It may be over 15 years since they released their debut album Word Gets Around, but Stereophonics’ new record Graffiti On The Train is proof that they haven’t missed a beat. With plans to tour Australia this month to promote the release, bassist Richard Jones explains why he can’t wait to visit us again.
“Everybody is such great fun down there. Australians enjoy a laugh and really understand sarcasm, so you know you won’t put your foot in it by saying something wrong since everyone’s up for joke.”
With shows almost completely sold out nationwide, it’s clear we still can’t enough of the Wales natives.
Debuting at #3 on the UK albums chart, Graffiti On The Train is their first offering in over three years. This isn’t exactly how Jones measures an album’s success though, “First and foremost we’re all happy with the music we’ve put on it, which is what makes it a success through our eyes. I mean with the crap that’s in the charts at the moment, it’s nice to see some ‘real’ music up there.”
The record was completed in 2012, however there was a key factor in pushing back the release date to early this year. “The Olympics were in London last year and that just sucked up so much of the British media, it would have been absolute suicide for us to release it back then!”
Ten tracks in total, the LP embellishes the flexibility of the group’s songwriting, although Jones is quick to single out ‘Roll The Dice’ as his favourite. “It’s almost like three songs in one. I didn’t know whether it’d work until I heard the strings put in, then it all kind of made sense. It was a very confusing song to put together, however it’s now the most satisfying to both perform and listen back to in my opinion.”
“We’re all happy with [the record]. I mean with the crap that’s in the charts at the moment, it’s nice to see some ‘real’ music up there.”Along with the growth in the alterna-rockers’ sound, there has been a significant change to their line-up. Even though drummer Javier Weyler appears on the latest record, he has since been replaced by former Noisette’s drummer Jamie Morrison.
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As Jones says, “it was necessary for the band’s longevity I think. Basically we thought we couldn’t move forward with Javier having different things going on. So we all sat down, had a heart to heart and came to a decision between the three of us really.” This isn’t to say Weyler is no longer a much-loved member of the Stereophonics family. “We love Javier, he’s a world-class drummer and we wish him all the best with his future projects.”
At the time of this interview Jones definitely has the future on the brain, as he was not only celebrating the success of Graffiti On The Train, but also his 39th birthday. “I’m almost pushing forty-something now which is a little scary.”
Despite his lack of enthusiasm for approaching middle-age, Jones reveals the other Stereophonics boys are always generous with their gift-giving. “They usually shower me with kisses,” he says with laugh. “In all seriousness though, Kelly gave me a guitar for my birthday in 2003 which was pretty great. I mean it was much better than the hangover I received the next morning.”
Another favourite gift of the Welshman was receiving a “bass player hug” from Paul McCartney a few years ago. This may be a lasting memory for the Stereophonics original, but there’s one more man he’d love to hug before he hangs up the boots. “John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin for sure. Bass player wise, to me he’s still got to be one of the best in the world.”
The almost-40-year-old also happens to have shared a record with Sir Paul with Stereophonics having had five consecutive albums debut at #1 on the UK albums chart, putting them them in the same category as the likes of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Oasis. It’s no shock then, that the UK boys have become one of the most celebrated Welsh bands of all time.
“I’ve got a lot more perspective on things now. I’m no longer like a bull in a china shop, I’m more like a bull running crazy through a field.”Of course with success comes many perks, one of which Jones happily describes with tongue in cheek. “I’ve probably seen thousands of boobs from onstage over the years. However I’ve got to admit, women seemed to be a lot more liberal back in the early days, they’ve now become quite reserved,” he jokes.
Now married with kids, many would assume Jones to be the cool, rockstar father-figure, not his kids though “I’m just a pain in the arse to them I think. I mean the kids at school all say to them ‘wow your dad’s a rockstar!’ but my kids just say ‘no he’s not he’s just a grumpy old bastard!”
It’s no secret though that Jones is a devoted family man, which has helped him to not only mature as a person, but also as a musician. “I’d say I’ve got a lot more perspective on things now. I’m no longer like a bull in a china shop, I’m more like a bull running crazy through a field.”
This focus has culminated in release, and now world tour of Graffiti On The Train, and while the four-piece have played some of the largest festivals in the world, they aren’t shy about making the odd TV appearance or two as well. Discussing a recent performance on popular UK music program Later With Jools Holland, Jones says experience doesn’t always eliminate pre-gig nerves. “Usually the nerves come from hoping that none of your gear breaks down. I know the band can perform and that nobody is going to mess up, it’s just the little things that are out of your hands that I tend to worry about.”
One of the most iconic gigs Jones can remember playing is the LIVE 8 concert in 2005, which he also believes to be the most nerve-racking set of his career. “The pressure came when they told us that roughly three billion people would be watching worldwide. I wished they’d just said it was a gig in Hyde Park and left it at that!”
So with the Australian leg of the tour just weeks away, a follow up record to Graffiti On The Train in the works and a seemingly endless resume of success, Jones just has one final piece of advice for any aspiring musician. “Don’t ever try to be something you know you’re not. Experiment by all means, but stay true to yourself. That is the key.”
Stereophonics 2013 Australin Tour Dates
with special guests Atlas Genius
Tickets On Sale Now!
Thursday July 18 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney – SOLD OUT
Friday July 19 – The HiFi Bar, Brisbane – SOLD OUT
Sunday July 21 – The Palace, Melbourne – SOLD OUT
Tuesday July 23 – The Palace, Melbourne – NEW DATE ADDED
Thursday July 25 – Metro City, Perth – CHANGE OF DATE
