Ed Bicknell Interview

[Love Expresso]

At least in Germany smaller venues but several dates (Hamburg 5000x2, Munich 5000x3). Good choice from my point of view. Much better than all those hangar arenas later.

LE

[stratmad]

At least in Germany smaller venues but several dates (Hamburg 5000x2, Munich 5000x3). Good choice from my point of view. Much better than all those hangar arenas later.

LE

Oh yes, some beautiful places, like the old opera house in Frankfurt. It's a bit like the Albert Hall, well almost ;-)

[dustyvalentino]

Sorry, typo, Ed said he booked venues that were too big in 92, hence the small venues in 96.

[stratmad]

Sorry, typo, Ed said he booked venues that were too big in 92, hence the small venues in 96.

Okay. Did they actually have problems selling out venues in 92? I remember the places were pretty much packed, they even played small stadiums. Or was it because Mark wanted to play in smaller places?

The funny thing is that from 2001 on, he went back to the same venues that were "too big" in 92.

[the visitor]

Sorry, typo, Ed said he booked venues that were too big in 92, hence the small venues in 96.

Okay. Did they actually have problems selling out venues in 92? I remember the places were pretty much packed, they even played small stadiums. Or was it because Mark wanted to play in smaller places?

The funny thing is that from 2001 on, he went back to the same venues that were "too big" in 92.

Yes this is covered in the interview where Ed speaks about the gigs in the interior of the US like Kansas where you "needed a hit".  He comes across as a pretty dynamic bloke who was able to switch to smaller venues in this event, though the tour had to be rearranged twice due to the Gulf War which didn't help matters.

Also interesting observation from Ed that the 6 year hiatus was too long and music had moved on significantly in that time. Also that there were hangers on in Nashville in that interval. I often wonder what an album of DS wwould have been like immediately after the Mandela gig or around that time... pretty special probably.

And on one final gem from the interview, confirmation that "a ton" of songs were recorded for Love Over Gold  intended originally to be a double album buy costs were prohibitive.

[Robson]

Yes I think the album was ready in 1990. I also used to think about it. What sound would I have had with this album in 1989. But I think MK's “love affair” with Nashville, country music was inevitable.

[dustyvalentino]

Sorry, typo, Ed said he booked venues that were too big in 92, hence the small venues in 96.

Okay. Did they actually have problems selling out venues in 92? I remember the places were pretty much packed, they even played small stadiums. Or was it because Mark wanted to play in smaller places?

The funny thing is that from 2001 on, he went back to the same venues that were "too big" in 92.

Listen to the interview, it’s all there. Europe was fine but there were issues in Australia and the US.

[Jules]

Are we putting in doubt what Ed Bicknell and most of the people involved told about the oes tour, just because we are fans and they smiled and interacted on a stage for two hours every show?

[stratmad]

Are we putting in doubt what Ed Bicknell and most of the people involved told about the oes tour, just because we are fans and they smiled and interacted on a stage for two hours every show?

I don't think there's any reason to doubt it. I mean, why should Ed, John, Mark or anyone, 30 years later, tell the world a lot of nonsense about the tour? And, by and large, they're all saying the same thing, namely that it was all too much for everyone involved.
After all, there must have been a reason why Mark took six years to get the band back together, and why he decided to put an end to it after that tour.
I'm sure that there were also good bits, and they enjoyed being on stage and interacting with audiences, because that's what being a musician is about. And of course, they were/are all highly professional about it, which means you just keep going and do the job you're being paid for.

[Robson]

"I'm sure that there were also good bits, and they enjoyed being on stage and interacting with audiences, because that's what being a musician is about"

Of course it is, but it is rarely mentioned.

[stratmad]

"I'm sure that there were also good bits, and they enjoyed being on stage and interacting with audiences, because that's what being a musician is about"

Of course it is, but it is rarely mentioned.

I find that surprising, too! It's only in recent times that Mark has suddenly started talking about how much he enjoyed DS and that he is proud of what they achieved.

[Robson]

"I'm sure that there were also good bits, and they enjoyed being on stage and interacting with audiences, because that's what being a musician is about"

Of course it is, but it is rarely mentioned.

I find that surprising, too! It's only in recent times that Mark has suddenly started talking about how much he enjoyed DS and that he is proud of what they achieved.

Yes, I noticed that too.

[dustyvalentino]

Just a reminder, this is what Chris had to say about the effect the tour had on him.

Excellent question.

I retired hurt after the tour. Hardly touched my drums for a few years. I was writing music for film & tv.
The most positive thing was my ongoing friendship with Chris White, who got me through the tour actually. Secondly the money I made and saved allowed me to only work on projects I wanted to work on from thereon.

Bandwise, I guess it taught me a new level of attention to detail. It was like playing in an elite orchestra, not a rock band.
Through the experience I became very critical of myself and often others (musically), which has been more of a curse than a positive. I was confident and professional going in. Afterwards I started to second guess everything I played.

[stratmad]

Just a reminder, this is what Chris had to say about the effect the tour had on him.

Excellent question.

I retired hurt after the tour. Hardly touched my drums for a few years. I was writing music for film & tv.
The most positive thing was my ongoing friendship with Chris White, who got me through the tour actually. Secondly the money I made and saved allowed me to only work on projects I wanted to work on from thereon.

Bandwise, I guess it taught me a new level of attention to detail. It was like playing in an elite orchestra, not a rock band.
Through the experience I became very critical of myself and often others (musically), which has been more of a curse than a positive. I was confident and professional going in. Afterwards I started to second guess everything I played.

Thank you, Dusty, that's interesting.
So it wasn't only physically demanding and stressful, but also technically. Organising a nine-piece band is no easy feat, I imagine. The pressure must have been immense on everyone, band, crew and management.

What I'd like to know is: what did MK do differently with his solo band? They've been playing together now for almost 30 years, with few changes in the line-up (except for drummers, for some reason). Nobody ever appeared to be stressed or angry. What's the secret? Yoga? Tea? 

[Kris-b]

Shorter tours perhaps