06-XX-1981 – Popcorn
Fun In Space
Roger, you just released a solo album called Fun in Space. Why this ego-trip? Roger: In the past time I have written so many songs, that it was impossible to put them on a Queen album. So a solo album was the only possibility.
How did Freddie, Brian and John react? Roger: They like the idea that much, that they might do something similar very soon. But first there is a new Queen album to do. We are just working on it.
Once again you record in Munich, what is so fascinating about that town? Roger: Everything! The studio is fantastic, the people are okay and you can have a lot of fun if you want. We love the beer-gardens and visit a disco very often. The Sugar Shack is the hottest disco in the world. We like it that much, that we gave them some of our gold-discs.
Is there something special in the works for the new album? Roger: We don’t have a concept. Most of the songs are already there, but the different effects and details come to life step by step. When the album is finished, we will surely go on tour again. And it will be a completely new show.
Will you do a solo tour? Roger: No! Never! First of all Queen is much more important than my solo career. Second the band demands so much from me, that I have no time for a solo tour.
You are running Queen without a management for quite a while, how does it work? Roger: Very Well! We sign contracts the way we want it. And no one can tell us what to do as musicians. Since we are without a manager it has become real fun!.
Is there a boss in the band? Roger: Heaven help us! No, we share the responsibility and talk about everything.
Who does what? Roger: John is mainly responsible for financial affairs, Brian cares for organisation and I’m the girl for everything, Press, cover-design, problems concerning touring.
And what does Freddie do? Roger: Freddie is the pure entertainer, he doesn’t care for money or organisation. He is responsible for the show.
Are there never arguments? Roger: Not really. We are all very different people and everyone has to arrange with everyone. You can see it in our songs. John is a big fan of Funk, Jazz and Blues Brian loves the opposite, he’s into hardrock. Freddie likes classical stuff and me, I’m experimenting with New Wave. Nevertheless we are a musical unit.
You are one of the most successful bands ever. Does success get boring after you have reached nearly everything with Queen? Roger: no, success gives you more artistic freedom. We don’t have to write hits, we can do what we like. If we record an album or go on tour, it’s just for the fun of it.
On your album you play all instruments, why didn’t you get any help from the band? Roger: There are different reasons. First I have my own ideas, how the songs should sound. It’s more important to show several abilities of my own. In the end I don’t want to spend my life being behind the drums. There are lots of other drummers, who show, that solo albums are not only an affair of guitar-players, Singers or Keyboard-players.
The LP shows many styles, it ranges from rhythm and blues to synth-medleys (?) Roger: Yes, that’s probably the only weak point, where the critics might accuse me. But on my first solo-album I took the opportunity to show my whole spectrum. The second album will be more New Wave.
Your voice reminds of Rod Stewart, don’t you think? Roger: It’s true that it sounds a bit like sandpaper. I’m not angry if people think of Rod. I like him and I also know him in private.
What’s the secret behind the monster on your cover? Roger: It’s called Ernie and comes from an American Comic series. I like the little beast that much, that I use it as a logo.
What are you doing in your spare time? Roger: Music is both Hobby and profession. When I’m at home and have nothing to do, my life is more boring than people would expect about a rock star. I watch TV or read. That’s it more or less.
