After initial show sell-outs, a fresh batch of shows were recently added to Regurgitator’s upcoming ‘Retrotech‘ tour which begins in just over a months time. They’ll be playing their classic albums ‘Unit‘ and ‘Tu Plang‘ back to back. Joining them will be special guests from Indonesia Senyawa and just announced for all shows except Hobart will be China’s Hedgehog. Tickets are on sale now. This week in The Hotseat we catch up with bass player Ben Ely. Expand this post to take a read and re-cap the tour dates if you need those.
THE BASICS
Name : Ben Ely
Band : Regurgitator
Job In Band : Bass and vocals
Website Address : regurgitator.net
HOME
Hometown : Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Hometown is best known for : Sunshine, Rainbows and Lolly pops. Oh and great punk rock bands. :]
Best venue in your hometown : The Zoo has always been a fav of mine and now the Hi-Fi has opened in West End thats great, also though, Street Corners I must admit have always been my favourite of all.
Favourite show you’ve seen in your hometown : Janes Addiction at Festival Hall just before they split up and before that beautiful place was brutally torn down and replaced by apartment bulidings. Such a sad crime.
Favourite show you’ve played in your hometown : Favourite show ever was for a Save The ABC Rally at King George Square in the city. A huge crowd turned out and started to riot. The out numbered cops didn’t know what to do! It was a beautiful sight!
THE BAND
How did the band first come to exist? Quan and I were were looking for something new to do. We discovered this as we bonded over mushrooms at a full moon party that had musical equipment at the ready.
How long has the band been going? I can’t remember its been to long. 16 17 years? Woah… actually 19+ years.
Any particular story behind the name? Quan came up with it. I guess it summed us up well as we do seem to regurgitate a bunch of styles we know and love in a soupy fashion.
What’s your most recent release? Tell us a little about it. Our most recent album that came out last year is called ‘Super Happy Fun Times Friends’ and I think its the best thing we have ever done. Really! People do love nostalgia though.
Got a personal stand out achievement of your band to date? Playing Mt Fuji Rock Festival maybe our best… meeting Quan I would would have to say was the best thing that happened to me. I am a big fan of his work. I guess that helps when you play in a band with them.
OFF THE STAGE
What was your first introduction to music that made you think seriously about playing it? Watching KISS videos and seeing Gene Simmons spit blood on the crowd. That was very inspiring.
Any particular band / album or song that you personally credit as a major influence? DEVO DEVO DEVO all the way. I think this band has inspired us all more than any other.
Your first band name, and what style did you play? In grade 12 i had a quiff and played in a roackabilly band. That was before I became a metalhead… or after? so long ago.
Most prized music related item you own? My bass guitar… I love it.
When you’re not doing band related stuff, what are you usually found doing? Making silly pictures to hang on walls.
The thing you most look forward to just before a tour is… Going on tour of course! Looking forward to hanging with our gang is a great break from the responsibiilty and drudgery of reality.
The thing you least look forward to before a tour is… not sleeping.
ON THE STAGE
When on offer, what’s your one must have item on the rider? hmmm… fruit. Every good soldier needs not get scurvy.
Favourite place you’ve toured… and why? Japan. Such an amazing country filled with super sweet people. I really want to do that again some day.
Most memorable show you’ve played? and why? King George Square… mentioned above.
Got a favourite song to play live? ‘Bong In My Eye’. I don’t know why. I just like singing it.
Any embarrassing on stage moments come to mind? ripping my pants at the crouch area on main stage at big day out. That was humbling.
Any pre-show rituals? Do a wee.
What do you find is the hardest aspect of touring in a band today? I don’t find it hard really, I love it.
RIGHT NOW
Last song you listened to? ‘She’s Like A Rainbow’ by The Rolling Stones.
Last album you acquired? Asia. Asia
Which band or album is currently on high rotation? Asia. sucker for bad 80′s.
Tell us an up and coming band or artist you think we should go and listen to right now? DEVO!
What’s on the cards for the next few months for the band? Touring, touring and more touring.
IF ONLY…
You can pick any one album for your band to cover in full, what would it be and why? Bad Brains – Rock For Light. Because it’s still so very exciting.
One band you wish you were able to see live but never had the chance? Misfits with Glen Danzig
One venue you have yet to play that you would love to? The Forum Theatre in Melbourne.
The chance comes up to fill in for a member of a band for one tour, which band would it be, and why? I would love to be the drummer in Sonic Youth because I love that band and I think playing drums for them would be the best job in the whole world.
A headline tour overseas comes up, tell us two bands you’d take along to support your band. Senyawa from Indonesia and Swede Tooth, a great DJ from Brisbane.
PLUG TIME
Got any final words?We’re touring!
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