Peter Cox In His Own Words Part 2

Q. Have you ever been dumbstruck by someone you have met, either because they are so 'famous' or because you are personally in complete awe of them?

P.C

I probably HAVE been speechless as a result of being in awe.. but your question reminds me most of the three occasions now on which I've "met" Helen Mirren. Twice travelling - flying to LA - and both times I was in such a good mood that I was compelled to tell her how much I enjoy her work. She was gracious - but ultimately I was definitely "dismissed" - you can probably imagine! The last time was on a street called La Brea in LA - she and her husband pulled alongside me in their car. I signalled that she should wind down her window - which she did (unwise for many reasons!) - at which point I expressed my admiration in a rather less sophisticated manner! She smiled, unphased, closed her window and they drove on. WHAT was I thinking..?

Q. If Soul and Rock did not exist...ooooh and Jazz....What would your favourite genre of music be??

The boundaries of these distinctions are somewhat blurred - but I'm going to say reggae. It was the soundtrack to my youth, along with Motown, and while contemporary reggae leaves me somewhat cold, the records I bought in the early seventies still fill me with joy and evoke great memories..

Q.You did alot of travelling last year and will probably do lots more this year so what do you love most and hate most about living out of a suitcase?

yes, I HOPE to see you somewhere in the US this year! You may be aware that leaving LA was heartbreaking for me - perhaps because of that I still dream (perhaps naively!) of returning one day. LA still feels like the place in which I was closest to "putting down roots" - and therefore I have continued, in a way, to live out of a suitcase. I don't hate it, really - my experience of touring has made me the kind of person who doesn't unpack - only ever takes out of his suitcase what he really needs - makes for a faster getaway! The downside is that I also, paradoxically, like to create a comfortable home for myself - and obviously that doesn't happen when one is never settled..

Q. Out of all the songs that are going to be on the new album (which are fantastic btw), which did you find the easiest and most difficult to write, and which is your favourite to perform?

Glad you like the new songs! You will be aware (!) that Richard and I have not been the fastest of songwriting partnerships! However - this recent period has been our most focused yet. We've finished everything we've started - which doesn't always happen! No particular song has been a real headache - though we banged heads for a while on the lyric to "Lolita". It isn't a simple thing to make a "personal" statement when two people are involved! It has been really great to have some new songs to perform, and if I HAVE to pick a favourite, for now I'll say "Stars Don't Shine".

Q. I just wanted to ask: what the heck's going on with Kobe? Do you think these fouls are intentional or accidental? The first time I was sure it was an accident...the second time, I'm not so sure.

God bless you for talking basketball! I am so starved of a sounding board - I don't know a soul in the UK whose eyes don't glaze over when I get started. To address your question - while the Lakers are my (adopted) hometown team and I'd LOVE to defend him - that didn't look much like a natural follow-through to ME! Still - don't you think that Reggie Miller - an AWESOME player - added substantially to his points total by the way he kicked his leg to the side after his jump shot to draw contact with the defender? Are you bored yet?!

Q. As you know Tony is appearing onstage in Chicago. How would you feel about performing in a stage musical? If it is something you would consider, which would be the show you would choose (if you had any say in the matter!).

Yes, I'd definitely consider performing in a musical. You are right to guess that I probably wouldn't get to choose my role! I did audition for the lead in "Phantom" - that's another story - and obviously, I didn't get the job!

Q. On Joe Cocker's album,"No Ordinary World", there's a track called " Soul Rising ", written by Peter Vitesse, Graham Gouldman and your good self.I think its a great song, one of my favourites on the album, and I just wanted to know if you have ever recorded this song, and if so , where can I find it.

I'm glad you like the song - it was written during a writer's "conference" at which fifteen writers formed a different collaboration each day for a week. Each evening we were required to perform our day's work for our peers.. quite an incentive! There is a demo of it somewhere.. but no, I haven't recorded "Soul Rising" for release.

Q.Anyway, how and when did you meet the lovely Lyndon?

We met Lyndon at the auditions for the second incarnation of Go West - Peter Vettese had moved on to other projects and we needed to find a new keyboard player. The keyboard gig with Go West is a difficult one - I still wonder how Lyndon does what he does and sing as well! As I remember it, though, Lyndon had his own band at that time and they had a single due for release, so in the end he couldn't commit to us. Got him in the end, though!

