JY: What makes The Rolling Stones so great to you?
When I was 11-years-old, my friend Sherman Lee made me tapes of Stones records. Hearing Jumpin’ Jack Flash from Get Yer Ya Ya’s Out! cracked my head open and in spilled sex, poetry, threads, libation, and all the good stuff that gives you imagination and cheek. I still get that feeling often when I hear the records. It ruined my future as a fast bowler for the country, but has been a perennial companion that wants to get you into some good, fun, trouble.
JY: Were they at their very best in 1973?
I vacillate daily. I’m such a nerd that one day’ll be ’66, then ’69, then ’72… I even have my ’81 days. ’89 weren’t great… Listening to bootlegs around that time though, for all the disdain Jagger receives, he sung his fuggin’ balls shaved. And Keef’s hair was in great shape. So today, yeah, ’73.
JY: How’s the pre-match feeling within The Monkey Men?
Low-carb diets have ensued as we’re all tryin’ to look as pleasantly gaunt as Davey. The banter is high and breezy. We’re match unfit and set to stun.
JY: Will Davey Lane be Keef and Ashley Naylor be Mick Taylor or will the two glide across both roles, do you know?
I’ll let those kids weave their ancient tapestries amongst themselves. They’re both so good, so good, but let down by their conciliatory, polite, loving natures. Maybe they’ll crack come the second show and start cuttin’ heads. I’m a little too busy traipsing the C-list celebrity circuit to poke my misshapen bonce into their evil business.
JY: Is there one song in the set that is a particular challenge to play?
Midnight Rambler. The ‘blues opera’. Someone’s got to take the reins. Watch me for the changes, boys. Follow the strangler.
JY: Do you have a favourite Rolling Stones’ song and why?
Fingerprint File, Moonlight Mile… Monkey Man… Miss Amanda Jones… Jumpin’ Jack Flash has such strong memories for me that never let up in their push to demand I dance, though.
JY: Tim, you are a guitarist. Does ‘playing’ Mick Jagger leave you feeling uncharacteristically naked?
Characteristically I’m naked most of the time. Born naked, hope to die naked. I got no problem with that. Singin’ that strong over two shows, yes, it’s a challenge. So good to dance too, though. And seeing other folks ‘do’ Jagger kind of shits me. Around ’69 to ’73 he was still responding physically to the tunes and the rhythm and roll, not ahead of it all. I’d rather be naked when hearing these tunes.
JY: Will The Monkey Men be making an effort to embrace the spirit of ’73 in their threads and demeanour?
No doubt my friend. I can only speak for Davey and myself because we’re related, but we’re firmly entrenched in unreality, and getting in duds that evoke a spirit is part of the deal. Demeanour? We’re there to give a good time, most o’ the time.
JY: Just quietly, how great is Tattoo You?
I’m with you my friend. I won’t hear a word against it. Are we going to do a Dirty Work show next year?
