Goldblade have been throwing themselves about a stage for a decade now. What keeps you going back for more?
 | | John's brothel creepers (pic: Karen McBr |
"It’s a compulsion; the danger, the sheer thrill of the adrenaline excitement, the chance to go beyond the boredom of modern life, the chance to do something that’s untouched by corporate entertainment is an honour! "This is a music that makes you feel something wild and primal. For an hour, we celebrate something really primal and exciting - why wouldn’t you want to do that?" The band have had a lot of global success, something that we don't get to hear a lot about here in Manchester. Come on, just how big are you? "We are a big cult band, one of those bands with a fierce loyal following that increases all the time due to word of mouth. There is a massive music scene that exists outside what the mainstream media focus in on - that’s a pretty skewed vision of what happens - we are part of a music scene that exists on its own terms where people make up their own minds whether they like what we do or not.
 | | Goldblade's Johnny Skullknuckles (pic: K McBride) |
"That’s a revolutionary act in itself. We make a living, we sell gigs out, we get round the world, we have rabid fans in the most unlikely places from Russia to the USA. I'm not sure how you measure success. It’s not on a weighing scale, is it! We know there are a lot more people out there who would be really into our stuff but if daytime radio is too chicken to play our music then it’s going to take us a little longer to find them!" The Academy 3 show is a real mixed bag. What made you decide to get comedianÌý Ted Chippington involved? "I've known Ted since he started. In fact, I saw his first ever gig in Stafford years ago. I think he's really funny, a genius, and he's a mate. It’s great that he's back out playing again and getting some of the respect he deserves. So many comedians get famous and they are not the slightest bit funny. Ted is a rare thing in comedy - funny." Kamikaze Sperm also support. Punk isn't something that gets much of a look-in in Manchester's music press. Do you find that frustrating? "The music press is run by the indie mafia. Indie music gets all the write ups and history is constantly being re-written. If the band is hip indie listening and playing to ten people, they will get all the press, whilst someone like Rancid will effortlessly sell out a big venue and get ignored – it’s a shame really. The real story is far more interesting and exciting than the one that we are getting told. | "I don’t care if I'm remembered at all! I'm here for the here and now, for the experience, for the fire and danger, everything else is boring!" | | John Robb on his legacy |
"On the other hand, the scene exists and continues without any back patting - only a sad person would measure their success in press clippings! It’s only the public that gets cheated because it can take them a bit longer to discover this exciting scene that thrives just blow their noses. "Kamikaze Sperm, for example, are a great young band. I saw them play with Rancid and they tore the place down! Manchester music press does a great job of covering its scene but there is a lot more going on in the city than you get to hear about… "Is it a problem? Well, the gigs are busy and the scene is thriving and it crosses over a lot more than people like to admit. The internet is bypassing conventional media. With websites and email lists, bands can create an alternative media, an alternate conduit of information - that's why all these underground scenes are taking over. We now have the means of communication to get the information out without having to grovel to some bored trendy!" You recently released the book, Punk Rock: An Oral History. How come it's an oral history when you've written it down?
 | | John in full flow (pic: Karen McBride) |
"Ha ha! Good question if it had said 'aural history'… It would be better if people thought it was a sexual reference!" You're known as much as an author/journalist as you are as a rock and roller. Which would you prefer to be remembered for? "I don’t care if I'm remembered at all! I'm here for the here and now, for the experience, for the fire and danger, everything else is boring! I’m not here to pad out my CV." Goldblade play the Academy 3 with Ted Chippington and Kamikaze Sperm on Saturday 14 April. Tickets are £8 | 
