In Conversation with Tav…
This interview took place post-gig in the band’s dressing room at Southampton Guildhall 02/11/07. We at Gashed felt that the relaxed atmosphere made for an excellent opportunity to get to know some of the key behind-the-scenes players who work to bring that little glimmer of Ash magic into the world. There were lots of people in the room at any given time but the main people participating in these interviews are Stephen ‘Tav’ Taverner, (the band’s manager), Alix Copping and Miranda Bailey (Gashed), Mark Hamilton, Tim Wheeler, Leif Bodnarchuk (Ash’s guitar tech and so much more), and Rick McMurray. It should be explained now that all involved were drinking and so large sections of these interviews will not make any sense whatsoever. Be warned!
Mir: The first question (that Alix doesn’t want to ask) is how do you feel about being a Bronzed God of Love? Which is how some of us ash boarders refer to you.
Tav: What kind of a fucking question is that?! Well I’m not bronzed at the moment. I’m dirty. More dirty. [laughs] Well, it’s very complimentary.
Mir: Well we do see you as very much part of the Ash experience.
Tav: It has been… what? 15, 16 years now. It’s a family thing.
Alix: If you could manage any other band, who would that be?
Tav: That’s easy- Radiohead. I love them. I just love the way they don’t compromise. And they take loads of risks. I think they’re fantastic, fantastic live, too. I love their management as well. He is a very nice guy.
Alix: What’s your favourite Ash track?
Tav: Fucking hell! That’s a bit hard.
Alix: Or top 5?
Tav: I’d Give You Anything tonight was fucking great. I was saying to Tim tonight that I love that song. Keep forgetting about that. So live that was really, really good. Folk Song.
Mir: [giggles] Not so popular with the fans, it has to be said…
Tav: Noticed that but I’m slightly older than the fans! Obviously Jack Names the Planets, cos that was the first single I put out. Twilight of the Innocents. Fucking genius song!
Alix: The question we’ve been asking everyone: are you jealous of Tim’s beautiful shiny hair? NATURALLY shiny. Doesn’t need to use conditioner!
Tav: [laughing] I don’t know. Doesn’t he use conditioner?
Mir: I believe he only uses shampoo.
Alix [excited] He doesn’t even have to use conditioner!
[Gashed explain theories about Chris Martin, Tim and tea tree oil as outlined in the main band interview]
Tav: Interesting. Cos I like to use that minty-fresh stuff.
Mir: That’s probably why you have a full head of hair then!
Tav: I don’t use it for those reasons! I just like it. That’s interesting though…
Mark: You should ask him he's ever actually owned a Bentley!
Tav: That’s a secret! Not allowed to tell anyone. Only Jed [Jed Shepherd, ran the celebrated ash unofficial website many years ago] knows the answer to that secret.
Alix: What’s been your favourite Ash gig this year?
Tav: Fuji was brilliant! I enjoyed Reading as well. Hold on! Let me think about this… cos earlier in the year they did these small gigs as well. Actually! Forget what I just said: FUJI ROCKS!
Alix: We asked Ash this question a bit earlier but they gave shit answers. If Ash were a drink, what drink would they be?
Tav: Vodka and Cranberry. My turn to interview you!
[Gashed have made an editorial decision to remove this section, because it is about us, and not Ash. And also because we sounded very, very silly when we played the tape back.]
[Some how conversation came round to the time Ash were invited to participate in a Christian music festival.]
Tav: [To Mark] Do you remember that? They wanted to get me onstage to hand out loaves and fishes!
[everybody laughs]
Mark: Tell them about the loaves!
Tav: That’s what I’m talking about! Greenbelt. [Reminisces with Mark, unfortunately off-mic] We almost did it! I kept thinking I should do it. I’m going to dress up like Jesus and hand out loaves and fishes!
[most of the room joined in the conversation at this point, finishing with everyone clapping their hands rhythmically and chanting "JESUS!". At which point Gashed wisely gave up on the interview and raided the rider again]
Time passed and finally Leif was able to cease his endeavours packing up equipment and join us for a drink and a chat. It is fair to state here that he was really quite sober, the band and Tav were jolly and Gashed were absolutely trollied.
Click here for Leif!