INTERVIEWS

Interview January 2018 - Biff, Captain Poon, Raldo and Danny talking about the reunion and future plans

What was it that turned you on to this great decision of reuniting Gluecifer?

Captain Poon: I don’t know exactly what it was, but Danny and me had started talking again after a long period of silence between us. He expressed some sort of eagerness to call in for a little Gluecifer get together. My expectations were non-existent concerning a reunion whatsoever, but to meet the guys was something I had wanted to do for a long time already.

Anyway, we met up and clicked instantly. Sitting down with these guys for the first time in twelve years was nothing but fun, and the vibe was really cool. We discussed the possibility of bringing those good vibrations into a rehearsal room, and so we did shortly after.

It became obvious that these songs are somehow stuck in our DNA, and playing them again was a blast. Further steps into some sort of masterplan was never taken. We only confirmed an appearance at what I consider the coolest rock festival in Europe, Azkena Rock in the Basque country, Spain.

After this one was confirmed our brand name picked up pace, and we got offers from pretty much everywhere we had left footprints in the past. The whole thing at this point is just a nice little bowl of joy, and I’m pretty sure this will shine through to everyone coming out to see us in 2018.

Danny: Well, we decided to meet up and discuss it, to either put the whole thing to rest and not do a reunion or to at least consider it, maybe try a rehearsal or two and see if there was anything we could actually pull off.

We met at a very strange location, a restaurant where mostly old people go that was a little bit out of the Oslo centre. This because Oslo is a pretty small place & we didn’t want to meet someone that we know who could start a rumour before we even had decided what we wanted to do. We wanted to keep this a secret until we announced it. There was a really good vibe when we met so we decided to try playing to see if it would sound good.

Raldo: I'm not a 100% sure, but Danny took the initiative to a meeting with the four of us in mid-October. We've all received a lot of offers from different festivals, but we always turned them down. I guess the idea was to meet and discuss whether we should bury this once and for all. The reunion was so amicable that we decided on the opposite, and planned a rehearsal instead.

Biff: Suddenly the time was right for us. Seems like it was a good time for people out there too.

How does the idea of playing live again make you feel?

Biff: I am very excited about playing live again.

Captain Poon: It makes me feel really excited and happy. Like I said, I never expected to play these songs again, but they represent a big part of my life so it feels good to bring them back and give them the treatment they deserve.

Raldo: It makes me feel energized and alert. I really look forward to it.

Danny: Very good, a little nervous of course, the pressure is on, but we know we can pull it off. We need to get back into the live zone, and I personally need to build up my live stamina, playing four songs in row now I can do fairly easily, but playing more than one hour straight with only very short breaks in between the songs will make me pretty exhausted. I am looking forward to getting to where I have the energy to put my full focus into playing a solid live performance.

What´s been your main occupation throughout the last twelve years since Gluecifer broke up?

Biff: I work as a journalist.

Captain Poon: I have been touring and recording a lot with my band Bloodlights. We have released four albums, and several EP’s and singles throughout the years. This band hasn’t really been picked up by a bigger audience, but we’ve done a lot of great rock music that I’m proud of. I never played music for the fame and fortune anyway, so Gluecifer is more of an unexpected bonus. I’ve also improved my cooking skills radically through a part-time job I do as a chef. Life is pretty good these days, much better than they used to be.

Raldo: I worked freelance as an art handler, producer and musician. Since 2010 Danny and I played in a band called Smoke Mohawk (We released 2 albums: „The Dogs Are Turning Red“ and „Viva El Heavy Man“. Since 2013 I've worked at the National Museum in Oslo.

Danny: Well, I have done different things. I have toured with Bela B. as his live drummer for his first two solo albums. That was really fun & I also made a lot of new friends in Germany. I’m still in touch with Bela & we try to meet whenever we get the time. I am very fond of Bela, he is a great friend and a he is truely passionate for his music & his acting. What a talent! I have had two different radio shows on two different stations in Norway and tried my luck at studying journalism, however I fell off when trying to write assignments & exam while touring with Bela. Studying while touring is not something I could pull off... Hahahahaha!

