Dunedin fans of raucous rock riffery rejoice: Japanese outfit Guitar Wolf is headed this way and, though the band formed in 1987, original member Seiji shows few signs of slowing down. Shane Gilchrist asks him a few questions.
Q Seiji, given you've been in this band for 24 years now, do you still have the same passion for live performance and songwriting that you did when you first formed the group?
A I'm glad you asked me this question. I myself is amazed and wondered how I could have done it. It seems, a long time ago, I was abducted by an UFO and they did some works on me. My memory is not clear. It felt like I was dreaming. I think it made me strong and tenacious. Actually, I'm the one who wants to know why I've been able to do this for this long.
Q Is your attitude to music more about raw energy than overly complex technique?
A In order to please the audience like you, good technique is always important. But I prefer to skewer you guys fresh.
Q What is your philosophy when it comes to: A, songwriting and B, performing?
A I don't know! Ask Shakespeare.
Q Your many albums also contain lots of high-energy, fast-tempo music? Do you change your approach much for studio recordings? Or do you prefer to record in a "live" manner?
A I don't understand why you are asking me this question. Guitar Wolf is Guitar Wolf no matter where we are or where we play at. The question doesn't make sense. We blow everything away with high-energy and high-speed.
Q Why do you like electric guitars so much? Is it because they allow you to project energy better than, say, a synthesiser?
A I am a master of the baseball, and a sword master as well. When I don't have a bat or a sword in my hand, the guitar would work for me. I can't play a synthesiser. I can use it as a shield.
Q When did you first pick up a guitar? When were you first inspired to create a band?
A I was 24 when I started playing the guitar. I'm strongly inspired by Link Wray, Johnny Thunders and Joan Jett. I have almost given up playing the guitar many times, but Link Wray's record saved me. When I first listened to his Rumble, I was shocked. It sounded so great even though the song itself was so simple - even an elementary school kid could play it. It convinced me this was it. There's a way to achieve my goal without complex guitar techniques, I learned.
Q There seems to be a fair amount of humour in your videos, as well as references to science-fiction and action films (examples include Sky Star Jet, UFO Romantics, Jet Generation. Are you a big movie fan? If so,what are some of your favourite films?
A Nice question. Of course, I'm a film fan. I've been watching many different movies, but Enter The Dragon, Back To The Future and Grease are the best to me. There are many other movies I like, but these three are the ultimate.
Q You have performed in many places around the world. Can you describe some of the strangest concerts you've played?
A When we were playing on the stage in the old building in Argentine, the ceiling collapsed to the floor. A tremendous amount of dust raised up like smoke in the air. Fortunately, no one was hurt and the show went on. We were all excited and the show was awesome.
Q Is Japanese music in a healthy state? Is it diverse? Are there lots of bands who care little about commercial success?
A As long as Guitar Wolf exists in Japan, the rock of Japan is fine. We have never looked for a commercial success. We will never do so in future. There are many bands who want such success. It's OK. They make the scene interesting and the bands compete to be better, too. Of course, it would be great if a band can get a commercial success, but there would be no meaning if they lose their cool. To keep our cool, we've got to have power.
Q Given you have been playing music constantly (apart from when you had surgery a few years back), is there any advice you can offer bands who might just be starting?
A Watch Enter the Dragon and learn!
• Catch them
Guitar Wolf performs at None Gallery, 24 Stafford St, Dunedin, on Tuesday, December 13, 8pm sharp. Tickets from undertheradar.co.nz and Glue Gallery, Stafford St.
