The band that inspired a generation of sub-pop rockers are headed back to town off the back of their European tour and, for Radio Birdman, the wheels just keep on turning.
Founding member Deniz Tek relates the success of the recent tour in his laid back Detroit accent. “Some of the conditions playing (Europe) were difficult at times but it was generally good, had some great moments, and I’d say it was the best European tour we’ve had.” This is a stark contrast to the infamous ‘Van of Hate’ tour of 1978, where an array of issues sealed the band’s fate for the time and consequently ended the band’s run.
Tek cites Birdman’s fans as universal in their appreciation of the band, and how their reception in Europe, US, Australia and Japan are essentially the same. “In places like Japan fans might be a little more reserved to start with, but as In Australia and Europe people just go crazy, it’s like a wild party –just as it should be!”
Despite the turmoil that has been a part of the band’s life though, they are in a great place as a collective and have never sounded better musically. The current lineup of Tek, Rob Younger, Pip Hoyle, Jim Dickson, Dave Kettley and Nik Rieth are both tight and have a definitive edge to them. Personnel changes have become an essential part of the band’s evolution (as many do), with the songs serving as the key components to Birdman’s success rather than individuals or egos. “We’re lucky in that regard because we all get along well, this lineup is at the point in the trajectory where most of the hard work is behind us. We have a large body of work we can draw from and it’s a well-established thing. It’s not easy but we’re focused- it’s pretty much there. We make room for each other,” says Tek.
For fans, Tek says that he and other members are on great terms with former members Warwick Gilbert (now living in Spain) and Ron Keely (based in the UK), but has had very little communication with Chris Masuak over the years.
We discuss the current sub-pop genre, and the lack of notable acts that fall under this category. Tek, ever the diplomat, agrees there aren’t really any standout bands, and we consider the desire for fame & exposure rather than just playing music as motivating factors for new players.
Tek is also quick to state that Radio Birdman were indeed one of the first, if not THE first group to pioneer the sub pop scene in the 70s. Bands like the Celibate Rifles & Lime Spiders came later, and were likely inspired by bands like Radio Birdman. Deniz Tek agrees. “By the time those bands were around, we’d already been and gone. We were first off the block with it. I’ve heard these guys and while they have some good songs, our catalogue of material is a little more varied & unique. It’s stood the test of time and for us it’s still good playing our music, and our fans still love hearing our songs!” You can’t argue with that, after 40 years the music of Radio Birdman and their live shows are energetic, uplifting, and a true testament to that unpretentious era of alternative rock that we will not see again in the same form.
In closing our conversation, I ask Tek to put to rest one of the great mysteries of their song ‘Man With Golden Helmet’. There have been many theories on the song’s origin, but here is the explanation in Deniz Tek’s own words.
“I used to write songs & play guitar with a friend (Steve) who lived in my neighbourhood and we were both music fans. ‘Man With Golden Helmet’ was a Rembrandt painting, the print of which was in his house so he wrote the basic sketch outline of lyrics about the guy in the painting, a story of sorts. I padded out the lyrics later and formed it into a song. Just a nonsense song written about a painting!” So there you go fans, no hidden DaVinci Code meaning, no secrets, just a catchy tune.
The good news is that Tek doesn’t see the band finishing anytime soon, and he’s happy to let it take its own course. As long as these guys can play like they keep doing, we’ll be seeing them for years to come. Yeah Hup!
Radio Birdman play The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide on Sunday June 12th with guests Magic Bones + The Volcanics. Grab your Tickets from Oztix.
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