The Godfathers play rock 'n' roll.
Their musical philosophy is that simple - and the hard-edged, back-to-basics style they have developed from that philosophy has won this English band tremendous favor in their homeland. The notorious British rock tabloid Melody Maker regularly drools over the quintet, applauding the fervor so crucial to the Godfather sound.
Peter and Chris Coyne, two former members of the Sid Presley Experience, formed the London-based Godfathers in early 1986, along with drummer George Mazur, guitarist Kris Dollimore and guitarist Mike Gibson. After a string of successful singles, later released in the collection Hit by Hit, the band was signed by Epic and recorded their major label debut, Birth, School, Work, Death.
The album, a rough mixture of early '60s grunge guitars, early '70s psychedelia and early '80s reactionary attitudes, has found a home near the top of the college charts. The title track, meanwhile, has secured some radio airplay and a good deal of MTV exposure. The band kicked off their American tour in March.
Everyone in the Godfathers has been greatly impressed with the sheer size and diversity of these United States. In a recent phone interview, drummer George Mazur found American television and commercialism particularly unique, appreciatively characterizing our country as a place where "You can be anything you want for $15."
On the other hand, Mazur says in England, "Quite a lot of bands, these days, are manufactured. They don't have a say in what they wear and so forth." He believes too many decisions are taken away from the musicians and put into the hands of businessmen - managers, record executives and their ilk.
Besides, Mazur feels playing the sort of traditionally rebellious rock 'n' roll that the 'Fathers specialize in "seems more natural in America."
"America is the real birthplace of rock 'n' roll," he said. Indeed, the band's live shows have so far met with what Mazur considers an excellent response from both American audiences and critics.
If the Godfathers' live show is a realization of the dream to play fresh and believable rock like the Rolling Stones or the Kinks, the band members follow that dream throughout their creative process. Mazur says the songs are basically written by all five members getting together, exchanging advice and criticism while they jam.
Surprisingly, the 'Fathers' influences go far beyond the limits of classic rockers past. Musical genres of the '20s, '30s, and '40s are also well-liked by members of the group, Mazur said. He went on to cite sound tracks as an additional source of inspiration, with two rather bizarre examples: spaghetti western music and James Bond themes.
But the band hits the stage with a decidedly less sterilized sound. If any message or theme underlies the music, Mazur sums it up as an attitude of getting "people to have an original thought."
"Be a setter, not a follower," he said. "If the album can provoke some thought, that would be the only real message."
As for the tour itself, Mazur downplays the negatives, the occasional thoughts of "Oh, I wish I was at home." He also discounts any tensions between the Coynes, remarking that conflicts are seldom.
In short, Mazur and company are happy to be touring America, enjoying their success, and hoping to continue doing more of the same. When he looks back on his life, Mazur concluded, he wants to be able to say, "I did what I liked. Traveled. Met new people. Played rock 'n' roll."
The Godfathers, 10:30 p.m. at the Steamboat, 403 E. Sixth St.