How long have you been playing guitar? Why did you first start playing guitar?
I have been playing guitar for over twenty years.
The electric guitar, especially, had me mesmerised from the first time I held one and ran my hand over the strings. It gave me a sense of another reality, another world that I could escape into. Something that I could call my own.
Which guitarist most influenced your playing?
I’m more of a rhythm player than fast licks. Malcolm Young has always been a great influence on me.
His Gretsch guitar tone and solid, driving rhythm style gets me on my feet every time. He really locks it down.
Describe your favourite guitar.
I’ve loved playing so many guitars so it’s hard to say.
These days I choose to play Fender Telecasters and my black Telecaster Deluxe is my go to instrument.
I love the Les Paul style set up and Stratocaster headstock.
How do you prepare for a show?
If we have time, it’s always great to run the set on the day.
I warm up the strings before a show and play for 10-15 minutes.
Which artist/band was/is your favourite to play guitar with?
The Mercy Kills
How would you describe your sound in food form and why?
The Mercy Kills would taste like a garlic, ginger, chilli, honey stir fry. It’s hot, sweet and super tasty.
Tell us a quick, on the road or studio, anecdote.
We had just played a show in Sydney with Courtney Love and I was locked out of our accommodation at an early hour. I did eventually find a way inside only to decorate the hall with as many garden plants and outdoor furniture as I could cram in. I certainly was as confused as Nigel.
What, or who, inspires you?
Great music and the people I love. Music keeps me sane and feeds my soul.
Which song do you wish you wrote the riff for?
Johnny B Goode.
If you had unlimited money, what would your dream guitar setup be?
An original 1951 Fender Telecaster would be on the shopping list plus a personally customised model.
A bunch of cool effects and some beautiful old valve amps would also fit the bill.
What’s next for you?
The Mercy Kills have just released a new EP titled ‘End This way’ and we will be touring in Australia and Europe later in 2017. We’re planning another EP for October. Also look out for some new TMK videos.
What’s your scene?
Seeing, hearing, playing great music with amazing people.
Nathalie Gellé, Mark E, Jen X and Josh Black joined forces in the summer of 2009. Their tastes in music, the desire to write great songs and blast out a killer live show were the key factors shared by this four-piece outfit.
THE MERCY KILLS took their name from a line in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, “It was a mercy killing”.
“Thank you ‘MERCY KILLS’ for you kick ass company on our down under tour”. Courtney Love Cobain (Twitter)
“The Mercy Kills are Australia’s greatest unsigned band in 2013”. Kim Fowley (facebook)
” Take the energy from ‘Appetite of Destruction’ era Guns ‘N’ Roses, mix it with some ‘Ramones’ style punk, a lot of energy and you have ‘THE MERCY KILLS’…” SF Media (Brisbane)
The Mercy Kills support EVERCLEAR tomorrow night at Croxton Band Room:
Thursday, 5th October
Croxton Band Room, Melbourne Tickets: Oztix