I have two wonderful daughters, living with my family right outside of Oslo and I have a steady day job at Carlings, the largest Jeans retail chain store in Northern Europe. I work in the Marketing Department there. Also we still have the band Smoke Mohawk, together with Raldo, we just haven’t done anything in a while.

Can we expect any new material from a resurrected Gluecifer?

Biff: So far no plans for that.

Raldo: At this stage – No.

Danny: I really doubt that, we haven’t said we will never ever do that, but we have not discussed doing anything like it.

Personally I could see us maybe recording a couple of cool cover songs some time, but I haven’t spoken with the other guys about that. I think we need to focus on becoming a live band again & then see if we have the time & energy to do anything else.

We all have day jobs and three of us have families so there is a limit to how much time we can spend on writing, rehearsing & recording new material.

Interview with Raldo Useless (07.12.2005)

When did you first recognize that making records and touring with Gluecifer isn't the thing you want to do in the future?

Raldo: A while into the year off I discovered that the drive to write and record a new Gluecifer album had vanished. I gave it a lot of thought and came to the conclusion that I didn't have the dedication that is needed to back up a new album, with the tours and all. It was a tough call to make, but after a lot of consideration I felt it was the right decision for me.

We had the impression that you were really enjoying the Farewell Tour. How did it feel for you to be on tour with Gluecifer for the last time?

Raldo: You are definitely right there. I was enjoying it very much, and I strongly feel that we played some of our best gigs. There were some very touching moments when we saw the emotional reactions from the crowd.

On one hand it was strange knowing that this would be the last time I was going to play these songs with the guys I had played with for 9 years.

At that time I didn't give it a lot of thought, but when I saw the documentary on TV it became pretty overwhelming.

Do you have an idea what your musical future will look like? Is there anything you would like to do which wasn't possible with Gluecifer?

Raldo: I don't have any specific plans musicwise except that I know I will continue to play and record in some sort of fashion. I will be playing a couple of shows in Germany in January with a band called Cloroform (http://www.cloroform.com) and I have co-produced a record with a band called Benea Reach which will be out in April '06.

Apart from that I will be tinkering with music on a home basis and work in an independent record company called Tuba Records.

Interview with Biff Malibu (04.12.2005)

How did you feel when you had to tell the others that you don’t want to be a part of Gluecifer anymore?

Biff: I felt sad, but still it was something that I knew I had to tell the others as soon as I had made my mind up. It was a weird situation going to meet the others when I knew that in a few hours Gluecifer would be no more.

However I have to say that I am pretty amazed by how large the other guys were in delaying with the break-up, and I'm also very happy that we came out of this thing with our friendship intact.

The fans have always been very enthusiastic during the 'Farewell Tour'. People were screaming for Gluecifer, they threw roses on stage and some of them even cried. How did you feel in these moments?

Biff: The whole last tour was great. The crying and roses made me feel a little awkward, but maybe that was because I was slightly touched by the emotions people showed us. I hope we gave everybody who came to see us on the last tour a great night. It felt that way for us at least.

Your book '101' about last year’s tour was just released in Norway. Are you thinking about other non-musical projects like that?

Biff: Not really. It was fun writing the book, but I have no plans to do a new one anytime soon.

Interview with Danny Young (02.12.2005)

How did you feel during the “Farewell Tour“? And how does it feel now to know that it was the very last tour together with Gluecifer?

Danny: It felt good & sad to do our very last tour ever. The sad part is quite obvious being the very last time we tour together as Gluecifer & seeing all the people who showed up for our last shows crying and all that.

But that was also the beauty of it. Seeing that what we've done the last 11 years has actually meant something to so many people is quite an achievement. We've been so lucky to have so many fans out there, it's good to have been a part of it all. Another thing is that we actually broke up as friends so we could go out & do the farewell tour, not many bands who break up get to do that because usually they just hate eachothers guts & don't ever wanna see eachother again.

