"My main poison is having too many ideas and not being able to do them all."

The Cherry Poppin' Daddies' founder, main songwriter, singer and rhythm guitarist Steve Perry talked to Tangra Mega Rock a couple of days before the American swing band's first ever concert in Sofia, Bulgaria on December 13, 2008...

Vassil Varbanov: Hey, Steve, where are you at the moment?

Steve Perry: We're in Hamburg, Germany.

V. V.: Oh, the read light district?

S. P.: Yeah, we're in the red light district right now.

V. V.: First question: How old are you?

S. P.: That's a hell of a first question! I'm 45 years young.

V. V.: You started the band when you were 25, so you have the 20th Cherry Poppin' Daddies anniversary this year. Did you do anything special?

S. P.: Not really. We haven't thought about it too much other than marvel at the fact that we've been around for 20 years. We're not doing anything special. We're working on a new record - just doing business as usual.

V. V.: Do you know where the fuck is Bulgaria?

S. P.: I know where it is roughly. We're familiar with Bulgaria mostly through the Olympics - it's sports, weightlifters and gymnasts.

V. V.: Swing is a very American kind of vibe. How does it work here in Europe?

S. P.: This tour is going surprisingly well. We didn't know what to expect, as we haven't been to Europe for a long time, so we king of came in with no expectations. There are a lot of people who are into swing in Europe.

V. V.: Do you get mistaken for Steve Perry - the ex-Journey guy?

S. P.: Actually yes. It's funny, because years ago I would get some fan mail from people in the USA that would say, "Oh, Steve, it's great to see you singing again with this new project!" Halfway through it I realized that they we're not talking to me.

V. V.: What kind of kid were you at school?

S. P.: I got my degree in Molecular Biology, so I was a pretty good student. My dad's a scientist, so I sort of follow in his footsteps, but I was also always very interested in arts and literature, so... I wasn't too bad a student.

V. V.: What has been the most difficult period in the history of the Cherry Poppin' Daddies?

S. P.: Every period has its good and bad points. There's always something difficult... For me the most difficult time was probably just before "Zoot Suit Riot" (1997) came out - we've been on the road for a long time and... There's so many of us in the band and there wasn't much money... so it was hard to keep going during that time... but then, when everything was good financially, we had a big hit in the USA, which was also difficult, because in America we have tendency to lift up somebody who isn't doing well and tear down somebody who is doing well. We were doing great, but emotionally... It didn't last long - from 1998 until about 2000 - but it was shocking and depressing.

V. V.: What has been your main poison through the years?

S. P.: I don't know, I have a pretty clean-living life. My main poison is having too many ideas and not being able to do them all.

V. V.: You know, swing became quite popular here mainly because of the Cherry Poppin' Daddies, the Brian Setzer Orchestra and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Was a there friendship between these three bands?

S. P.: There was definitely a friendship. I don't think any of the three bands are close, but all the people in these bands are very nice. There was no animosity.

V. V.: If you were to make a soundtrack, what movie would you choose?

S. P.: I really like "Blue Velvet" - I love the way they use music in it. Sweet music of the 50's that comes off as really creepy...

V. V.: Last question: Steve, do you like to dance?

S. P.: I do. The city I come from has a large tango scene, so I've been taking some classes with my girlfriend. And I dance around on stage all the time.

Copyright: Tangra Mega Rock