Q "What were your favourite/best subjects at school and have they been useful in your career?"

The subjects at which I did best at school were languages - I studied French, German and Latin. I think it's reasonable to say that, in the early stages, language is a "listen and repeat" discipline - which has an obvious connection to singing. I'm told that I have a good "ear" (no jokes about which one, please) and am able to pick up melodies and relative intervals quickly. Since I don't really "read" music, that skill has obviously been very useful over the years!

Q. If you were given 100 million dollars that you had to spend in 6 months how would you spend it?

What a question! I've given this, ooh, thirty seconds thought - I'd probably give most of it to others - after I'd bought myself property in the UK, the US, New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii..! Could it be the six months of the basketball season? I would travel, no expense spared, and sit six rows back at half-court to watch all my favourite players!

Q. Do you take singing lessons to develop your voice further (it is known that Sinatra did so during his whole career, for example) and how do you prepare for a recording session?

Thank you for your question. I'm sure that I am far too cavalier with my voice. It's no secret that rest, plenty of water (and no caffeine or alcohol!) are simple steps towards taking care of one's voice - none of which are easy to sustain on tour! I did take some lessons after the recording of the first GW album - I realised that singing those songs live was going to be a challenge - but found that the discipline of standing still and keeping one's head in the classically "correct" position, for example, was not one that I could apply in a "rock" context. I've therefore gone my own way, doubtless with imperfect technique - but my full voice, at least, seems to be holding out. In fact, we've recently re-recorded a couple of those early tunes, and in many ways I think I sound better now. I try to get plenty of sleep and drink lots of water (see above!) before a session - and I prefer not to sing until the evening, when my voice has (hopefully!) woken up.

Q. What goes through your mind, when you're walking down the road and you suddenly hear a group of drunken fans calling to you from the other side of the street? Do you ever get the urge to run away? Be Honest

The scenario you describe almost never happens - unless you are referring to mutual friends (!), in which case - no, I don't get the urge to run away. I haven't done so far, have I? Oops..

Q. I'm curious to know about the lyric change in Get Ready on MCM. In the Original version they sing Tweedely-dee Tweeedleiy-dum, look out baby here I come. You seem to have replaced the Tweedelies with propper lyrics.

Are yours the original smokey robinson lyrics , and the Temptations changed them or did you do it, or some one else ?

With regard to the lyric - I'm busted! As far as I'm aware, the "tweedly-dee, tweedly-dum" lyric is the original. I confess that, as much as I love the Temptations recording, I couldn't get comfortable with singing those words, so I took the (outrageous) liberty of changing them to suit myself. Sorry!

Q. Have you ever condsidered writing an autobiography? (As it seems that everyone's doing them at the moment!) If not, why? I'm sure that it would be very interesting.

Yes, there have been many conversations regarding my biography - and the lady who helped Tony with his, Maria Malone, has even written an outline and approached publishers with it. The unfortunate truth is that, despite the fact that you seem interested, absolutely no-one else is! Probably just as well..

Q. Who is the best drummer you have worked with?

I will be diplomatic AND truthful here and say that I've been lucky enough to work with many talented players! When GW were preparing to tour for the second time, Tony Beard was already committed to Hall and Oates, so we needed to find a replacement. We auditioned several drummers before finding Jimmy Copley - and what was fascinating to me was how different from each other all the players "felt" playing the same song. Each of the drummers I've worked with has brought their own "thing" to the band (no jokes, PLEASE) and the songs themselves seem to grow and develop with each new combination of players. We've recorded our current live set at least three times now, and on each occasion Brooky has been far and away the "man of the match". (Is that OK, Brooky..?)

Q. I was wondering, if there is anything out there, that you would like to learn.....you know anything from ballroom dancing to car maintenance, knitting to driving a fork life truck.....anything that deep down you'd really like to have a go at.......languages, cordon bleu cookery......anything at all.....if so can you share it with us all.

One of the (many) things I'd like to be better at is playing guitar. I played quite a bit on the first GW album - but after Alan joined us, I was rather embarrassed to pick a guitar up! The luxury of having great players around has made me very lazy - but I am working on it now. I'm also interested in cookery - though I wouldn't say I had any real skill! Practice makes perfect, I understand - so I practice a lot!

