For Me, There’s No Difference Between The Joy Of Life And The Joy Of Death
Alright then let's trace them back. You seem to have a musical background in your family.
Yeah, my dad was a concert pianist. A specialist of Beethoven and Chopin. At home we always had classical music playing. I grew up with this music. My mother was also related to the world of notes. At least considering her spare time. She loved to sing.
But this had no influence on your decision to pick up the guitar at all, or?
At least not directly. The first one that was really fascinating me was Cat Stevens. I was four years old and suddenly got a warm feeling in my body while listening to one of his songs. For the first time in my life I noticed that music can change the atmosphere in a room indeed. That music made the world more beautiful. At the age of six came the next turning-point. I got a Rock'n'Roll compilation from the fivties as a present. Containing "Louie, Louie" among others. The Kingsmen version of this song was driving me insane...and with me my parents. (laughs)
On your album the line "my radio is my heart/we live as one" can be found in the song "Time Goes Back". What does radio mean to you?
Well, there were periods in my life where radio was indeed very important to me. Where I felt as if it was an organ in my body. It seemed as if I can command the radio station what to play next - and not vice versa. Now I don't listen to the radio anymore.
In the end it was punk-rock that got you to be active yourself. What exactly was so fascinating about it for you? Was it the pain? The energy?
Hard to say. (thinking) It was the life-style connected to punk that was attracting me as a teenager. These guys appeared to be honest. Their art was very important to them, the centre of their existence. These bands meant what they sang.
Do you remember the moment when you met the Chili Peppers for the first time?
I bumped into Anthony before one of their early Chio (?) shows. He had parked his car right next to me and my friends and explained to us that he just went quickly on a contemplative excursion. In fact he just shooted up directly in front of a police station which came out later.
It says that you were an extremely shy guy back then. Right before you joined the band in 1988 you was supposed to rehearse for Frank Zappa's band but descided not to go right before the rehearsal.
That had nothing to do with my undoubtedly reserved personality. While waiting it came to my mind that I didn't want to do that. Believe me I was prepared. The whole 15th year I was spending with learning Zappa's music note for note. On request I could have even played that crap backwards. 33 complex instrumental tracks just out of my head. For me it was a big challenge - just because his music was known to be so damn difficult.
