What can you tell us about Steve Stevens Atomic Playboys?
It was an extremely expensive hobby
Where did the name come from?
During the atomic bomb tests the U.S. was conducting in the 1950's a general stated that he was not an Atomic Playboy in a press conference. The first time i saw this film clip was on the tour bus with Billy during the Whiplash Smile tour.
What made you cover the song 'Action'?
I thought for many years it was Queen.....I loved the production.
'Desperate Heart' is the most beautiful song, was it inspired by a personal experience?
No ...actually Beau Hill the producer of the album wrote the lyric with his girlfriend ....singer Fiona
Same with 'Woman of a 1,000 years' ?
That song i wrote after seeing the film the Hunger. It was inspired as well by some not so nice characters i have met along the way...ha ha
'Run Across Desert Sands' is an amazing song. You can just picture doing that.
That was the first glimpse of what has led to my solo cd Flamenco A Go Go
Why did the band split?
because I'd look towards the center of the stage and Idol wasn't there...ha ha
Have you done any other work with Perry McCarty?
No
What else has he done?
Don't know...but i wish him much luck
Can you tell us anything about the song 'Sealed with a Kiss' ? (Eternal damnation?) played at the Joint in Las Vegas.) It is an amazing track. How did it come about ?
Man...how did anyone know this one? It was written with Matt & Duff former Guns & Roses guys
How did you come to part ways with Billy in 88/89?
I was signed to Warner Brothers Records....i do now regret leaving but i can only say that our friendship has survived that. As Joni Mitchell sez...you don know what you got till it's gone...
Was it amicable?
Yes
How did you come to get back together again?
Bill and I always kept in contact
Were you involved with many of the songs that Billy did for his Capitol album?
Not initially ...but towards the end a bit more
How do you feel about it being shelved?
A blessing in disguise
Did you enjoy working with Robert Palmer?
Amazing to work with Robert in Milan Italy...He's a wonderful host.
You once recorded a couple of tracks for an album, around 1991, with Adam Bomb, was it ever released?
Adam sent me the record and i have to say it is quite chilling. Produced by Jack Douglas of Aerosmith fame. It is one of the undiscovered New York gems.
Can you tell us anything about Jerusalem Slim; is it correct that you left before the album was released?
Yes I did
A couple of people who know you have told me that you are quite a shy person. How do you cope with this when you have to walk onto a stage in front of thousands of fans?
I am not shy.....just don't talk without reason.
Did you suffer with stage fright in the early days, if so, how did you overcome it?
Never had stage fright
Can you still remember the first time you walked on stage in front of a crowd to play?
I was playing in bars 4 nights a week by the time i was 18
How did you feel?
I love performing I feel truly at home
How do you feel now when you walk on stage? You look completely relaxed, but do you still get excited, or nervous, or apprehensive etc?
I do still get a bit of the old' tingles. I would worry if i didn't...ha ha
How do you react if you are asked to do something you don't really like, professionally would you just go along with it anyway, refuse to do it, or try & negotiate a compromise?
I am much more willing to negotiate a compromise now that I am older and wiser
Is there a project you have enjoyed working on more than any other ?
I love to travel to Europe to work so Robert Palmer &The Thompson Twins come to mind as great experiences.
Are there any other artistes you would particularly like to work with?
Bjork, LTJ Bukem
How much do you play at home (for pleasure)?
Tons...all the time
Which instruments do you play?
Guitar Bass and this Damm computer
I understand you first started playing guitar at the age of just 7 & 1/2?How many hours a day did you practice for?
sometimes 4 or 5
Did you have professional training?
well I did take some lessons
At what age did you eventually feel you could say you were really good?
by the time I was 11
Do you prefer not to do many vocals? Your lead vocals on 'Woman of 1,000Years' are really good, but we don't see you doing many?
not my bag baby....ha ha
How many guitars do you have ?
about 60
Do you have a favorite one?
yes my Ramirez Flamenco
Do you like to keep to your original ones, or do you replace them periodically?
i do move on quite a bit
How do you go about writing a song, or tune? Is it a case of just feeling' in the mood' & writing what comes, or do you set yourself a particular task?
I usually start with a series of guitar changes... I will them program loops and grooves around it
Do you generally work around the lyrics, or add the lyrics to the tune?
That's Bill's job
Do you have a favorite place to go to write?
Anguilla, in the Caribbean
How do you get your ideas?
mostly films and life is chock full of love and sorrow
Do you enjoy writing or studio work or live performances the most?
I am very much ready to tour...thank you
Did you enjoy doing the Black Light Syndrome with Terry Bozzio & Tony Levin.
yes
I understand it was recorded after just four days in the studio?
true
Where's the best place to get hold of a copy, any suggestions?
Magna Carta online
Is there an official release date for Flamenco A Go Go yet ?
Feb 29th
Do you plan to tour with it?
possibly
I don't suppose there's any chance of you coming to the UK?
not now...sorry
Will fans be able to get a copy of it in the UK?
yes
Your guitar picks are a constant source of interest & fascination, is there any chance you could let us have a few examples of the ones you have used over the years. (Photos are fine) as this will make an interesting section?
Do you design your own ?
yes
Are there any stories behind them?
not really
What is the proudest moment in your professional life?
the Rebel Yell album and tour and Flamenco A Go Go
Do you still have any outstanding ambitions, professionally?
Of course ...i await them still
Carole Page -
