James Stevenson has been involved in the music scene for over twenty-five years. First tearing it up alongside the first British punk bands with punk pioneers Chelsea. Then a brief stint in Generation X followed, playing alongside Billy Idol and Terry Chimes (The Clash). After that band collapsed, Stevenson was tapped to fill the lead guitarist slot in Gene Loves Jezebel. He played on some of their most popular records from the mid-80's and beyond. After activity with that outfit slowed down, he was asked to join the "Mark II" version of The Alarm. In addition to Mike Peters, the line-up also includes Craig Adams (The Mission UK) and Steve Grantley (Stiff Little Fingers). After more than five years together, this outfit has solidified into a rock solid live band. Check out their latest release Guerilla Tactics, which was mixed by Gilby Clarke of Guns and Roses and comes with a bonus DVD. But Stevenson has always looked to push the envelope as a guitarist. He also did a stint with The Cult on tour in the mid-1990's, guested on a Tricky record and even helped produce a NOFX tribute record! Clearly Stevenson is a musical force to be reckoned with and I was lucky enough to get him to spend some time discussing his past and his plans for the future.
Scene Point Blank: When did you first start playing music?
James Stevenson: I started playing guitar when I was eleven for a few months. I didn't take it up again until I was fourteen.
Scene Point Blank: What artists/bands were you listening to at the time?
James Stevenson: The whole glam rock thing in England: Bowie, Roxy, Bolan, Mott. Mick Ronson was the main reason I picked up a guitar again at fourteen. No one's playing has moved me like his since. He was a real master in my opinion. Not because he was a technical wizard but because he always played the perfect part for the song.
Scene Point Blank: What was the name of your first band?
James Stevenson: The first band I was in at school was called Metro
Scene Point Blank: How did you become a member of Chelsea?
James Stevenson: I actually auditioned for Chelsea from an advert in Melody Maker. I was still at school. I wanted to be in a punk band as soon as it started happening.
Scene Point Blank: What songs are you most proud of with Chelsea?
James Stevenson: To be honest the new album Faster, Cheaper and Better Looking is my favorite I've recorded with the band. I really like "Mr. Ferry's Son", which drummer Chris Bashford sang because I'm against all bloodsports and Otis Ferry is a particularly grade A prat. Sadly it's only on the American release. I love "Trouble Is the Day" off the first album. I'm proud of the solo I did on that.
Scene Point Blank: What gig from the early days of this band stand out?
James Stevenson: When we supported The Clash in early ‘78. Give ‘Em Enough Rope hadn't come out yet and they were opening with "Tommy Gun." On a good night they were one of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time. Also, when we did a residency for a week in Gibus Club in Paris in ‘78. I had my twentieth birthday there. It was a lot of fun.
Scene Point Blank: Did you ever think the original members would reform and release another record?
James Stevenson: No. Not until we got together for the Social Chaos tour in ‘99. I hadn't seen Chris Bashford for nearly twenty years! We're great mates again now.
Scene Point Blank: What songs on Faster Cheaper and Better Looking were the most enjoyable to create?
James Stevenson: Personally I like "Living In The Urban UK," "Sod The War," "Cosy Family Way," "Ritalin Kid" and "Mr. Ferry's Son." Chris and I were rolling around laughing as we wrote the lyrics.
Scene Point Blank: Tell me about your time in Generation X.
James Stevenson: Well I was only in the band for like five minutes at the end! After Billy left Tony James rang me and said "Sorry, you've joined a sinking ship." It was a shame because the band was just starting to really gel. The funniest thing is I think Derwood thinks I want to be him. First I replaced him in Gen X and twenty years later I married his girlfriend and partner in Westworld Elizabeth Westwood!
Scene Point Blank: What was the most memorable gig with Generation X and were there any that you would like to forget?
James Stevenson: My favorite was the first I ever did at a big rehearsal studio in World's End in Chelsea. We got a stage in and did a private party gig. Everyone from the scene came down. It was a great night!
Scene Point Blank: Largest crowd that you played with Generation X?
James Stevenson: All the gigs I did were small club gigs. The band had decided to go out and reclaim from the bottom up. I love club gigs. Hot and rammed.
Scene Point Blank: Were you involved in the songwriting process with this band?
James Stevenson: No. It was a closed shop with Billy and Tony. Derwood's told me recently he wrote the riff for "Dancing With Myself." If he did I think the fact he hasn't got a writing credit is a disgrace.
Selected Discography:
Words: Sean K. | Photographs: Rob Dunsford | Graphics: Matt
