Rockers Thunder have a new album ready and are getting ready to rip it up when they hit Ipswich in March says singer, and Planet Rock presenter, Danny Bowes.
Bowes, who can also be heard fronting his own music show on the digital station Planet Rock, is very pleased with new album Rip It Up. He says it’s probably the best they’ve ever done.
Formed in 1989, the London-based band have notched up no less than 20 Top 50 singles and a brace of gold albums along the way, as well as establishing themselves as a top live attraction.
The new album, containing some great rock anthems, comes two years since last offering Wonderdays.
“We recorded the album in three sessions over about six months We didn’t want to go in the studio for six weeks and do the whole thing and we only recorded the best stuff that Luke (Morley, chief songwriter) wrote,” adds Bowes.
With Morley being the one who writes the songs, I wondered if he wrote them in order to be played live?
“You know, I’m in awe of Luke, how he can keep coming up with great songs,” he laughs.
“I suspect that deep down, while he’s writing he’ll be thinking ‘oh, that’ll be good live’. But there are sone songs that you think will be good, but don’t work for some reason.”
With albums like Bang, Backstreet Symphony and Behind Closed Doors in their catalogue, the band has yet top work out what will be in the live set for the tour.
“It’s hard to say,” admits Danny. “It gets harder to choose a live set. We have to be mindful that some people will want to hear new songs before they buy the album and of course there are always songs that you have to play.
“But I think we’ll be playing as much of the new album as we think we can get away with,” he smiles.
The singer states the band is multi-layered.
“When you call your band Thunder, heavy metal will spring to mind. But to be honest, in comparison we’re nowhere near the really heavy sounds. We’re more generalised rock music and 1970s based.
“Even though bands like Bad Company, The Who and Led Zeppelin are our influences, there’s also soul music and Motown incorporated.”
The band don’t like to sit on their laurels.
“We don’t like to remain static and it would be all too easy to do that,” says Danny.
“The urge to make this record better than the last was very strong and we were always pushing ourselves. For instance, the ballad Right From The Start on the new album. At first I didn’t know how to sing it. In the end I found things in my voice that I didn’t know were there.
“We all had to raise our game on this one and I keep saying we couldn’t have made this record five years ago – we just weren’t good enough.”
For the live shows, the band wants to have fun.
“That’s right, we want the shows to be hugely enjoyable. We wanna play the tunes and have a great time and we expect the audience to join in with us. If people don’t go away as tired as I do, I think I’ve failed, but most of the time we win.”
A number of the shows have sold out.
“Yeah, that’s great. I never take it for granted and I’m really chuffed and surprised when they sell out.”
Looking at their schedule, they must be doing something right.
“Yeah, we’re off to Australia before we do the UK dates, then after that it’s around Europe and some summer shows. That’s what we’re here to do - play shows.
Thunder play the Ipswich Regent Theatre on March 26.
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