Focus Bluebird Kid Clark

Article by Severine

Whilst Bono changes the world by superhuman brain power and hypnotic sunglasses, Manchester's beloved Bluebird Kid Clark are going to try to do it by growing moustaches. As of November 1st, the band are not going to shave their moustaches for a full month in aid of prostate cancer--meaning that when they play their next gig at The Aftershow, Sankey's Soap on the 29th of November they will be a moustachioed tour de force, a la George Harrison circa 1969. Who knows maybe they'll even be a permanent fixture?

To promote this event, We7 asked Rob some questions about the band, their music and their plans for the future.

The interview

You decided to participate in the month of "Movember" for the Prostate Cancer Charity and at We7 we do support your involvement. But how does it feel to increasingly look like George Harrison?

Sergeant Pepper era Harrison is never a bad thing. Only problem is, we're slightly in danger of looking like the 118 guys.

You just released your first album. How does it feel? What was your best moment since then?

It feels so good to have something concrete down on record. We have so many different song ideas; we'd live in the studio if we could! Since releasing the album we've been busy, a real highlight was the Glastonbury weekend - we travelled down and played T4's popworld and then went straight on to play Glastonbury.

How did you guys meet?

All of us are from Stalybridge so we've sort of grown up together. Dave and Rob are brothers; Rob met Sion in a band called The Rio 6 whilst Dave and Tim were in a band called the Pedestrians. The two bands split up and the four of us joined forces to be Bluebird Kid Clark.

You all have been part of two different bands that merged to form Bluebird Kid Clark. How would you describe this new adventure? Was it a difficult process to start up a new band- or did it feel quite natural?

We got the odd comment like "which one of you is the front man?" as we're a band with two strong characters up front but as we played more that went away - think our sound and dynamic just fell into place. All four of us write so the majority of the time we're just trying to keep up with how much material we've got. The music is what we're all in it for and there's no shortage of that - we're fortunate enough to have found four guys who are into the same thing and on the same wavelength.

Where does the name "Bluebird Kid Clark" come from?

From the depths of Sion's twisted head. He has a Bluebird tattooed on his arm and the rest is a mystery…

What are your major influences?

Anything with good melodies really. We love The Beatles, Small Faces, Johnny Cash, Walt Disney…

Who would you like to meet and play with?

We'd love to meet Paul McCartney, although he may mistake us for George. And we'd like to tour with The Coral, can imagine they'd be a great band to tour with.

Do you have any gigs planned in UK?

Our next gig is "The Aftershow" at Sankeys in Manchester on 29th November. It's a night that Danny from Embrace has set up, it's guest list only so if anyone fancies it then jump on our MySpace to let us know and we'll stick you down.

We're supporting Gerry and the Pacemakers at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall early next year but the date isn't set yet so watch this space…

How do you see yourselves in 10 years?

With very big moustaches, and hopefully plenty of good albums under our belt. We want to go on tour with a Circus, be travelers for a while and entertain the masses under a tatty Big Top with fire breathers and the like.

What's next for BKC?

World domination. This time next year Rodney we'll be millionaires.

 

To support the Bluebirds in their endeavours, simply go to www.movember.com/uk/donate enter the Bluebird Kid Clark registration number (119696) and follow up with your credit card details. Donations can also be by cheque made payable to "The Prostate Cancer Charity" clearly marking the donation as being for Registration Number: 119696, and mailed to: The Prostate Cancer Charity, ATT: Movember, First Floor, Cambridge House, 100 Cambridge Grove, Hammersmith, London W6 0LE.