MEET JOE

In your own words. Tell us a bit about yourself…

I’m 37 so I’m the youngest in the band by quite some considerable margin! Haha! As a result you will often hear me be referred to as ‘Baby Joe’ on stage by Tina.

At the time of writing (May 25) I’ve been in the band just over 18 months and probably played around 50 gigs with the band.

I used to own a nightclub/music venue in Biggleswade and used to book The Dekkertones long before I joined as I just loved them and they always packed the place out which was good for bar takings! On one occasion I mentioned to them that I played guitar and that if they were ever looking for a dep, I’d happily fill in for them. Low and behold, about 2 years later I get a call asking me to join!

During the phone call asking me to join, Glenn actually FaceTimed me as I’d just got out of the shower. I don’t know if he saw my ballbag or anything else to this day.

How did you learn to play your instrument?

I was inspired to pick up the guitar by my stepdad who is an absolute monster on guitar. But ultimately I taught myself and then just went to him for pointers when I needed them. I’d like to think I was catching him up a bit by now.

I started playing when I was 11 so I’ve now played for 26 years. I didn’t get on with lessons at school (I had about 3). I just couldn’t stand being made to play 3 blind mice and other equally monotonous shite, so I taught myself how to read guitar tabs. I used to save my money and buy tab books, but the one that really elevated my playing was learning to play the 'Master of Puppets’ album by Metallica.

I absolutely love playing guitar and if I could do it full time then I absolutely would, even if it meant living on cereal forever.

I’m still learning and always will be til the day I die.

What inspired you to get into music and who are your biggest influences?

As I’ve mentioned before, mainly metal. A lot of the big names you’d probably expect such as Metallica, Iron Maiden, Slayer. Then the ‘cool’ bands of my generation such as System of a down, Deftones, Slipknot etc.

I was in Ska punk bands in my teens, so I guess that it’s always been a part of me!

My inspiration really came from growing up in a household of musician parents and seeing them live since I was in nappies, then wanting to carve my own path out. I feel that your inspiration can however change as you carve out a new path.

I’ve been in bands since I was 13 and actually headlined Esquires when I was in year 10 at school! It was on Valentines day in 2002 (I think) and we were all dressed as Angels!

The bands around the scene at that time were amazing and it drove you on as the competition was so fierce. The scene was buzzing and every gig was rammed. I frequented mainly Club 85 and Esquires - nothing has or will ever taste better than an underage beer!

I’ve been lucky enough to share the stage with some incredible bands over the years and I’m gonna do some namedropping now! I’ve gigged with Bring me the Horizon, Enter Shikari, Kasabian, Skindred, Don Broco, Arthur Brown, John Otway, plus a lot of ska punk bands that had a fair amount of success such as Capdown, No Comply and Leftover Crack to name a few. They all left a big impression in their own way and you can see why they have had good careers in whatever genre they have pursued.

What’s your favourite song to play live?

It does vary. I like a challenge and ska for the most part isn’t very difficult to play on guitar. The difficulty comes from the feel of the chop and subtle nuances as opposed to having to be a 12 notes per second technician. I enjoy every second, but if I had to pick I’d probably say 'Hey Little Rich Girl’ It sits a bit more comfortably with my natural way of playing as it isn’t that subtle and the double stop riffs are a nice little challenge if you’ve had a couple of beers! I also like playing Take 5 even though we don’t play it very often as it’s a bit slow, but the Jazz solo in it is so fun, but so difficult to play.

What’s your favourite thing about being a Dekkertone?

My other band members. I love them all dearly and it’s like a family. I’ve never felt out of place, awkward or anything but a part of it all even though I’m from a different generation.

What’s the worst thing to happen to you at a gig?

Very recently in fact. I had a problem with the bridge of my guitar. It was snapping strings like they were going out of fashion. It broke 2 songs into a set at a massive outdoor gig and I’d not brought a backup guitar (rookie mistake). I changed the string in rapid time, then got back on stage and that then snapped. 2 strings in 2 songs. Absolute carnage.

What’s your favourite lyric and how does it relate to you?

“No bullet can stop us now; we neither beg nor will we bow” - Jamming, Bob Marley.

I despise injustice and believe that far too many people just bend over and accept a bad hand in life. Everybody should always kick back against anything that makes their life worse in any way, regardless of the consequences. Bending over and taking the brunt of bad decisions is not true freedom.

If The Dekkertones were stranded on a desert island, who would you sacrifice first?

I would weigh that up based on who was doing the least to help out the camp. It wouldn’t be Drozzer though as he’s a beast at fishing and he would be extremely useful.

What would you say to someone who thinks ska music is for old timers?

It’s so much more than just the music. It’s a community. The loveliest people, the best fun. Nobody is self conscious or cares what anyone else thinks of them. It’s just an amazing thing that I’m very honoured to feel a part of.

There are a serious amount of people younger than me at every gig. It varies hugely.

As for the music. It’s just great. The energy it bestows on you is incredible. Many of the tracks may have slightly poignant, political or meaningful lyrics, but on the whole it’s a celebration and a chance to blow off some steam with other people who are just there for a good time!

If you had to pick a different genre to play, what would it be and why?

Easy. Metal. I would happily chug away for hours.

What’s your drink of choice on gig night?

Guinness is my safe bet. But as we get to go to loads of different places, I’ve been a bit accustomed to trying out the ales. It’s a recent thing. Used to think it was old man juice. Maybe that means I’m now an old man?

If you could collaborate with any ska legend, who would it be?

Not Ska particularly, but I would’ve loved to have got really stoned with Bob Marley and written some chilled out bangers.

If you could enforce any band rule, what would it be?

Everyone helps at the end until everything is packed away before leaving the venue.

If The Dekkertones were a TV show, who would be the villain and who would be the hero?

I’ve always thought that Colin would make a good James Bond. So he’d have to be the hero! I think it would be hilarious seeing Droz cast as the villain as he’s the total opposite in reality.

What ska song would you be happy to never hear again?

Liquidator. But only because it’s the Chelsea anthem of and I’m a Gooner through and through.