SLOW THE FUCK DOWN!
I caught the BJM set at the Granada Theater in Dallas, TX on April 29th. It featured an astonishing set by Mercury Rev followed by a two hour BJM set that had my jaw-dropping from the second tier near the sound booth. While I wasn't familiar with much of the band's songs off the newer albums, very quickly these have become my favorites. Show opener "We Never Had A Chance" was killer. The band was tight as hell and it was interesting to note the time spent tuning the vintage guitars in between songs as well as enjoy Anton's colorful rants and sardine stories.
On the left of the stage, I could see, guitarist Ricky Maymi bopping around to the groove of the music with that joie de vivre of a teenager playing air guitar in his bedroom. A few days later, I sent Ricky a fanboy questionnaire and he quickly sent it back complete... from Kansas according to the tour schedule.
DC: How is the 2022 Brian Jonestown Massacre tour thus far? Are there or have there been any highlights?
RM: The tour had many ups and downs. Mercury Rev were definitely the highlight
DC: I was at the Granada show in Dallas. It was fabulous. I lost track of time, but it seemed like a long set. How much time is spent rehearsing for a tour with the BJM?
RM: 5 days
DC: You have been with the BJM since the beginning. Do you have favorite songs to perform live? How do you remember such a vast catalog?
RM: I took ‘93-’03 off from the band, as it turned out. Back ever since, for the most part. I’m happy doing whatever, and always prefer the set to largely consist of new material. It’s important to remain vital. Especially after 30+ years of hanging around
DC: I know that you spend time in China and are active in the music scene there. I lived in Asia for 18 years so I kinda understand the cultures. What is or was most striking to you about the Chinese music community?
RM: That is its own interview… I like the fact that many of the bands are rebellious, provocative, outspoken and varied in their knowledge, tastes and interests. Educated kids with degrees who opt for Rock and Roll, at least for a little while. In the West you have all these far out looking people with decidedly conservative priorities. In China you get these kids who look fairly straight and have some very far out ideas. China has a thriving music scene much like it was in the West back in the late 70’s/early 80’s. Band everywhere. Most of them young, and many of them are excellent!
DC: What is a typical day like on tour with the BJM or any one of your bands?
RM: Exhausted. Looking for the best coffee, record shops and places to eat. Often catching up with old friends, more places than not
DC: I have to ask, How many guitars do you own and what are your favorites? How do you choose a guitar for a particular application?
RM: Three, and a bass. It is customary for me to play my Gibson 12 or my Fender Jazzmaster, but I also use a Les Paul for recording sometimes
DC: I know you spend a great deal of time bouncing around on tour, time in China and time in Australia. Where is home for you? Where do you feel most at home?
RM: I have been marooned at my point of origin in California since the pandemic kicked off. Otherwise, I am mainly in Australia, with trips to NZ, China , Europe/UK and the US along the way. Can’t wait to go back!
DC: Besides the BJM what are you currently working on? What are your plans after the BJM tour of 2022?
RM: I have some stuff I need to focus on and finish up with JP Shilo and Graham Lee, but it’s a real low pressure situation. The Wild Swans album with Marty Willson-Piper and Edgar Jones is still incomplete. I have a standing order to work with Philip Parfitt ASAP and I am also talking to a few different folks in the UK about future projects. I’ve been recording with various folks over the last two years. Foam Giant, featuring Stephen from the Telescopes, as well as the Flavor Crystals.
DC: My friend claims Anton said he loved Denton at the Granada show in Dallas on April 29, 2022. I didn’t hear that but found evidence of a BJM show in October of 2003 at Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios on 411 Sycamore, Denton TX. Do you have any recollection of that if you were in the band for that tour? In general what is it like touring Texas cities like San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Austin?
RM: I was there. That was a good gig. My first tour back with the band, actually.
DC: I have seen your posts about touring with Mercury Rev for the 2022 Tour. How would you explain kindred spirit relationships developed with their members?
RM: Instantly! We have many people in common around the globe and many experiences one another can identify with. Feels like I have always known them. Sad to part ways
DC: As a musician and producer what would you say is your strong suit? Besides musicianship what else makes a great bandmate or person to collaborate with?
RM: Vision
DC: If you could go back in time and tell your younger self one thing what would it be?
RM: Slow the fuck down!
DC: Parting words?
RM: Xiexie [Editor: Chinese for "goodbye"]
DC: Thank you Ricky! Don't forget us in Denton, TX!
You can follow Ricky on Twitter and Instagram
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Check out my 2015 podcast interview with Graham Bonnar former drummer of Brian Jonestown Massacre and Swervedriver. Click here.