*Interview*
On Saturday the 19th of June I had the chance to ask Anthony the following questions:
What is your new music going to be like?
It will be like the old East17 stuff, because I wrote it, but it’s gonna be more mature.
Will there be any rapping in your new music?
Not a lot, if any.
I can’t wait for it to come out, we all can’t wait...
Nor can I! (..starts singing..)
Does it bother you and your family that fans come and knock on your door?
It drives us maaaaaaaad! especially there’s a couple that really spring to mind (..laughs..and looks at me and my mates..). If I say not at all I’ll get hundreds of girls ‘round, going like: " you say you didn’t mind....."
Are there more adventages or disadventages of being in a group?
I don’t know........ it’s kind of even. You don’t get lonely in a group. You’ve always got someone to talk to. But than again, you’ve always got someones opinion to think of.
What inspires you to write your songs?
I always want to write a song so I look for inspiration. Like, you know, the news or a topic on the radio. What inspires me the write a song.....? I dunno it’s hard writing songs.
Without going deep into politics, after what happened in yugoslavia, do you believe there’s still a chance to build ‘the house of love" Or is the world too mad to take this step?
It’s gonna happen, nothing we can do about it, it’s gonna happen.
Have you missed the attention?
Yes, sometimes, yeah. It won’t be long...(thinks) It’s not been as crazy. Yeah, of course I have. That’s what I crave, that’s what I live for. But only when I want it, because I am spoilt!
Where’s your Novello songwriting award displayed?
It’s on my windowsill, just as you go in the door on your right.
Do you have the internet?
Yes
Are you going to check out this site about you?
I will do.
Are you expecting old East17 fans to still support you?
Naah, I am not expecting anything, I am sure some will. There will be new ones, I hope. But I am not expecting anything. When you expect a lot less, than whatever you get more is..... more, innit?
What did it teach you to be a member of East17?
Lots of things! Keep your eyes open. Not every shark has a fin.
And.... the imposible is possible!
Where have you last been on holiday?
Tenerife.
Oh, didn’t I see you right after? That was when you had that nice tan!
I have a nice tan now...!
Are you planning a holiday this year?
Yeah, as soon as I sort out my record deal I will go away for 2 weeks and then come back and eeh..... start off again for another 5 years!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Out here waiting for a record deal. (..giggles..) And you are still pressing my buzzer, with your kids. (..Laughs..).
10 years time.... hopefully living here, writing another album.
Did you have any wishes or got any offers for you to come back in East17?
No...No.!
Do you want to prove you can do it by yourself with no less success?
I am doing it for me, otherwise I got no reason to be on the planet.
This is my ...... life.
What do you think is the biggest achievement you made so far?
What, in life...? East17!
Did the fact that you were with 3 other guys restrict the style of music you wrote in any way?
Kind of, but I wasn’t with them, they were with me.
Why don’t you have a look if there are any questions you’d like to answer..?
Okay!... this one:
How far in the future can you see yourself making music?
I’ll always make it, once you start you can’t stop!
What did you think of Australia when you were travelling with East17?
I can’t wait to get back! It’s lovely!
(About coming back:)I just can’t wait, I can’t wait, I can’t fucking wait!
I am gonna be outrageous on stage. Fuck the music, let’s just party. Bring on a DJ!
Will you release a CD and what will the album be like?
Yes I will..... wicked. It’ll be this year and it’s gonne be like...... excellent!
Your daughters both have very unique names, what would you call your dog if you had one running at the dog track?
(in a strong cockney accent:)"Go on you bastard..!!" .........I dunno,never thought of it.
Evy, U have a dog?
"No, I got a cat called Droppie." ( he thought I said Droopy)
Droopy, there you go, I’d call him Droopy.
Your cat has got a good name, hasn’t he? (Laughs)
Do you have any regrets about East17?
No.
What means the most to you right now?
My health! Because it took me 2 years to get the bitch back.
Yeah, I’m a healthy man! (jumps up and down)
Did you run in the London marathon?
Yeah, and I got an injury in my left foot at 15 miles. I had to walk like this
(limps) for 11 miles. And it’s not funny, right! (looks at me and my mates 'cos we're giggling)
It took me 8 hours! But I’ve done it, I got my medal!
Okay, one more question for you: What do you think of him out of Boyzone?
( This is about Steve who admitted he is gay)
I dunno, I was surprised. I just don’t think anyone cares. I didn’t, I didn’t care! I thought it was a strange thing to do. I don’t think it’s anyones business. It doesn’t make you a good person or a bad person.
What now, Evy? Can I turn this thing off?
(talking about my dictaphone he’s holding.)
Evy and Anthony 19-6-'99
Well, that's it, I hope you all have enjoyed reading this! The competition winners have been notified by email. Thanx so much to everyone who made this interview possible. That's everyone who sent in questions, Anthony himself and my mates Emma and Bev who were there with me.
To listen to a few parts of this interview, go and check out THIS PAGE for a few samples in WAV format.