Q. Do you ever wish that some fans (pulling an example out of the hat at random) like those who are front and centre at your gigs a lot came with a 'silent mode' fitting??

We are ALWAYS happy to see familiar faces at our shows! Whoever those fans may be (!), I hope they will continue to enjoy what we do, front and centre, and make as much noise as they wish..

Q. What red wine would you choose if you had the pick of a well stocked cellar and if you were in a rush what would you buy from the off-licence

I don't pretend to be any kind of an expert on wine - I just like drinking it! My pick of a well-stocked cellar? At the moment it would be the best New World Pinot Noir - I've recently tasted an example from the Herzog winery, which was lovely. In a rush at the off-licence? Champagne, every time!

Q. What's a typical day for you? Is it the same old, same old or does everyday throw something different at you?

I am lucky in that my days are not often "routine". At the moment, Richard and I are in the studio a lot of the time. I try to get to the gym at least three times a week (I don't always succeed!). Show days are show days, obviously, with travel before and after. I cook more often than I eat out. I like being a member of "day club" in that I can go to the movies or shop at times when it's not so busy..!

Q. In the first interview it was very clear from your answers that you would love to be back in California, and that you miss the choices you had there for your relaxation time, the sun, and the quality of the light (I know what you mean about the light, it does make you feel so good). With that in mind I wonder how difficult it is to be creative and to keep yourself motivated when you have to spend so much of your time cut off from the outside world in recording studios and rehearsal rooms in chilly old England.

I DO miss the Californian sunshine - especially now when the weather here is turning colder. I don't have any trick regarding "summoning my muse" - as those of you waiting for the new CD will have gathered! I don't spend as much time in the studio as you might (once) have imagined - but the sunshine would probably be as much of a distraction as anything else..

Q: Do you have any plans to tour European countries besides UK ;-) Maybe Poland ??

No current plans to visit other European countries - only wishes.. but we go where we're invited, so - maybe there's something YOU can do?

Q. With such faithful fans you must have received a variety of gifts over the years. Which were the most memorable in the following categories:-

1 Strangest

2 Inventive

3 Funniest

4 Non disposable

The strangest - and most disturbing - gift was an illustrated poem about Richard and myself which had an unexpected and unpleasant ending. After this our "fanmail" was carefully vetted before we saw it. The most inventive gift? The ones which come to mind are the touching album of good wishes and mementoes, which is within reach at home. Thank you again to everyone involved! I was also given an earring, some time ago, in the shape of the wrench from the "We Close Our Eyes" video. It was a little large to wear - but I still have it, somewhere. The funniest gift.. I can't think of a specific item - but I am prompted to mention a number of "tributes" at our shows.. the shower of panties (and pants - how kind!) and the "Caribbean" moment at the Redhill show on our last tour come to mind. I think I've covered the "non-disposable item too - and my thanks and apologies to anyone who feels that I have omitted their own funny/inventive/strange offering!

Q. There is one question I would really like to ask you and that is... "Would you ever consider singing at a fan's wedding?" If you don't fancy answering that question...if you had the choice of being in any other 80's group, which one would it have been???

We have, in the past, played at more than one wedding. To answer your other question - I am, needless to say, quite happy with the band I'm IN - the 80s groups of which I was a fan were less successful than we were (what does THAT tell you?!) - so I'll stay where I am, thank you!

Q. If you could have any car ever made, which would you choose and why..

I'm sorry to disappoint, but I've never been a car fanatic. My automotive objects of desire are based solely on aesthetics. That said - I'll go with an American "muscle" car - there was a car one might have bought as an alternative to the Mustang some years ago - maybe you can enlighten me? I also like the contemporary Bentley coupe - more predictable, perhaps, but probably more comfortable!

Q. If you had no choice and were told you that you've got to go on a reality tv show,

Celeb Big Brother, Get Me Out Of Here, Strictly Come Dancing,

Dancing On Ice, which would you pick? If Simon Cowell asked you to be a judge on X-Factor, would you accept, and do you think you'd get on with him?

