15 February 2017 (released)
18 February 2017
After T.Rextasy’s much applauded ‘Marc Bolan 40th Commemorative Anniversary Tour’ gig at the King’s Theatre, Music-News on/off reviewer Claudia A. caught up with the band for some exciting news.
T.Rextasy’s irrepressible enthusiasm as well as their on-going popularity and down-to-earth friendliness never seize to amaze. What am I saying, the band seems to go stronger and stronger every time I catch up with them. Indeed, the year has barely started and frontman Danielz has already scored a big triumph with the upcoming ‘Marc Bolan 40th Anniversary Extravaganza’ at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire on September 15th – an event that promises many special guests including Marc Almond (who will be co-hosting), Holly Johnson and Tony Visconti to name but a few.
Music-News:
Danielz, would you like to share some thoughts on tonight’s gig with our readers?
Danielz:
God yeah, forty years Marc Bolan Anniversary… missing Marc every single day! Tonight was amazing considering that it was a Wednesday night in Glasgow… people had worked yesterday, they had worked today and they are going to work tomorrow and yet, there were still over 500 people that came out to see us!
Music-News:
John, anything you would like to add?
John Skelton:
Yeah, 2017 is the best year we’ve had really (Danielz barges in, laughing: “John what are you saying… we’re only in February!”). We’ve been working really hard since the beginning of the New Year, we got the busiest tour and we haven’t worked so hard ever! I mean, just look at all the gigs we got booked for this year – it’s the strongest it’s ever been! AND, the majority of all the theatres we’re playing are selling out as well and the fan base is really coming on this year!
Music-News:
Rob, the last time I came to interview the band, which was two years ago at the Glasgow Pavilion, you were the new band member… I take it you’re part of the family now?
Rob Butterfield:
Haha, yes I’m definitely part of the family now. You know, playing with T.Rextasy is alright… Only kidding, it’s wonderful! I really get such a buzz out of it and it’s the best job in world, if you can call it a job! For me it’s more like a hobby.
Music-News:
Neil, every time I meet you guys backstage I see you scoffing down a sandwich… tell me, what’s you favourite sandwich combo then?
Neil Cross:
Well… hmmm… (The band offer to help out: “Come on Neil, tell her about your cooking”). Yes, I’m now the gourmet tour chef so to speak and I do proper hot cooking. I’ll bring hot plates and saucepans and stuff and then go out shopping. I cook pasta or chilli or something like that but all vegetarian food.
Music-News:
So are you all vegetarians then?
Band:
I think the more appropriate term is ‘meat reducers’ haha. As mentioned before we have so many gigs booked this year – the strongest year this band has ever had in terms of gigs - so it’s really important to eat a healthy and balanced diet.
Danielz:
Yes, that’s why Neil has taken on the additional ‘job’ as a chef and he makes lovely meals every day, not just for the band but also for the road crew and the PA guys as well.
Music-News:
You guys are doing a big event this coming September at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire…
Danielz:
That’s true but it’s probably the last ever really big ‘Marc Bolan Anniversary’-related event we’ll be doing. Reason being that it’s now forty years since Marc’s passing and all the people who were involved with Marc back in the day, like Tony Visconti for example, are getting older too, you know. Tony is now in his early seventies and he’s already said that he would love to do this event, for which he’s especially flying over from New York. He’s going to conduct a string quartet for us as well. So of course, ten years on from the 40th Anniversary event in September, Tony reckons he won’t be in a fit enough state anymore to participate in such gigs and the same goes for some others who collaborated with Marc back in the 1970’s. So yeah, for that reason alone I think it will be the last ever big Marc Bolan/T.Rex related special event. That said, we are willing to step back and be the house-band, so strictly speaking it’s not a T.Rextasy gig but a celebration of Marc Bolan’s music. And yes, although it’s only just February way over 1,000 tickets have been sold already!
Music-News:
Many thanks for the interview guys, as ever it was a real pleasure hooking up with you and all the best for 2017!
(Please read my gig review in the LIVE GIGS section)
