Perfect Imperfection
I have been accused of being a perfectionist (I prefer idealist) and therefore if the definition of perfectionist is making sure that you always do your best then so be it. We tend to forget that not everyone is on the same page and so we cut a bit of slack here and there, inevitably creating “Perfect Imperfection”. The band have noticed a big change in me during the last couple of years - no more barking at monitor men, throwing the guitar around the stage too many times (even Pete Townsend doesn’t do that anymore) etc etc - so what has happened? When Pete joined after the year of uncertainty (2005) we found ourselves late one night in a hotel somewhere in Europe discussing life, the universe and everything, eventually saying that nothing can ever be perfect, really perfect, we can get very close to perfection but if we achieved it then what is left? We had been drinking, however it got me thinking that life is too short to have any shortcomings so I said to myself that in order to fully appreciate and enjoy what is left of my life then I had better do something. Bearing all of that in mind, there has been a marked improvement not only with my persona but with band’s performance too. The “Sweet Fanny Adams” tours in Europe and the “Glitz, Blitz and 70s Hitz” tours in the UK are evidence enough. Now this is not meant to be a back-slapping exercise but I do see things a lot clearer and we as a band are committed to being the best on the touring circuit. The playing is tight and the harmonies even tighter (and higher!) - whatever the event, from the nostalgia shows where we play the hits to the SFA tour or festivals where we bring out the heavier stuff, as you may have gathered I am proud of what we do and represent. To my mind, the point of touring, especially as a band with history, is that you give the audience what it wants - a band performing the hits, sounding the way they should and looking like they are enjoying the experience - simple really.
Perfect Imperfection.
Andy (PS: thanks for your support - see you at the next gigs).
6 Responses to “Perfect Imperfection”
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18/11/2008 at 08:30 pm
Well said that man ! But can we have more for the UK please ??
19/11/2008 at 12:02 am
Perfectionist or idealist. We all want to best, but when is it the best?
I guess you already reached the point long time ago to be able to say: I am proud about what I achieved and I can still do it. Maybe your are only just now aware of that.
I didnt like you getting so very angry sometimes Andy and sometimes then when that happened I wanted to pull your legs to just pull you of stage and shout at you for being calm and continue the gig where we came for, but on the other hand again I could also understand it. It can be very frustrating indeed when someone messes up something,.. no matter who it is.
When the audience is more than happy, shouts for more and come back for another gig; when you know you made a mistake and can fix it next time; when the band plays in harmony together, no matter what goes wrong…I guess that is more than perfect then for good performances. Without the little mistakes and the things to make it better again, life would be sooooo boring.
I’m happy with the gigs, but a tour like the Sweet FA one is more than welcome again. I so much enjoyed that.
Let them coming.
22/11/2008 at 04:33 pm
Hallo !
First i must say my english writing sucks, but i try my best. Andy and the rest of the group, thank you for give us so much joy with your music. I have seen Sweet 5 times, 2 at Lillehammer, 1 Sarpsborg,1 at selma lagerløf ( not the best)and 1 in Danmark. ,
I can see you play a lot in Germany, if you come to Norway again, in the summer ? And near Sarpsborg, i will offer you a boat trip, so you can see our beutiful ( dont laughf )sea. And mayby a tripp with my train ??? Yess, i drive a diesel train for work.
Thanks again boys !!!!!!
25/11/2008 at 10:16 am
Hi Andy
Please release a free mp3 from time to time through Stewart Roney. Any experimental solo stuff of today just for fun. A 2 track live recording with just a rhythmic acoustic guitar with an electric solo guitar on top. Imagine a track that just has some kind of a solo for 3 minutes and that’s it. A piece with grand piano and you singing a lullaby. You doing your stuff, and yet as we’ve never heard you. Little gems for the masses …
10/12/2008 at 07:33 pm
Being a musician myself I can definitely agree with your comments on perfection and we all strive for it but realize we can never get there totally. I am still at it too, playing in clubs mostly on weekends and Fridays, etc. It’s not my full time gig though but love doing it.
I heard that James Brown would dock the wages of his band if they made mistakes. Imagine that one hanging over your head.
I’ve heard your music from the 70’s. That Sweet FA song, if this really is the same guy who did that, you are a total rock god and people should bow down before your presence. Let me know if you’re playing in the US of A, I would make that a road trip.
15/08/2009 at 08:16 pm
I know a lot of people that are down on you, Andy, because of your outbursts of fury. They even dislike you as a musician, even though they’ve never seen you live.
I always think, before I pass judgement on someone, I need to see him.
I’ve seen you twice now, and I can’t say anything bad!!