Sometimes amidst all the genres and descriptions it’s just rock and roll.
Meet The Rockerati, a Pub Rock supergroup of sorts featuring David McCarthy (IDC/Salford Sorcerers) and Michael Horsham (Tomato/Johnny Conquest) sharing vocals as well as lead, rhythm and bass guitar duties and Justin Welch (Elastica/Suede/Lush) on drums.
They’ve just released a new single – “16 Tons” and even though their output is small at the moment, the sounds are huge!
If you’ve ever gotten a head rush from listening to Nick Lowe’s “Pure Pop For Now People” or Rockpile’s “Seconds of Pleasure” you’ll be salivating for more.
Give us a short version of the bands’ history.
Michael:
Long gestation, quick birth.
David:
The spirit of rock’n’roll comes through the ages, even before it was called that… we share a love of that essence, and are big fans of it as was epitomised by the thing Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe did live called Rockpile in the late 70’s. We realised no one was doing anything close these days… so here we are…
Tell us about your hometown scene and how the band fit into the scene…
David:
We’re spread around a few towns and cities in England, so it’s more a case of the whole country being our home scene. And to be honest here in the UK there’s not much to fit into for a band like us who are playing music true to the original spirit of rock’n’roll… so we’re outsiders, outliers, out-of-timers…
Michael:
London is less musical than it used to be, but if you burrow beneath the surface there are still some bars and pubs that dedicate themselves to the musical forms we love.
What inspires you lyrically….
Michael:
Rhyme.
David:
Probably the same things that have done for many favourite songwriters – the way that people interact with each other, how that changes and why it changes. And working out how to have a good time!
Describe your sound as a cocktail – what would it be called and what would be in it?
Michael:
Gin and It. What is it? No-one knows, but you know it when it’s there.
If you could pick any time and place to travel back to for music, where would you go and what year would it be….?
David:
Tough call, but seeing The Beatles in the Cavern in Liverpool after Ringo joined in 62 would have to be up there on any list.
Michael:
Last week. I was in Portland. It was humming.
If you could tour with any band/artist right now who would that be and why?
David:
Liam Gallagher, because the band he’s got right now are a great little rock’n’roll unit but could do with being blown away by their support band night after night…
Give us your 10 song playlist for the tour van/bus/plane?
‘It’s My Own Business’ – Dave Edmunds
‘Leave My Kitten Alone’ – The Beatles
‘California Man’ – The Move
‘Greedy Soul’ – Liam Gallagher
‘Did you No Wrong’ – Sex Pistols
‘Pool Hall Richard’ – The Faces
‘Hound Dog’ – Elvis Presley
‘Caroline’ – Status Quo
‘Blue Collar Jane’ – The Strypes
‘They Called It Rock’ – Rockpile
A song you wish you wrote….
Michael:
Chuck Berry’s “Memphis Tennessee” – 2 chords. Great tune.
Give us two essential books to read.
Michael:
‘The Incredible Adventures of Kavalier and Klay’ by Michael Chabon
David:
‘Can’t Stand Up For Falling Down – Rock’n’Roll War Stories’ by Allan Jones
When you’re not playing and have some time off, where could we find you…
Michael:
Playing probably!
What’s up for the rest of 2017/18?
David:
We’re currently finishing the recording of our first album, then in December we’re in rehearsals and subsequently will be releasing music and going out live throughout 2018. Who knows what might happen then… 😉
