Jesse Hughes - Eagles of Death Metal 'It Is My Sincerest Intention to Retire to Australia'
The countdown is on until we welcome Eagles of Death Metal back down under for the first time since 2016 and the supports have been announced which are going to shake things up a bit with The Delta Riggs (Melbourne only) + The Southern River Band (AU Shows) + Grown Downz (NZ) joining the lineup - for a night & roll of rock to remember.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBiPrOg2XBw
Ahead of their return, we caught up with the mesmerising Jesse Hughes, for a vibe check before he jets down our way, a reflection on Peace Love and Death Metal ahead of it's 20th anniversary next year and tricks of the trade to sporting one of the music industry's BEST moustaches...
Jesse, it’s great to chat with you after so long. Let's do a quick vibe check - where in the world are you, and how is life treating you?
Well, I’m in Los Angeles… The valley to be exact and life is treating me excellently especially now that I’m on my way to returning to Australia.
We cannot wait to have you back in Australia for the first time since 2016 -in the meantime what's changed in your world in 2023, and with the band?
I cannot wait to be back in Australia. We have almost been over the past three years repeatedly and it was like the worst tease in the world. Several things have happened with the band. Since Eagles of Death Metal is like the special forces of rock and roll, occasionally new members are called upon to serve, and we now have two new members - Scott Shiflett and Leah Bluestein. Without their knowledge, I injected them with a tiny bit of DNA from the late great Chopper Read with the hopes it would invigorate them with that unabashed tenacity but all it did was make them run around going “Neville fucking Bartoss.”
There's no cash here either hahaha Not only are you finally heading back, but you're bringing new material with a new album on the way. What can you tell us about this collection of songs to get us amped for the release?
As I’m sure everyone knows both Joshua (Homme) and I have had quite a year and a half so to release the stress, this new album is going to be like John Holmes with an even bigger dick than ever before. Seriously though, a couple of the songs obviously are going to be about Tuesday Cross. But it will have familiar elements of shit talking to those who’ve oppressed me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZrctLnsF4M
Have the effects of the modern world played a part in the inspiration behind the recording and conception of this release?
Yes, the modern world has most definitely affected the music but only in the sense that it makes me even more determined to never let the bad guys win. It’s for the people that love what we do. My job is to entertain, to help people forget, if even for a second, some of the bullshit of the modern world so I guess it’s made me determined to provide something for all my beautiful friends, that will provide a pleasant escape.
And, if you play it backwards, it’ll tell you the secret to living is Viagra and it will inoculate you against the very new disease called Snyphilis.
Taking notes now... You're visiting each city on the touring circuit (plus Newcastle). Have any of the cities you're playing given you fond memories that you can't wait to come back and relive/visit?
I mean this sincerely - some of the most important, critical, and profoundly influential moments of my life have been down under. It is my sincerest intention to retire to Australia and live across the big mouth at Luna Park so one big mouth can wake up and see another.
I discovered Cherry Bar by accident 14 years ago. I exclusively play maintenance electric guitars, even though they’re no longer manufactured [and] some of my best friends in the whole wide world live in Australia - my friend Slug is chief among them.
And you'll be bringing Jennie Vee down too, what was it about her playing that made you go - yep, we need her in EoDM?
Well, first and foremost, Jennie Vee is THE bass player in Eagles of Death Metal, because everyone else is too busy being not good enough. She’s a deeply committed member who has risen amongst the ranks. An invaluable contributor to rock ‘n’ roll, and one of the most legitimate goddesses of the modern entertainment world that exists today.
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Photo Gallery by Kim Anderson
Peace Love and Death Metal will celebrate it's 20th Anniversary in 2024 - reflecting now on the album that started this journey for you - what are three things you're thankful for with that release that may make fans head back and revisit the album in full?
Well, that album is obviously special for many reasons - first because it seems so effortless as if it wanted itself to happen. It’s also where my relationship with Australia began because our entire career started with the Australian fans. The album is rock solid beginning to end – a dick, titty and ass shaker. If you consider that even the worst blow job is amazing, well this album – “Peace, Love and Death Metal” - is the best blow job.
You've also got the meanest moustache in the music industry (since Andy Williams from Every Time I Die left to pursue his wrestling dreams). Any style tips you've found over the years that help keep the whiskers out of your nose while playing?
As cheeky as this sounds, you must let the mustache grow you. You simply cannot grow a mustache. Think of it as a broom of love, a boomerang of amore. It’s one of those things that when you want to know what amore is, you can look at my mustache and go 'That’s Amore'.
I'm learning so much from you, Jesse. Any final thoughts ahead of July?
Truth is I’ve never had a final thought in my life, always just continuous, but one continuous thought I have is, “Lord help me make time move faster so I can get down under quicker.” Thank you so much!
See you next month mate!
Interview by Paul ‘Browny’ Brown @brownypaul
Eagles of Death Metal kick off their Australian Tour on July 25th
Eagles of Death Metal – Australian + New Zealand Tour
with special guests: The Delta Riggs (Melb only) + The Southern River Band (AU Shows) + Grown Downz (NZ)
Tuesday 25 July Forum Melbourne | Melbourne, VIC 18+
Thursday 27 July Enmore Theatre | Sydney, NSW Licensed. All Ages
Friday 28 July Cambridge Hotel | Newcastle, NSW 18+
Saturday 29 July The Tivoli | Brisbane, QLD 18+
Monday 31 July The Gov | Adelaide, SA 18+
Wednesday 2 August Astor Theatre | Perth, WA 18+
Saturday 5 August Powerstation | Auckland, NZ 18+
Sunday 6 August San Fran | Wellington, NZ 18+