You are still doing the drum school in Los Angeles. Can you tell us a bit about your everyday life there and what you have already learned?

Danny: I'm actually sitting here at school right now writing this e-mail. I go to MI (Musicians Institute) in Hollywood taking drum lessons. I've been here since mid june & I'm going back to Oslo for Christmas for good.
Life is pretty good in LA, I get up almost every day & go to school. I have some very nice friends out here & we go to the local bars & hang out. Right now my good friend Thomas (vocalist for Norwegian spacerock band WE) is visiting me here & we are having a great time hanging out in Hollywood.

About school: I've learned alot, mostly I've become aware of how much I don't know but I've learned more about dynamics, technics & jazz styles.It's been really fun & educational...sorta like edutainment or entercation...to put it the American way.

What would you like to do in the future?

Danny: I will definetly play music (I'm guessing drums). I really don't know what, where, when or how but I'm not rushing it to find out.

I'll just have to sit patiently by the phone & wait for someone to call & hopefully it's gonna be something that suits me. I'm not gonna start a new band on my own right now, just gonna play with established bands/artists who need a drummer. I have been dreaming about doing an all drum based project in the future, preferrably some kind of recording, but nothing in the works as we speak.

Interview with Stu Manx (22.11.2005)

You have been on tour with Gluecifer almost the whole last year. Did it ever come to your mind during this time that Biff and Raldo maybe want to quit?

Stu: Well when we sat down planning where/what/when to tour after the release of ''Auto Thrill'' we all were pretty clear on the fact that this time we really wanted to work our asses of. You know playing all of europe again and hopefully tour America, Japan and Austrailia, but as time went on the whole thing fell through because of many reasons so we decided that we would do the headliner tour with Bonk and Cpt. Murphy in europe and if nothing happened during the last month regarding the U.S. We should take a break for a while. I can‘t say I was supprised about Biff and Raldo's decision but I must say I was a bit sad. I really do respect those guy's wish and I've been so lucky to have been in a band with those talented minds and I really gonna miss them. ''Love you guys!''

What was different for you on the “Farewell Tour“ when you compare it to the other tours the years before?

Stu: Well, the fact that every night is the last show in that city was pretty weird, but it made me even loosen up a bit. He He He maybe because I did get a little bit more drunk before the shows! I really had a great time on this tour and I will miss the fans a lot!

You are involved in several projects right now. What are your plans with these bands in the nearer future?

Stu: We've started writing songs with the 3856 which is more or less the same style as the Glue, and I have also joined a trash-metal band with no name yet who features among others members from Mohammed, Gorgoroth and others! This is really evil shit my friends!!! ''ME LIKE EVIL''!!!!!!!! I have also a disc coming out soon with a band called The Incubators where also Raldo is playing the guitars.

Interview with Captain Poon (21.11.2005)

It's great that the fans had the chance to say goodbye during the "Farewell Tour". What are your feelings now after the tour? Is it easier to accept that Gluecifer are history now or is it even harder to know that you will never be on stage again together?

Captain Poon: Right now I have no problems with the break up whatsoever. We did the last shows mainly for the fans, but luckily it turned out to be the best way for any band to end the career.

Looking at the fans it felt kinda sad at times, but then you have to get your head straight and think of the reason why the band is about to stop existing.
In this case it was simply because two of the members didn’t wanna do this anymore. What could be worse than wasting your time on people who doesn’t have anything more to give?
I’d be a big liar if I said I wasn’t sad and frustrated to begin with when the message came along, but that belongs to the past. No matter what, the only correct decision was to go seperate ways, and I’m just looking forward to get my ass back on track and be able to keep on doing the only thing that matters in my life, to play Rock’n’Roll!

Probably every Gluecifer fan is waiting for upcoming releases. It seems to be sure that you will release something like a 'Best Of' - CD containing rare songs. The amazing show in Oslo was filmed and we are of the opinion it just has to be released! So are there any plans of another live - DVD or a live - CD?

