Jon talks about his British Blues Award Nomination
Only months after being told by a surgeon he may never drum again, Jon is now up for a prestigious British Blues Award. In the first of our trilogy of exclusive 'Blues Award' interviews, Jon talks about his nomination.
Q: Congratulations on being nominated for best drummer at the British Blues Awards! have you ever won any awards before?
No - this would be a first. And I can honestly say I am surprised. I don't think of myself as a "drummer's drummer" at all or even that good. When I was in my teens, it was hard to tear me way from a drum kit, I used to read drumming magazines, and bore my friends senseless talking about them. But that all changed in my late 20s, early 30s when I really went into early retirement, and didn't ever expect to play again. It was only when Adam persuaded me to join the Mustangs that I really picked up my sticks again. I can't say I have really practised that hard since then either!
Q: What does being nominated mean to you and how much do you want to win?
Actually it means most for the whole band I think than anything else. It would be lovely to win, although there are lots of great bands out there who are deserving. But I do think it is a recognition that we are doing something new and interesting with the blues in the UK. It shows too perhaps that the way you can play with others, represent the feel of the music and originality are as important for many people as other factors like ability.
Q: The remarkable thing is, that in january you had a problem with your arm and were told that you may never drum again....can you tell us about this??
Yes, I had a lump growing in my forearm for about 2 years. It was diagnosed as not cancerous, and the doctors hoped that it would stop growing of its own accord as these things sometimes do. However, it just went on getting bigget and bigger, to the point where it began to impede what I was able to do, including my drumming (the other band members said they hadn't noticed any difference!).
Seriously though, during gigs, my arm even began to spasm, and seize up sometimes. The doctors decided to operate, but it was a very difficult procedure with a considerable risk that the nerves in the arm would be damaged and I would never play again. I was pretty nervous about it to say the least, and prepared the band to find another drummer. I went in for the operation after our Skegness gig at the end of January wondering if it would be my last. But the surgeon did a fantastic job, and managed to cut the whole thing out without any damage beyond a 10 inch scar which now runs right along my forearm. I was back playing four weeks later.
Q: Ben and the band were also nominated, if you could choose only one of you to win, who would you go for?
I was actually hoping that Derek would get nominated for "Best Newcomer".
Q: How does it feel, getting this kind of recognition for you both as a rhythm section?
I haven't talked to Ben about it yet, but I think we'll both take it as very encouraging. We do though have our feet firmly on the ground, and recognise our huge limitations. We are also all too aware of how much we get away with, whilst eyes are firmly focused on Adam at the front with all his energy.
Q: Is the band excited by the nomination or do you not take it too seriously?
Can I say we are excited, and do take it seriously, but that's quite different from taking ourselves too seriously?
Q: What does this sort of thing mean to the band's profile?
As the awards are in their first year, it's perhaps too early to tell. I can only think that it will help though! More than anything I think it's encouraging to have the acknowledgement within the 'industry'.
Q: This is the inaugural Blues Awards, why do you think there have never been any in the UK before?
"Beats me!" (said the drummer). Perhaps because the blues is not really about competition, but rather about recognising that people do their own thing, and appreciating that? I'm just speculating... Perhaps its because everyone is so laid back, that no one has ever got around to it.
Q: The awards are being presented at Newark, where you are playing the following night - will you get there early in case you might win?
We've got a bit of a dilemma as we are due to be playing on the South Coast that night. We would love to be there. I think we'll have to do some thinking and perhaps re-arranging.
Q: Will you have an acceptance speech prepared in case you win?
Er, mmm, perhaps, well, as you can see I'm not always good at speaking in public
Q: If you could make up a special award just for life in the Mustangs, what would it be and who would win it?
Most likely to be found hiding at the bar when it's time to pack up the gear after a gig!
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