DID YOU EVER SEE MARC BOLAN/T.REX LIVE, AND IF SO, HOW DID IT COMPARE TO YOUR CONCERTS? “Yes, I saw Marc/T.Rex four times, twice in Germany, in 1972 and 1973 (my dad was in the Forces, so my family was based there for a few years), and then twice in England, in 1976 and 1977. Marc’s concerts were crazy – fans screaming and dancing, singing and shouting. They most certainly were not a serene affair. I try and re-create at least an atmosphere of those times, albeit at some venues times have changed and acting in that way is frowned upon! However, I do try to encourage fans to get involved with the gig as much as possible, as it’s a rock’n’roll gig after all. My costumes are based on Marc’s originals, and as I own some of his original clothing, I have been able to get some things made very close to them. We play, as Marc did, 100% live, raw, and raunchy, just how T.Rex would’ve been back in the day – this is what makes the experience exciting. A few years ago, we even had an original member, Dino Dines (Marc’s keyboardist) join the band, until his demise. I think having original members join a tribute band says a lot for our credibility and us as a live unit, not to mention receiving endorsements from Marc’s own family, and his record company.” TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOUR BAND MEMBERS? “Well, there’s me, Danielz – I take on lead vocals and lead guitar. Neil Cross, who plays rhythm guitar and does backing vocals, Rob Butterfield who plays bass guitar and does backing vocals, and John Skelton who plays drums and percussion. I’m very fortunate with my musicians as they are skilful and loyal and love playing the music.” WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO CREATE THIS ACOUSTIC SHOW? “Julie Sweeney, from Sweeney Entertainments, approached me with a fantastic idea for a new show. ‘Acoustics with a String Quartet’ would add another dimension to the tracks and give fans an alternate way to listen to them. Most of Marc’s songs were written on acoustic guitar anyway, so it’ll give a pure indication as to their originality.” WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT PERFORMING ACOUSTICALLY? “Performing acoustically gives a more personal and one to one feeling with the audience. It also enables one to take things a little easier and chill with the crowd. They feel as if they can call out and join in a little more too.” HOW WILL YOU APPROACH THIS PRODUCTION DIFFERENTLY TO YOUR USUAL T.REXTASY CONCERTS? “My approach with these gigs will be one of a more settled and relaxed appearance, as we’ll be sitting down as one with the audience. I’ll answer questions some may want to ask, whether they be about T.Rex or T.Rextasy.” WHAT SHOULD THE AUDIENCE EXPECT TO SEE? “The audience should expect a ‘more relaxed Danielz’ and the odd song that they wouldn’t get from our usual electric gigs.”
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