Captain Poon: Well, I don’t think anyone would be disappointed with the upcoming release. I’m trying to figure out the best way to put it together. Nothing is certain yet, but I’m pretty sure it’s gonna a “Best Of“ with handpicked songs from each album, and a bonusdisc with stuff only consumed so far by the vinylfreaks who knew about the band when we were still a well kept secret.
As far as the Oslo show goes, hell yeah it’s gotta come out one way or the other, it was a great show and the footage I’ve seen so far looks really good.

You have already talked about a new band, that you maybe want to record new songs together with Nicke from 'The Hellacopters' and you said in an interview that you maybe also want to sing. So what can you tell us right now about this new project?

Captain Poon: Right now I’m spending hours and hours every day in a little studio that I’ve rented. Mainly to keep all my focus on songwriting.

Things are shaping up quite well, the songs are coming together nicely and I’m having fun. There are a couple of people I’m talking to these days too, about having them in the band. I hope we can get some stuff recorded early next year so the fans can get to hear what’s going on. Not sure if I’m gonna bring Nicke to the studio, be we have talked about it, and if the timing works I know we’d have a great time doing it.
You’re right about the singing part, on the first recording I’m probably gonna do the vocals myself, as I have everything written down. On the other hand my biggest wish right now is if a great frontman came along who knew how to do all this better than I. I prefer being where I’ve always been with my guitar left side of the stage.

But who knows maybe I’m just a closet case singer waiting to dive into the centre of the attention.

Interview with Stu Manx (10.04.2005)

When did you start making music?

Stu: I guess I started really late. 17 or 18 in a punkband called Astro Zombies Only one thing to say: WE SUCKED!!!!!

Are there any other musical instruments you can play except the bass?

Stu: Well I would love to play the drums but I just can't figure out how to coordinate all four limbs at the same time.... It's fuckin' hard I tell you and I've given up even trying. I can play basic guitar but that's about it.

How did you get to know the other Gluecifer guys?

Stu: In the early days with the Yum Yums Biff came along on some trips just for the hell of it and joined in on the encores doing only Stooges songs and trashing our equipment. We used to play at a bar called Rockall and all the glueguys used to hang out gettin drunk and watching bands. Glueros Hellfire was for about a year a member of The Yumms before joining Euroboys.

Can you say a few words about your other bands?

Stu: The Yum Yums is probably the best powerpop band around these days. Two albums and both really kick ass. The Tip Toppers is more or less a hobbyband. The members of The Toppers have never ever been in the same room at the same time and we have never rehearsed. We just record and release records! We actually got an offer from the Rock am Ring festival two years ago but I couldn't do it because I was buissy doing Glue! In Mohammed I'm just stepping in for a friend of mine who just became a dad and need some time of.

How did you get to know the other Gluecifer guys?

Can you say a few words about your other bands?

Is there a difference between playing shows in Norway and playing shows in the rest of the world?

Stu: Well I don't think it's too much of a difference. I simply just love playing gigs and when I'm on that stage I don't really care if the place is Berlin, Madrid or Tromsø.

Dou you prefer playing in small clubs or on big stages?

Stu: I really enjoy both a whole lot, it's not that much of a difference to me!

Are there concerts you remember particularly well because of a very good or bad experience?

Stu: Well I must say the last gig we did with the Toten Hosen in Frankfurt was a great show and the crowd was just awesome! If I'm not wrong I guess you guys were in front row with a banner.....am I right? On the bad experince issue I just seem to forget about the bad gigs, or maybe we just never have done any bad gigs........eh sure we did but I can't remember 'em!

Can you tell us a bit more about your plans of releasing a Gluecifer live album?

Stu: Well we recorded all the shows at the last tour we did, be that our own headlinershows and the Toten Hosen shows, but I'm not really sure when the thing is going to be finished and released. I guess you just gotta keep your eyes and ears open for the news.

