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Bush was a criminally underrated band, and while we won’t go to drastic lengths to defend Gavin Rossdale streaking down the streets shirtless for music videos at the age of 40, we will stand by the tunes that held together four great records and a tolerable remix album – and Nigel Pulsford’s skill on guitar was the glue that held things together. So when we got a chance to check in on the man who brought some of the most epic riffs of the decade to life, we jumped at the chance – not because there was some new record to sell or get the scoop on, but because Nigel’s stuff had a lot of sway on our formative musical years, and we wanted to see how he was doing. So as we reach the half century mark at Stereo Zeitgeist, we’re glad to present The Nigel Pulsford Interview.
Remember Chris Tucker trying to interview Bruce Willis’ character in The Fifth Element? Talking to Nigel was a little bit like that: he’s built up a bit of a reputation among Bush fans for being notoriously tightlipped, but unlike Corbin Dallas, he doesn’t shy away from delivering quality info in a small span of time. For those who haven’t followed his post Bush output, there’s his solo album (Heavenly Toast on the Paradise Road), some collaborations and production work, and a lot of… well, just listen.
Zeitgeist: I know this is a very far reaching question, but how’s life? Are you involved in any interesting organizations or activities?
Pulsford: Hanging tough, enjoying spending a lot of time with my family, my books, my music and my friends. I wouldn’t want to belong to any organisation that would have me as a member!
Zeitgeist: As a pragmatic matter.. when the buzz hits you, how do you record? Do you have a setup at home, or do you pay for something more intricate. Is there a basement or harddrive packed with Pulsford material?
Pulsford: We got Pro Tools, Logic, outboard motors, digital lawn mowers. You name it, we got it. Problem is that by the time it’s all cranked and ready the inspiration has headed west to a bar. So solo stuff is tricky, but I persist.
Zeitgeist: How does your family life impact the time you allot to music?
Pulsford: Hugely. It stops me wanting to tour abroad. It makes my working days shorter but my thoughts are that, I spent a lot of time working 20 hour days a while back, so now I work shorter days [and] get frustrated, but that’s the trade off if you’re me and you like seeing your wife and kids.
Zeitgeist: This is going to be a controversial approach to this question… but with everybody buzzing about the possibility of Bush getting back together -
Pulsford: The only things buzzing round here are the flies.
Zeitgeist: … but in a general sense, a lot of bands shy away from reuniting because they think it isn’t worth doing if the audience isn’t there or they aren’t sure if they can live up to their catalogue. Do you lean towards that view, or is it just a matter of playing together with old friends, enjoying each other’s company, and letting the chips fall where the might regardless of how others recieve it?
Pulsford: It’s all those things and more. People move on and apart – my musical tastes are probably different to Gavin’s. If there is no common musical goal then it is pointless, isn’t it?
Zeitgeist: You’re a part of songs that will be forever associated with the 90s. Now that we’ve all had time to digest it a little, what cultural significance do you think the 90s now hold?
Pulsford: Not much yet, as it is still all personal for me. Give it 20 years and I might have an opinion.
Zeitgeist: What kind of music are listening to today, and how’d you find your way to it?
Pulsford: Lots of jazz, Kings of Leon, Gram Parsons, The Byrds, Elvis Costello, Big Star, Neil Young – stuff I’ve been listening to for years. There hasn’t been a lot of new stuff I’m crazy about.
Zeitgeist: Out of all your influences, is there any one guitarist who stands out the most or is the most responsible for inspiring you to pursue a life in music?
Pulsford: There isn’t one really – when I started I really liked Eric Clapton in Derek & The Dominos & Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young, Robbie Robertson from The Band, Mick Ronson from the Spiders From Mars, Phil Manzanera from Roxy Music, Joe Walsh and Steve Winwood from Traffic. All stuff that was around in the mid 70’s – I started playing in 73. Then it just progressed on from there. I was inspired by everything about rock music when I was young – it was all I thought about. It got me through the drudge of my schooldays.
Zeitgeist: Is there any one thing you miss most from life on the road?
Pulsford: The only thing I really miss is the fans. That contact with all those people was really special and I made some good friends along the way. It was great to see the same faces turning up. I miss that a lot. The rest of it I don’t really miss. First class air travel maybe!
Zeitgeist: What musical projects are you currently involved with? I recall hearing about a project you were doing with a friend called “The Bookclub” a few years back, as well as some talk of a possible second solo record and doing production for Emma Holland.
Pulsford: Both those projects didn’t work out for various reasons which was a shame. I produced an album for a band called Furlined which came out last year. These days I’m working on a few things. I keep busy doing little projects and I’m trying to finish another solo album but it’s taking me an age to motivate myself. I do play a lot of guitar though. My family keeps me busy and we live in the country these days so there are always chores to do around the place. I hope I’ll find another musical project to me excited again – I find it tough to motivate myself. There’s no hurry though!
You can check out Nigel on MySpace here, and pick up a copy of Heavenly Toast on Amazon.
Tags: Bush, Heavenly Toast On The Paradise Road, Nigel Pulsford