Ben Myers puts the same questions asked of the Manics to...
What sort of people do you think you attract?
"As soon as you step onstage you become different and sexy and people want
to fuck you. I'm a bisexual man. I discovered my attraction for men when I
was 16, but I lost my virginity when I was 14. I want to get to the point
where I'm attractive to men and women equally."
Have you always behaved like a popstar?
"I got my first blowjob in the toilets in the gig at Buffalo. Then I was
ejected, thrown out of the ladies toilets. I was like 'Man! I'm just having a
good time'. It was jailbait, we were signing pubic hair and asses."
What's the most important thing you can do as a band?
"We have so much to offer...it's not about musical heritage. It's about who
we are as people and how we can force that into music. It's about taking
risks. The best bands wouldn't be here if they didn't take risks. I really
believe that."
Is image important?
"I'm not a woman all the time, but people's preconceptions are so deeply
rooted, they deserved to be fucked around with. I know it can look like I've
got tits."
Do you believe in pop music?
"With music you create your own reality, have your own vision. I need this.
I need this position. Every teenage boy's dream is to be in a rock band - and
it's happened! And we're a special rock band...it's a focus and a purpose,
and a reason to get out of bed. Without it, I'd be much more of an alcoholic
than I already am. I'd be a junkie."