Babyshambles blog No 2: In which gay Paris didn't seem to mind...
In the second of his blogs, the Babyshambles bassman rubs shoulders with legends and dodges intrusive questions by fabulously coiffed interrogators.
Wowser. So as the second day in Paris whittles asunder I sit in a hotel room reeling from two full-on days of running with the French dogs through radio stations and bizarre TV appearances. Most notably however I must tell of my giddy excitement at the fact that we have in our pack's midst the legendary photographer Penny Smith. Pennie? Penny? I should know really. But what I do know is this woman shot the undisputed leading rock and roll photo EVER - Paul Simonon smashing his bass on the cover of London Calling.
Since going on tour with the Clash for seven years she has shot the Stone Roses, the Good the Bad and the Queen and was responsible for that amazing first NME shoot with the Strokes back in 2001 or whenever it was. On top of all this she is the coolest girl in the world, funny, witty and patient aplenty. And she's here shooting us! What a gal.
Now a brief account of goings on so far:
On Monday we were interviewed and played acoustic sessions on two radio sessions, Europe 2 and Mouv Radio. We played skiffle versions of Delivery, Baddies Boogie, You Talk and Unbilotitled, complete with double bass and brushes. Very fun. The interviews were pretty stock, though our answers were predictably abstract. We can't help it when the mood takes us: erm ... sorry.
Today we played two TV shows, Channel Plus and France 2. Both involved disparate interviews with Peter and me. We eventually got into the swing of intrusive questions from deadpan blue eyed and serious interrogators with fabulous hair. We swatted at questions about the album title (don't ask) and perceptions of being a "rock star" (cue uncomfortable shuffling of feet). The France 2 show also featured an interview with Umberto Eco which was the point where we stood jaws agape. Again, rubbing shoulders with legitimate legends. We really are a lucky gaggle of blaggers, what?
I played a Louise Attaque song to our chauffer as he drove us back to the hotel and he asked if I was French. This made me very happy.
So now ... allez au lit for me (no, not garlic mayonnaise).
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