SEAN ANSWERS FANS QUESTIONS - NME 19 September 1998

Over 400 readers sent in questions. The NME chose 50 questions and presented them to the band. The other Manics comments are included if relevant to Sean’s answer.

Is there any item of clothing from the early days that you regret wearing?

Sean: I suppose having long hair, really, if that’s an item of clothing. I wish I’d never had long hair. Nicky: It was your Lars Ulrich look! Ha ha ha!

Do you think that you have a responsibility as spokesmen for a generation? Or do you not think about their implications once the song is written?

James: I think if we did there would be one or two songs that we wouldn’t have written if we’d thought of the implications outside of the band itself. Sean: Especially a lot of stuff on “The Holy Bible”. I feel that it’s done a lot of harm rather than good in some cases, just in terms of self-abuse.

Who were the stars of the world cup?

Sean: Paul Gascoigne. He had a good couple of pints, didn’t he?

If you could headline the ultimate gig, who would be your support acts? Would you have you supported by yourselves from five years ago?

Sean: They’d be too good. They’d blow us offstage!

If the band finished tomorrow, what would you do career-wise?

Sean: Stay indoors. Nicky: You’d always have the chance of opening up a second-hand Dixons with all the goods you have. Sean: I could become sales manager of Dixons. James: Or maybe you could open up a technical consultancy firm, like “How To Use Your Gadgets”. Sean: yeah, I could do that!

What do you think of Marilyn Manson?

Sean: Puts Nine Inch Nails in the shade.

Do you feel strange if you hear your music being used to accompany sports footage on Radio 5 Live or BBC1?

James: When we recorded Australia we had problems getting it right and we had to have it remixed in the end by Dave Eringa. I said to him the only way I could see it working was to make it as shiny as possible, make it like it’s playing when they’re showing the goals on television.

Did it work? Sean: Well, they played it last night on Nationwide Football League Extra.

What is the most unusual thing you’ve ever been sent by a fan? No answer (far too polite to diss his fans?)

Kate Moss or Sophie Dahl? Neither.

What did you do on the day of Diana’s funeral?

Sean: Went out. Didn’t want to watch it on telly so we went to Weston-Super-Mare and walked along the seafront.

It must have been quiet. Very quiet. It was perfect, really.

Is Sean ever going to get a sensible haircut?

Sean: It’s quite sensible now, but it was quite sensible on the last album. It’s just a pity I spoilt it all early on.

Has anyone tried to ruffle your hair? Uh, maybe, on occasion.

What do you wear in bed? Nothing.

How do you stay sane and beautiful on your big showbiz tours?

Sean: It just gives me an excuse to shop. I can honestly say I’ve shopped in nearly every city in the UK. Nicky: Sean does this thing where at the start of every tour he says “Oh, I couldn’t pack last night, so I’ve only got one bag with me!” Then, by the end of the tour he’s got two brand new suitcases packed with stuff. Every tour!

Is there ever going to be a live album or a greatest hits collection?

Nicky: There will be a greatest hits album, except we’ve got too many. Nineteen consecutive hits. Sean: That’s more than Madness.

What makes you feel physically sick? No answer (pity!) After this, Sean stops speaking... for a while...

Would you rather guest on The Simpsons or South Park?

The other two are arguing between themselves. Nicky: Everybody intellectualises The Simpsons. Everybody! Sean: You’ve never seen an episode of The Simpsons, anyway, so you can’t comment. I like King Of The Hill...

Are you likely to split on a musical high, like The Jam?

Sean: As long as James didn’t make a solo album within 5 years of us splitting up (?!)