In conversation with Peter:

Here is a re-transcription of an interview Peter Gee did for "Rock Sud" (issue 76), a rock magazine based in South of France.

the 2 shows in time - plus the fact that the radio broadcast venue was more suited to a smaller band set up. Fudge was unable to make the rehearsals to learn a second set. So it was decided that Nick, Clive, and I would play an acoustic set with 2 guitars and one keyboard.

How come you've never thought about it before?

We had never really believed that our music would transfer well into a simple acoustic format because we have such a big full band sound, and the songs are very layered with lots of instruments and parts. But we surprised ourselves when we began to work on the acoustic versions of the songs.

It was difficult, because at the same time as learning the acoustic songs, we were having to learn the songs to the "Not of this World" album with the full band for the first time for the main concert tour. We structured the songs so that either Nick or I (usually Nick), played the main strumming chords of the song, whilst the other person played a picking or harmony part - or played the lead solo. Nick usually stuck to the main chords because he was having to sing at the same time. I worked out harmony chords to what Nick was playing on each song. When you hear the CD, my guitar is usually the one playing the higher tickly sounding parts. Then, with Clive, we picked out the main keyboard parts - like a piano part, or strings, or a lead melody, and kept it really sparse and simple. It was very clean, refreshing, and uncluttered to have such a small thin sound for a change - rather than the usual, very full sound.

Did you performed the songs you usually play or only the ones which can be played acoustically?

I felt very strongly that this acoustic album was a real opportunity to play those songs which we often got asked for to play live, but which, for one reason or another we never got round to, or never had time in the set to play. Popular songs like "Fallen Dreams and Angels", "Dark Summer's Day", and "2AM". Then there were other songs which naturally seemed to work straight away in an acoustic format - like "And We'll Go Hunting Deer", "The Voyager", and "The Pursuit of Excellence". Then finally, there were those songs which were more of a struggle to get good acoustic arrangements for - some of the longer, more complicated songs like "A Man of Nomadic Traits", "Alaska", and "World's End"

songs. The whole thing has more room to breathe. And it is more direct. You get the essence of the songs immediately in an acoustic format. Weak songs always fall when put into an acoustic format. But I hope that ours are strong enough to stand up on their own merits.

What are the things you are the more proud of during those 25 past years?

I think the fact that we have been able to survive when many bands have gone under along the way - all without a major record deal. Also, that there are enough people out there who like and buy our music to be able to keep us going. Setting up our own label, "Toff Records". Being true to ourselves musically, and writing what comes out of our hearts - rather than trying to write to commercial constraints. And finally, just the honour of being able to play live to an appreciative audience.

What is going to be the next step for the band if you've already thought about it?

A new studio album, probably out in 2004. More tours. New countries to visit, new friends to make, new musical boundaries to cross. New opportunities to express through music and words what is on our hearts, and what is going on in our lives and in the world. 

What are the plans & projects for the months to come (touring, recording...)?

Nick is working on songs for the new Pendragon studio album, which will then start to be recorded when all the songs are ready. We don't know when this will be yet. Clive has just released the new Arena studio album called "Contagion", which is one of their best albums so far. He has also recorded and produced John Wetton's new solo album called "Rock of Faith". Fudge has recorded an album with Tim Burness of Burnessence, and will record a second Henry Fool album soon. And I am still working on recording my third solo album, as yet untitled. We have recorded the drums and keyboards so far. I just need to do the bass, guitars, vocals and mixing.