Interview with John McCoy of GMT - 30 October
So the phone rings and my daughter brings it through to me, saying “it’s John for you.”
Now I’d not picked up the email from the GMT guys saying they were going to call me tonight, so I thought it was mate of mine. What a great start, because of course on the other end of the phone is bass legend John McCoy from GMT.
So what are GMT doing at the moment, John told me that the band are about two thirds of the way through recoding the new CD. Bernie and John are both excited about the new tracks. They feel they have always written well together and still continue to do so.
As the recording process was going along the band felt they were loosing the “live” feel, which is so important to them, so they have booked the “7 DATE TOURETTE” which runs from 18th November to 28th November. (Full details at the end of this article).
We spoke about how the band are really enjoying what they do, especially out on the road, and are now at a time in their careers where they are in control. GMT don’t have any managers telling them what to do and what songs to release. John explained that in the past with bands like Gillan there were pressures from the “money men” for the band to release cover songs that didn’t really fit the band’s style, the most obvious example being the release of the Stevie Wonder song Living for the City. I have to say as a fan I never understood who the release was aimed at.
For the “7 DATE TOURETTE” the band will be releasing a limited edition live CD with 6 to 8 tracks on. The CD will be available to purchase at the forth coming shows and through the band’s forum on the GMT website.
John discussed the empathy he and guitarist Bernie Tormé had built up over many years and this allows the band to extend some of the live tracks as the mood takes them, giving the gigs a great feeling of spontaneity. It also allows the band to stamp there own feel and identity on a song, even on something as classic as Smoke on the Water.
We then went on to talk about the third member of GMT, wonder drummer Robin Guy. Those of you who have not seen Robin at a GMT show are missing a real treat. As well as being the drummer with GMT, Robin is also a very sought after session player and has recently taken on the role with Tigertailz, and has some shows lined up with them, but don’t panic this won’t impact on his GMT work.
John then went on to speak a little about how he and Bernie got back together in a band. It was the passing of old friend Paul Samson , who had asked them, when he didn’t have long to live, when they would get back together in a band, and this along with finding Robin Guy made them get off their backsides and form GMT.
We then talked about the fun the band had had on during the recent shows in Ibiza and about a show I’d attended and reviewed at the Tut “n’ Shive pub in Yeadon, where a great night was had by all.
What became clear through out my discussion with John is that GMT are three blokes, or to use his description, two old prats and a Muppet, who enjoy what they do musically and that is the reason they do it. In my book that is what true rock music is about.
Thanks to John McCoy for his time, I’d really recommend that you check out GMT on the “7 DATE TOURETTE” where they will be appearing at the following venues, More information at the GMT site.
Thur 18th: THE RAILWAY ~ BOLTON
Fri 19th: THE VOODOO LOUNGE ~ STAMFORD (LINCS)
Sun 21st: DINGWALLS ~ LONDON
Thur 25th: AREA 81 ~ BRISTOL
Fri 26th: REVOLVER ~ BIRKENHEAD
Sat 27th: BLACK FLAG ~ WAKEFIELD
Sun 28th: THE MUSICIAN ~ LEICESTER
If you can’t make the shows get hold of a copy of the CDs, Bitter & Twisted and Evil Twin, and give your ears a real treat.
GMT Tour Cancelled!!!
Unfortunately since this interview was written GMT have had to cancelled the “7 DATE TOURETTE” due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the band's control. GMT are absolutely gutted about this and are trying their hardest to reschedule for next year. As soon as we hear of any new GMT dates we will of course let you know
NH
Now I’d not picked up the email from the GMT guys saying they were going to call me tonight, so I thought it was mate of mine. What a great start, because of course on the other end of the phone is bass legend John McCoy from GMT.
So what are GMT doing at the moment, John told me that the band are about two thirds of the way through recoding the new CD. Bernie and John are both excited about the new tracks. They feel they have always written well together and still continue to do so.
As the recording process was going along the band felt they were loosing the “live” feel, which is so important to them, so they have booked the “7 DATE TOURETTE” which runs from 18th November to 28th November. (Full details at the end of this article).
For the “7 DATE TOURETTE” the band will be releasing a limited edition live CD with 6 to 8 tracks on. The CD will be available to purchase at the forth coming shows and through the band’s forum on the GMT website.
John discussed the empathy he and guitarist Bernie Tormé had built up over many years and this allows the band to extend some of the live tracks as the mood takes them, giving the gigs a great feeling of spontaneity. It also allows the band to stamp there own feel and identity on a song, even on something as classic as Smoke on the Water.
We then went on to talk about the third member of GMT, wonder drummer Robin Guy. Those of you who have not seen Robin at a GMT show are missing a real treat. As well as being the drummer with GMT, Robin is also a very sought after session player and has recently taken on the role with Tigertailz, and has some shows lined up with them, but don’t panic this won’t impact on his GMT work.
John then went on to speak a little about how he and Bernie got back together in a band. It was the passing of old friend Paul Samson , who had asked them, when he didn’t have long to live, when they would get back together in a band, and this along with finding Robin Guy made them get off their backsides and form GMT.
We then talked about the fun the band had had on during the recent shows in Ibiza and about a show I’d attended and reviewed at the Tut “n’ Shive pub in Yeadon, where a great night was had by all.
What became clear through out my discussion with John is that GMT are three blokes, or to use his description, two old prats and a Muppet, who enjoy what they do musically and that is the reason they do it. In my book that is what true rock music is about.
Thanks to John McCoy for his time, I’d really recommend that you check out GMT on the “7 DATE TOURETTE” where they will be appearing at the following venues, More information at the GMT site.
Thur 18th: THE RAILWAY ~ BOLTON
Fri 19th: THE VOODOO LOUNGE ~ STAMFORD (LINCS)
Sun 21st: DINGWALLS ~ LONDON
Thur 25th: AREA 81 ~ BRISTOL
Fri 26th: REVOLVER ~ BIRKENHEAD
Sat 27th: BLACK FLAG ~ WAKEFIELD
Sun 28th: THE MUSICIAN ~ LEICESTER
If you can’t make the shows get hold of a copy of the CDs, Bitter & Twisted and Evil Twin, and give your ears a real treat.
GMT Tour Cancelled!!!
Unfortunately since this interview was written GMT have had to cancelled the “7 DATE TOURETTE” due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the band's control. GMT are absolutely gutted about this and are trying their hardest to reschedule for next year. As soon as we hear of any new GMT dates we will of course let you know
NH
