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 anything more than he should’ve or not!

How did you learn to play your instrument?

I was inspired to pick up the guitar by my stepdad who is an incredible guitarist. 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 taught myself how to read guitar tabs and music, then used to save all of my money from my part time job on the market to buy tablature 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 in any style or in any form. It’s a release and escape like no other.

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 musical parents and seeing them play in rock bands since I was in nappies, then wanting to carve my own path out. I feel that your inspiration can however change as you grow and make your own way.

I’ve been in bands since I was 13 and actually headlined Bedford 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 packed. I frequented mainly Club 85 and Esquires - nothing has or will ever taste better than a cold pint to the backdrop of live music!

I’ve been lucky enough to share the stage with some incredible bands over the years and I’m going to do some namedropping now! I’ve shared the stage 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! I also like playing Take 5 even though we don’t play it very often as it’s a bit slow and self indulgent, but the Jazz solo in it is so fun, but very difficult to play. We like to sometimes drop it in the set however to start off the second set for our own selfish reasons! Haha!

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. We are brutally honest with eachother, open and probably overshare details. But we all get stuck in, know our roles and work together as a team on everything. Everyone has their own specialities and playing to our strengths in terms of the workload that goes on outside of the actual gig days has really moved us forwards throughout the past year and onto bigger and better venues to bigger crowds.

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 as we were only playing a short set and the strings were brand new, so it felt safe(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 accept a bad hand in life. Everybody should always stand up for what they believe in and back themselves with conviction and confidence, whilst at the same time not pushing things forcefully upon others. That’s what this line says to me.

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.

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. Not even close.

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 influenced by the older folks in the band to try out the ales based on their knowledge. It’s a recent thing. I used to think it was old man juice, but I’ve got a taste for it. You can’t drink much and play successfully anyway, so at most it’s usually a pint or 2 in the hours leading up to going on, so it’s nice to sample some different local brews across the country.

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

Not Ska particularly, but I would’ve loved to have hung out with Bob Marley and written some chilled out Reggae bangers. He had a knack for melody which I think is understated at times.

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 Mick would have to be the villain as he’s a Spurs fan. So hopefully he gets taught a lesson at some point during the film.

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 die hard Gooner.