSW?

Dunno who’s playing yet. Tell me. I’m looking forward to The Wildhearts as I hear they are shit hot.

What’s your mode of transportation for the week going to be? Tell us about your van, car, caravan, bus or donkey.

We are playing NYC, Rebel, on March 10th then hiring two Winnebagos and driving to Austin. It’s a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to drive a Winnebago and I’ve always wanted to drive from New York to Texas.

Pitchfork: Do you even read it?

Nope. Should I?

How do your parents describe your music to people?

My mother tells people that I’m the most talented human being alive. My father won’t even acknowledge liking my music.

What do you never want to see inside a tortilla?

Coriander. I fucking hate coriander.

BBQ or Tacos? Margaritas or beer? Parties or distro deal?

BBQ, Margaritas (extra salt)…and believe me I’ll be partying when I get US distribution.

Is rock and roll dead?

Of course not. That’s like asking if fun is dead or girls are out of fashion.

Is there such a thing as rock n roll anymore?

Yes, you are talking to it.

The Wildhearts: [official site] [myspace]

Appearing at SXSW at an undisclosed time in an undisclosed location.

Photo from The Wildhearts’ MySpace, Author Unknown.