Post by Lucky on Jun 12, 2007 0:27:41 GMT 1
The following interview is with the man himself who as far as im concerned fronted THE Oi! Band. The band that has influenced everybody that came after them. Second to none the 4 Skins end off.
Gary Hodges
Tel. To kick off, what have you been doing since you left the 4 Skins?
Gary. The first thing I done was concentrate on going over the Hammers and taking liberties the length and breadth ( most of the time anyway).I've done two bits of bird, one for FV, and one for conspiracy, and once the old bill started to get on top, I realized I had to slow down, and concentrated on my family. So apart from 1 or 2 lapses I’ve kept my nose clean for many years now.
Tel.. Over the years so much bullshit has been written about the 4 Skins is there anything you would like to put straight or is it just all water under the bridge now?
Gary. It's water under the bridge, but if you would be more specific I’ll try to answer.
NEVER FORGET, never forgive
Tel. How does it make you feel when you hear and read that the 4 Skins are still always ranked number one when it comes to the all time Oi! Bands?
Gary. Great, It's always good to be rated
Tel. Any comments on Southall and the bad press you received which in my book was totally wrong?
Gary. I’m glad I was part of Southall, we done nothing wrong, nothing to be ashamed of, nothing to say sorry for. Fuck 'em all. It is a pity that the true story wasn't reported (who was to blame etc) and the people that could of helped ran for cover.
Tel. Today the Oi and street punk movement is on the up again how do you feel about this Gary
.
Gary. Great, I hope it takes off.
Tel. I said to Mick Geggus that I thought The Rejects last album was a change in direction. I think he got the hump with that but his answer was what I meant in as much as they had returned to their roots. (Probably should have rephrased it) Would you agree that they have returned to their roots with that album and, the album is the closest they could come to street level punk?
Gary. I don't really know. The new album sounds great though.
Tel. We’ve been hearing that you have been recording again. Would you like to tell us what you’ve recorded and what made you decide to get in a recording studio again after
So long?
Gary. We've put together 2 tracks for The Kings of Street Punk album, Chaos 07 and Glory Days. Andy Russell from G&R www.gandrlondon.com/ talked me into it, I definitely wanted to meet up with 'H' again, I did it for a laugh and to let my 10 year old daughter get on a CD.
Tel. What or, who influenced you to get into a band?
Gary. Originally we were just mates who because other mates were getting into bands we thought we would have the crack.
Tel. Will we ever see you back on stage again singing your heart out?
Gary. Never, I’m too old and too fat
.
Tel.. Terry Hayes has reformed the East End Badoes and have a very original sound. Have you seen them yet and what do you think of them?
Gary. No, but I will be seeing them at the Mean Fiddler
Tel. Do you ever listen to any of the other bands that are playing at the moment like Retaliator, Argy Bargy etc .If yes what do you think of them?
Gary. Not really, when I walked out on the 4skins I didn't ever listen to any of the stuff that came after me either.
Tel. Today so many bands play Chaos in their sets. Does this put a smile on your face knowing that after all this time that song is being heard by younger people that come in the Oi! Scene?
Gary. I should get royalties; I’ll have it in kind if Vice squad ever do a version.
Tel.. Andy and Mick have set up G and R which I think will become the backbone in time of The
Oi! And Street Punk scene would you agree with this?
Gary. I hope it kicks off big style, the label deserves to succeed.
Tel. Do you think the time will come when you put pen to paper and write a book telling it like it really was?
Gary. I’ll leave the books to Cass
Tel. Do you ever see any of the other members of the 4 Skins and how are they getting along?
Gary. I’ve seen 'H' a couple of times and it was as if time hadn't passed. We hadn't seen each other for 20 years so it was great. Now and then I see Tom, he's doing good.
Tel. What is your favorite 4 Skins track i/e the one you most liked to perform live on stage and why?
Gary. Chaos was always a favorite, our 1st tune, the one that kicked us off
.
Tel. As I asked Andy and Mick, so many older faces are showing up at gigs. How do you feel about that?
Gary. Just shows there is no where for the old boys to go out now they are trying to take our football away
Tel. Where do you see the Oi! Movement going over the coming years. Can it get bigger?
Gary. I hope so
Tel. A few people are trying to sort out a venue in the East End for regular events. Do you think this is a good idea and if we can get it launched will we see you there? (The beer will be free)
Gary. If I get an invite I’ll be there
Tel. Change of subject. West ham pulled it off last season and stayed up. Do you think we will get on well next season with the cash we’ve got behind us now?
Gary. If we can keep Tevez, and with eggys money, who knows?
Tel. Ok Gary. Last question. Is there anything you would like to add and anyone you want to say hello, cheers or piss off to?
Gary. To any one that wishes me well- Good Luck, to everyone else fuck off!
Thanks Gary. I wish you all the success with everything you do.
And in the second question i meant the rubbish that was pushed at you after Southall but you've answered that.
There you go Steve.Theres only two sites that have that.Mine and Yours.