You KNOW I hate reality TV. However - given no choice - I guess I'd choose a cooking show. Of the four you suggest - the dancing show (NOT on ice!) but let me reiterate - never in a MILLION years. Simon Cowell? DON'T get me started!

Q. Keeping it simple this time -the onstage mug - camomile, honey and lemon, jagermeister....?

It's nine parts Jack, one part coke. I'm kidding! It's actually a pint of Grey Goose martini, with olives.. Oh, okay, it's honey and lemon. Sorry..

Q. Of all the gigs you've done over the years, which one was your favourite and why?

I hope you'll forgive me if I say that there really have been too many memorable ones to single any out. SOME of the shows which stand out in my memory are.. Hammersmith, the first time around.. Yokohama Stadium, overwhelmed by "overnight success", playing to a sea of transparent umbrellas.. Long Island, while the area was being evacuated because of the impending typhoon.. Birmingham Odeon, the last night of live music there.. Radio City Music Hall, because it was Radio City Music Hall.. you get the picture!

Q. What/where in the world would you really like to visit, or have visited/seen that you would like to share? Grand Canyon, temples in India, great wall of China, pyramids in Egypt etc.

Hope life is good. I don't think it's any secret that I love California.. but New Zealand will always have a place in my heart. I'd also like the chance to revisit Japan and be "present", as opposed to completely overwhelmed! I've never been to South America, which I'm told is spectacular.. this is getting to be a long list!

Q. Thank you very much for doing this, with traveling around so much and being away from home I dont suppose you would have any pets, I myself have a westie called Jack and I was wondering if you have ever had a pet yourself.

While I wish you AND Jack the very best, I am not an "animal person" and so no, I don't have, nor have I ever had, a pet..!

Q. I was surprised when Still in Love was released as a single. I'ts only my opinion, but I felt there were other songs on the album that had a better chance of being a big hit commercially, particully, That's What Love Can Do.

I guess, aside from my view, it's conspicuous by it's absence from Ace's and King's, Greatest Hits and the Live At The NEC CD's and you rarely seem to do it live, whereas I Want To Hear It From You reached a comparable, I beleive slightly lower, position chart wise and is ever present on the aforementioned releases and a regular at gigs.

With hindsight, do you wish another track from Indian Summer had been released instead?

If you only knew how LITTLE control we had over releases at that time! I confess that one reason we don't play "Still In Love" live is that it's a difficult song to sing - at least in the original key! I'm still proud of it as a song, though. "That's What Love Can Do" does work well live - perhaps you're right and it would have made a better single. You should have been there!

Q. I am a 360 widow, along with all the other consoles my husband plays... I was just wondering what if any computer games you play (if you have the chance in your busy schedule)... and what do you most like to do to relax..

I have resolutely refused myself the luxury of an X-Box or anything like it because I fear that it would be WAY too much of a distraction - see above! However - as you may know, I am a basketball fan, and watch anything related during the season. I also love movies and try to see as many as I can - I'm sure I watch too much TV!

Q. Anyway, I was wondering if you still get the same buzz - as we all do - when you hear a Go West, or one of your own songs being played on the radio, in a bar or supermarket etc?'

I DO get a buzz when I hear a Go West song on the radio - though if I'm with anyone ELSE who has noticed, it can be a little embarrassing!

Q. One of my favourite films is Serendipity - i like the premise that fate played a hand in determining whether 2 people should be together.My question is - do you believe in fate, that your life has played out because it was meant to be, or do you believe you've determined your own destiny?

I've got a headache already, trying to figure out what I think about this! I have definitely made decisions which have had an effect on my "destiny", so in that sense I feel that I have determined my own fate - but if it was fate that I should be the person I am and therefore made the choices I've made..? I think I need to lie down now..

Q. Just wondered if you have ever had a typical '9-5' job and whether you enjoyed it, or whether having a set routine like that would drive you crazy? Although I love my job and it can be really challenging and rewarding at times, sometimes when I am sitting at my desk (reading posts on Faithful!) looking out at the sunshine I wish my working week was a little more flexible!

Yes, I had a number of 9 to 5 jobs, though none of them was remotely rewarding! I realise that I am lucky to do what I do - and "day club" is a luxury I would find it hard to do without. There is an old adage regarding the "entertainment industry".. it's better than working!