Stolen Order return to the scene for a sold out gig at the Tooth & Claw, 13 years since their last live appearence. A lot has changed in that time, but from chatting with the band it feels that this the forthcoming gig is as much (if not more) about moving forward than looking back. Thanks to Will Crawford for facilitating and the rest of the guys for their time and answers.
What were your memories of the last Stolen Order gig?
(James Dice) This was Vunk Festival in Shetland summer 2010 we ended up playing back to back nights at the festival. There was a lot of alcohol and good memories made it was a good way to end that chapter.
Given the many years since the last gig, how and why did the band come together again?
(Jonny Gash) – James Dice and myself have worked together on other things since Stolen Order mainly filling in for Devil’s Queen, but in the last couple of years we had an idea to try something new together again. Things developed and now we’re back with the original rhythm section of Dan “Da Man” Carson on drums and Minge on bass and our new singer Mata with which we plan on making a new legacy for the band over all.
A question for each of you, if you are brave enough; if you were able to have a short conversation with your younger selves about music, what would you say?
(Jonny Gash) Probably to trust myself a bit more and not to try and perform the way I think I need too and focus more on making the music flow
(James Dice) Be more focussed and patient. Appreciate the moments as they happen
You have swapped out the lead singer of the band, how did you come to the decision to have Mata take the reigns of Stolen Order?
(James Dice) Well after auditioning ten’s of thousands of singers worldwide Mata was the only one who managed to survive the gruelling and intense trials we set.
There’s still loads of awful music that people have to listen to though and while that exists we want to be a band that you can believe in and recognise that it’s a bunch of friends playing real music not 5 guys who have free time to fill
Johnny Gash
Thanks to Sound Click an early bio exists;” Stolen Order formed in the not so distant past when a few musicians decided, and I quote, “F**k this pop sh*** we gotta put up with man! Lets show the world how to rock!!””. It’s fair to say that things have changed, what would be the first line of your bio now?
(Jonny Gash) Things have changed a lot, there’s more choice out there and it’s easier than ever to listen to anything and everything. There’s still loads of awful music that people have to listen to though and while that exists we want to be a band that you can believe in and recognise that it’s a bunch of friends playing real music not 5 guys who have free time to fill. The first line of our bio would read something along the line of “ The Rock you need for the crazy life you lead”
Selecting other bands to play on the bill how did you come up with the line-up for The Tooth and Claw?
(Mata) We had seen Thousand Mile Stare live before and noted their tightness and general ability to put on a great show. Wildfire have been on our radar for some time and have been building a strong reputation in a very short period of time
It’s really heart-warming to know so many both remember and keen to witness Stolen Order in our fresh new chapter
Mata
Stolen Order has sold out your forthcoming gig, how do you feel about so many people want to attend the reunion?
(Jonny Gash) I am ecstatic, This will be a great start to proceedings going forward and I plan on leaving every single person desperate for more.
(Mata) It’s really heart-warming to know so many both remember and keen to witness Stolen Order in our fresh new chapter.
(Dan Carson) We are excited the show has sold out and promise it will be a show leaving people wanting to come see more.
What are the plans for Stolen Order after the gig?
(Minge) We have a bunch of shows to take us to the end of the year, plans for a single and video at some point too.
(Jonny Gash) We are taking it a step at a time but think of it as more of a confident swagger, working on cementing our foundation and building our way back to being one of the best Rock n Roll bands in Scotland
(James Dice) This is very much a new chapter for the band. So we plan to try and make it as fun and as epic as the previous one
Courtesy of AI our last random question;If your music had the power to summon an otherworldly creature, what kind of creature would be drawn to your music, and what role would it play in your band’s performances
(Jonny Gash) Have you ever seen the episode of Futurama with the Amazonian women? Probably something like that. With talents like that we could have a stage dancer that doubles as a body guard.
