http://laist.com/2007/08/07/laist_interview_25.php
August 7, 2007
LAist Interview: Pete Thomas of Jackshit
Pete Thomas, a drummer since he was a kid in Sheffield, England, joined Elvis Costello to form the Attractions and continues as the drummer for the Imposters. He has also played as a session musician with countless artists including Johnny Cash, Sheryl Crow, Neil Finn, John Wesley Harding, Joe Jackson, Los Lobos, Joan Osbourne, Pearl Jam, Bonnie Raitt, Squeeze, Richard Thompson, Rufus Wainwright, and the Waterboys. In 2003, Thomas was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Along with Davey Faragher of the Imposters and Val McCallum of Jackson Browne's band, they create country rock magic with their band Jackshit. You can catch "Beau" "Shorty" and "Piece O" Shit this month at The Baked Potato on August 8 and 22 and next month at McCabe's on Sept 8. I asked Pete about his childhood in England, playing with Elvis, and California cowboy culture.
How old were you when you started playing music? When did you get your first set of drums? What drew you to the instrument?
I was 9, my grandmother bought me a snare-drum and cymbal. I made the rest of the kit out of old oil drums and biscuit tins. The inspiration was seeing the Beatles on TV, watching Ringo it seemed like a good job.
So many musicians credit Elvis Costello and the Attractions as the band that inspired them to go into music. What drummer influenced you?
My favourite drummers were:- Ringo, Charlie Watts and Mitch Mitchell
How did you meet Elvis Costello? How did you join the Attractions?
In 1977 I was living in Topanga Canyon, California. Elvis' manager, Jake Riviera, came to LA with the Damned. He played me EC's demos. It seemed like a good time to be in England so I went back and auditioned for EC with the other two Attractions who had answered ads in the Melody Maker. It seemed like we formed in a day.
What is the most memorable place that you have toured with Elvis?
There is a small seaside town in Sweden called Hunnebustrand (check spelling). We had a lot of fun there and decided it was the "best place in the world".
You kicked off the Elvis Costello and the Imposters tour on May 2 here in LA at the House of Blues. The energy in the audience was palpable. The playlist included songs from My Aim is True, Armed Forces, Imperial Bedroom, and Trust. How did it feel to focus on the material from the 70's and 80's?
The material EC chose seemed to involve a lot of quirky drum parts like "Lover's Walk" and "Strict Time". I really enjoyed myself.
What brought you back to California? Why did you choose to live in Los Angeles?
In the late nineties I seemed to be coming to LA a lot to do sessions and after doing a record with Vonda Sheperd, the singer on Ally McBeal, she offered me a job playing on the show's soundtrack for 3 years.
Your country rock band Jackshit was named "Best Bar Band" by Los Angeles Magazine. When did you form the band with Val McCallum and Davey Faragher? How did the concept and characters come about?
Following on from the previous question, the best thing about the Ally McBeal band was that two of the other guys, Val & Davey, seemed to share a good sense of humour and a love of rocking. psychedelic country/soul music. The name was suggested by a keyboard player called Mark Hart who was briefly in the band.
What intrigues you about California and cowboy culture?
The whole Laurel Canyon country rock scene of the late 60's and early 70's always seemed very attractive and I loved how in the old Gene Autry films they are chasing trucks on horseback and riding into recording studios wearing fantastic shirts.
What is your favorite music venue in LA?
The Baked Potato
Jackshit often features guest performers. When you play at The Baked Potato August 8 and 22nd and at McCabe's September 8, should the audience expect some surprises?
Yes, there will be a surprise. A tribute to one of the darker LA bands of the 70's.
Where do you buy your cowboy clothes?
Kings on Ventura in Studio City
Where do cowboys eat in LA?
Allegria on Sunset and Maltman
What are you listening to now?
Top Secret I'm afraid. It has to do with our surprise!
Jackshit at
- The Baked Potato on Wednesday, August 8 and 22 at 9:30pm
- McCabe's on September 8 at 8pm