Can you imagine life without music or not being a musician?

Stu: Life without music would suck big time. I guess that I will allwas play in one way or another with some band, but I refuse to be in a like Saxon or Sweet that is mainly two bands traveling around with no original members ( or maybe just one) just playing Saxon or Sweet songs. That's bloody aweful!!!!!!!! Shame on those old farts!!!!!!!

Interview with Captain Poon (26.01.2005)

The time period between your albums was mostly two years. So can we expect a new CD in 2006?

Captain Poon: We’ll see. We haven’t really started thinking about such things yet, but hopefully, sometime in 2006.

How does your songwriting process work and what has changed during the years?

Captain Poon: On the first three albums, the songwriting was mostly depending on me. I was writing all the riffs and main ideas. On the last two records, Biff, Raldo and myself have been doing all this togehter. Actually it’s much more fun, the three of us together, is a much more inspiring way to work.

It has also taken some of the pressure off my shoulders, which feels nice. In many bands I know the writing procedure is a huge issue. Members who wants to squeeze in their own ideas etc., just because they’re fucking stubborn, shit like that. In Gluecifer, all we care about is the quality of the product. Of course it can be hard to kill your own darlings now and then, but it doesn’t really matter. It’s all about the results, not the egos.

Why should people like your music and buy your records?

Captain Poon: Well, seriously, if you’re into rock’n’roll, which many people are these days, Gluecifer is a great act in that genre. We have our own sound, we’ve been doing it for many years, and we have very high standards. We’re not a bunch a silly kids playing in a rockband because of money and fame. We do it because we love it, and we’re lucky enough to have developed the certain talent it takes, to do it well.

Are you sometimes afraid of not coming up to someone’s expectations or that no more good songs occur to you?

Captain Poon: Sometimes, it strikes my mind, "shit, is this it, am i drying out". But it doesn’t take long before something good pops out of the guitar. As long as the pressure is on a comfortable level, it’s not a big deal, coming up with good ideas.

Dou you have any expectations to the future or have you already achieved everything you wanted?

Captain Poon: I sure hope we can keep the band together for a long time, write more good albums, and have a lot of good times on the road.

Of course every band wants achieve more, have more success etc. On the other hand, it’s important to look at what you have already, be happy about it, and appreciate it. We have achieved a lot, we’re lucky enough to make a living out of this, and right now everything feels quite good.

What kind of claims do you have when you go onto the stage in the evening?

Captain Poon: I don’t really think to much about anything. I’ll just go out there and give it the best I’ve got, that’s all that matters.

You have already played so many concerts. Is there one which you remember particularly well because of a very good or bad experience?

Captain Poon: As you say, we have done a lot of shows, and it’s hard to pick out one in particular.

Some of our best moments on stage though, gotta be the first tour we did with The Hellacopters in 98. Both bands coming out of Scandinavia for the first time, not knowing what to expect. Actually not expecting anything at all.

What met us, was a huge following of people, talking about us as the saviours of rock’n’roll. Those shows, especially the ones in Germany was a blast, and it created the fundament of what has kept us going, all the way until this day. The feeling of being appreciated by fans, that’s what it’s all about, and that was the first time we experienced that for real.

In your opinion, why do people go to your concerts?

Captain Poon: I guess people come to a concert, especially a rockshow, to have fun. They wanna be entertained, they wanna be carried away, and leave everything else behind for the evening. If you’ve ever been to a Gluecifer concerts that’s exactly what you’ll experience. You’d be stupid to turn down an offer like that, right?

Would you stop making music for any reason?

Captain Poon: The only thing that would stop me from making music, would quite simply be, if I don’t enjoy it anymore. Music is about having a good time, and get your kicks.

On the other hand, I’m not gonna be some pathetic worn-out 50 years old, releasing crappy rock’n’roll, just to stay alive. If that ever happens, I hope some of my old fans will grab me by the ear, and tell me to fucking stop.