Ronnie and I had been asked many times down the years how our writing process worked and we thought that the 25th Anniversary of the release of ‘Bridge of Spies’ could be the right time to reveal that process.
It was with a mix of wistful nostalgia and pride that we reviewed our early demos. Most of the songs had to make a huge journey from 4, 8 and 16 track demos to the polished 80-channel SSL desk that we used in Wisconsin with Roy Thomas Baker. I think it refreshed my relationship with the songs to hear them again in all their naivety. It made me realise that I have got into a well-worn groove when I perform them now, so I think it has invigorated my live interpretations. It also reminded me how good they are!
With most of them I really like how they ended up, but with ‘Thank You For Goodbye’ I love the demo version on ‘The Story Behind The Tracks’, but that’s about the only one that I prefer. What I do love about the demo versions are the early 80s keyboard sounds and drum machines. It takes me back to how pop was sounding when we wrote them, but by the time we recorded them both we and the sounds of the day had changed and moved on…
I didn’t realise how I’d left that girl behind, you think you are the same person but as you move through your life it’s almost like you shed your skin at times, like a snake, and there’s a whole new you. Once upon a time, when looking through old photos, they were still part of my not so distant past and fond memories and then POW! there was a sudden gear change and it all shot back to 25 years ago. My daughter looks so much like me when I was younger that it is her face I see in them.
I guess if I were to counsel that young Carol Decker with hindsight I would tell her to relax and enjoy the journey as it will all too soon be over!
Actually no, we’ve decided to cover tracks from all four of our albums, so that’s ‘Bridge of Spies’, ‘Rage’, ‘The Promise’ and ‘Red’.
To cut a long story short, it’s the tale most bands will tell you. We imploded though a mix of being over-exposed, over-worked, with crooked management, and personal and professional differences.
No I didn’t. We have all moved on since the split in 1991 and haven’t really kept in touch. I’m good pals with Tim Burgess, our old drummer, but he lives in Toronto these days and only plays now and again for laughs. Down the years I have played with dozens of great players and have put a kicking band together around Ron and me.
Where do I start? Selling out five Hammersmith Odeons, and five Manchester Apollos. Our first solo Wembley Arena show was awesome as we had been the support there so many times. The great buzz of arriving at a new town with a big hit in the charts. Our first posh tour bus with all the bunks and lounges after years in crappy vans that broke down, and our very own tour caterers, cooking what I wanted!
Yes! I must be mad. I will be totally honest and tell you that yes I am nervous. I have had a nice career on the 80s multi-bill shows like Rewind and Here and Now, but they only take up a couple of days and I am just part of the show. I have fun, and then I come home and that has fitted in well with raising my kids who are now 10 and 14. But this… this will be an hour-plus set, and it’s all on my shoulders to sell tickets!
I can’t wait to play the Isle of Wight, it was very cool to be asked. They’ve asked us to play a 40-minute set, and by then we should know what songs are running really well so we can make a decision closer to the date.
Well, I am just focused on the tour right now, and trying to keep well – I just had a shocking bout of flu! – but I’m looking after my voice and trying not to stress about my kids and the workload. But I do hope to start writing with Chris Corney, who is doing some support slots for me, when I have finished the tour. I really want to do a Carol Decker album…
Carol Decker will be on tour in April, May and June and all the details are available on the OFFICIAL T’PAU WEBSITE.