On the couch with Neal Williams

Q1 You and Tim conceived of the idea for RP McMurphy, the style, the feel and the look. Where did you draw inspiration from?

Tim came up with the name, we all thought it was strong and of course we all loved the book/film. I once met Ken Kesey in Cornwall (I’ll tell you that story another time). Sound-wise we wanted a feel with a dirty edge that we could stick together 70s rock, 80s pop, some tongue-in-cheek stuff, bit of crooning.

Blend up; The Strokes, Iggy, Urge Overkill, New York Dolls, Frankie Valli, Elvis, Madonna and add spice, perform it in second hand suits and expensive shoes and have it sound sleazy and feel like a show.

We're not entirely sure what we mean by ‘Dirty Vegas’ but we think we've invented a genre nevertheless!

Q2 Over the years you've introduced a beard to your face groove. Is it here to stay?

Yes, for the now. It covers a multitude of sins and excesses.

Q3 What's the most interesting shenanigan you've dragged Tim into, against his better judgement?

We were on a Greek island stuck in the middle of nowhere trying to get back to our hotel 5 miles away after a party and discovered a knackered old van in a ditch, managed to get it going and thought we were sorted for home until we heard a bunch of dudes on motorbikes chasing us (Ed – yes readers, that’s called grand theft auto).

We got around a corner, abandoned the van and legged it into the mountains pursued by the bikers and now dogs. We got away but at one point I dived into the side of the track to avoid headlights - taking Tim with me but not seeing the 12ft drop into a gulley.

Tim cut his head open - he’s always been a liability like that.

Q4 What's the most entertaining fishing trip you've been on?

You are referring to a fabled fishing trip that occurred on Wayne Pocock’s stag weekend. There was a mad Scouse guy with us who, at one point, bit the head off a live mackerel. Not to be intimidated by the stunt I performed an act of silliness involving a fish and some mild nudity. It seems to have been logged in the annals of history but I assure you has been grossly exaggerated (Ed – it has not been exaggerated).

Q5 What's your favourite home cooked meal?

This week I have mostly been eating classic French dishes, popularised in the 80s- chasseur, coq au vin, cassoulet.

Q6 Queen at Knebworth in '87. Best gig of all time?

One of the best for sure - me and Stevie Smith wriggled and swam our way to the very front- as you do when you're 17. We were well close to Fred. He didn’t disappoint, the show was amazing; it felt personal to us - intimate, emotional, wonderful, powerful and it absolutely rocked!

Q7 Marmite. Yes or no?

Yes.

Q8 Shower or bath?

Lying in the bath with the shower on! Not any more though; on a water meter. Conserve food and water obsessively.

Q9 You have a mixture of guitars, are you planning on expanding the collection?

I love the Les Paul for when a warm, rich, vintage sound is required and the Tele for when I want a wirey, scratchy, spanky vibe. I’m using the Tele more and more these days, in love with its cut through, ice pick highs. I've got a Strat too for some things- it’s a Chender with highway one pups. It sounds nasty, great for garagey indie stuff like ‘Bohemian Like You – The Dandy Warhols.’

I'd like a semi acoustic next- let me know if anyone selling one. I’ll probably stop there. It can become addictive, like getting tattoos. Look at Dave Mumford and Stevie Smith's collections - jaw dropping! (Please post a pic if reading this)

Oh and I love love love Katie Shore’s Mustang!

Q10 What's the secret to a great curry?

It's all about the base: do a whole bag of onions, whole bulb of garlic, a thumb of ginger, fry up and blend with some water for the base. Use scotch bonnets. If you don’t want it to kick do half a one but don’t bother with other chillies. Add whatever spices you like. It'll rock.

Q11 What's the first song you learnt to play on guitar?

That’s easy- ‘A Forest’ by the Cure. Anyone can play it but it’s F***g ace.

Q12 How have you been able to find the fabled '11' volume setting whilst convincing everyone that you're ‘only just past 3'?

The Marshall has 2 volume settings. Cover up the one that’s on full with your elbow and point to the one on 3. Gives you a vol of 13. Can’t believe I’ve given that away!

Q13 Have you forgiven Blakey for not checking the top of the van for flip flops?

I have now finally come to terms (20 years) with losing my favourite flip flops because Blakey and Tim saw fit to drive off from where we'd stopped on a Spanish road trip, without checking the roof of the van.

Just about everyone knows you always always always! check the van roof for flip flops before driving off. I mean it’s page 1 of traveling by campervan.