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Translation
Living from his music...
Even though he hasn't visited the 'Old Capital' in 10 years, cult artist
Peter Hammill, voice of the legendary Van der Graaf Generator, has been
particularly active during this period: five studio albums, a double live
and the creation of Fie!, his own record company.
He will be performing this Tuesday at the Grand Théâtre de Québec,
accompanied by violinist Stuart Gordon, for a reunion that will assuredly be
interesting. "I have come to the conclusion that I have played everywhere
around the world these past years, except in the 'Old Capital'. Québec was
the first city that VdGG had played outside of the European continent. I
have always had good memories of Québec and I also encourage people to go
visit there" explained Peter Hammill last week during a phone interview.
The album, This, is the most recent studio release from the English artist.
The next record is actually in progress. "My lyrics are always about
fundamental things in life, either different aspects of personality, the
passage of time. I am starting to get old, and I am well placed as a
composer, to write about the passage of time" he explained in exquisite
english.
Integrity
The pianist, guitarist and singer has always carried out his career without
considering popularity. He would have liked to reach a wider audience, but
he has never dreamed about being a star. "I've had more freedom than I would
have had had I been famous. Integrity is important to me and without it I am
nothing" he remarks.
Peter Hammill continues to live off his music, even though he admits
sometimes it can be hard. "I realized in '72 or '73, that if I was to
survive in this business, I had to own my own studio. I was able to do my
music without having to go ask a record company for money to buy studio
time. It might seem strange, now with all these musicians recording in their
own bedrooms, but in the 70's, it was extremely rare to have your own
studio. That and the public's support, is what helped me to continue" he
explained.
Hammill doesn't have the intention to reform Van der Graaf Generator, unless
there is new work to do. The four reformed a few years back for a unique
occasion. "We have too much respect for the name Van der Graaf to use it in
a unhealthy way or for a mercantile goal. We have all stayed friends, and
that, in my opinion is a bigger triumph than filling up stadiums. We are all
in our fifties and all have white hair. It would be horrible to reform and
pretend we are still 19 yrs old." he states.
(photo caption)
Le musician Peter Hammill will be on the road for dozen concerts. "I don't
have the temperament anymore to do a four or five month tour. There is more
to life than that!"
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