Does anyone get cooler than this guy?
Over the past four decades, the name Bryan Ferry has become synonymous with suave, yet there is much more to the man than a carefully turned out tuxedo and a paparazzi smile. Born into a family of moderate finances, things could have turned out very differently for the young dreamer, had it not been for his overwhelming sense that he was somehow made for better things. With a love for the finer things in life, Bryan studied fine art, taught pottery and indulged in fantasies of becoming a painter, cyclist and musician: anything that would provide the adventure and excitement he'd been pining for.
Eager to escape the monotony of day-to-day life he formed two bands before falling upon the success of Roxy Music, and it wasn’t long before Bryan’s dreams of being a musician were realised. He went on to become a pioneer in art rock, creating literate, ironic songs that went on to influence early punk and new wave music, and formed the tuxedoed image that lead to the famous moniker ‘the electric lounge lizard’.
After the success of Roxy Music came a lengthy solo career that continues to this day, with Ferry set to release his new album in May. His latest collaboration with DJ Hell is a glorified remix of 'You Can Dance', a track that will appear on Ferry's new album. I caught up with the man himself to find out what lies ahead…
You released a single with DJ Hell in January, which was a far cry from Roxy Music or your solo work. How did the collaboration come about?
I met Hell in London in 2006. At the time my studio was working with various DJs and producers on a series of Roxy Music Remixes. These were released only on vinyl at the time, but are now available digitally. DJ Hell was one of the people we met at that time. We decided to give him an unreleased track to remix, 'U Can Dance'. My version of the song has a completely different arrangement and feel, and was recorded with my band along with various musicians. I was impressed with the direction Hell took the song.
Roxy Music's sound was arguably before its time; are you keen to continue in that ‘futuristic’ vein now?
Roughly speaking I would like to think that all of my albums contain elements of the avant garde.
Nicky Haslam once said you are ‘more likely to redecorate a hotel room than to trash it’; hardly the stereotypical image of a rock ‘n’ roll attitude. How have you managed to maintain your manners whilst still becoming one of the most iconic men in rock?
My mother tried to instil in me a sense of moral responsibility, and also that “manners maketh man”.
As you can imagine there has sometimes been a bit of a conflict on the wilder shores of rock n' roll.
You've previously mentioned your upbringing was far from glamorous. How did you develop your suave 'Gentleman of the Manor' image?
That was not quite the image I had in mind!
Although I love the countryside, I am rarely there, and spend most of my time in my recording studio in London.
I suppose the cover of 'Another Time Another Place' started that whole 'up at the villa' idea. When we did it we thought it had a more far-reaching and cosmopolitan appeal. My close friend, the designer Antony Price, was very keen on uniforms and the tuxedo uniform was one of several we experimented with.
I heard you used to be a potter before you took up music. Is ceramics something you keep up in your spare time?
I wish I had the time. However I do love collecting ceramic pieces when I'm on my travels.
How did it feel when Simple Minds hit number 1 with 'Don't You Forget About Me', a song that you had turned down? Have you got any other regrets in your career?
I'd like to say just that one, but there are far too many to list...
Do you find it difficult that you have to vet everything you say lest it be inevitably misconstrued in the media.
Yes, talking to journalists has become a nightmare in as much as whatever one says can be taken out of context and distorted.
Frightening times... don't you think?
Any plans for another Roxy tour?
Who knows...
Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music will be headlining Lovebox.
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