2001 Finish interview
Interviewer: Hi John, how’re you? Still busy as usually?
John: I’m fine, thanks. been in Amsterdam at least two days, so I have finally bit time to relax. Amsterdam is very beautiful town, last night after gig my friend showed me the town. We rented bikes and drove around the town, there were lovely lightened buildings all around us.
Interviewer: Well how are your TROWFTD – solo concerts?
John: Days are pretty same every day: traveling, concerts and interviews. Last few weeks my life has been very busy.
Interviewer: How would you describe your new album?
John: Most of my songs has been influenced by Dawid Bowie and Lou Reed, but also Depeche Mode and Orchestral Manouvers In the Dark. My music is a bit electronical. Even if my songs are a bit low-spirited, they make me happy. I become happy when I hear sad songs. When you sing about sad things in beautiful way, atmosphere turns upside-down.
Interviewer: How hard was kicking your drug habit?
John: I was addicted for many years, I couldn’t even think about kickin my habit. But luckily, one day I just felt like “I’m ready!” -supported by spirits- for kicking my habit. I looked really awful just by few years ago. I remember well, how peoplewere scared just when they looked at me. Their pityful and sad looks made me feel even more bad…Don’t ever even try drugs, they’re nothing but bad!
Interviewer: How did you felt when Flea asked you to rejoin Chili Peppers?
John: That was just an amazing feeling! Before that I was just depressed for five years. I didn’t even play guitar! But when band believed my skills, that made me try one more time. I understood that my talents made people happy, and that made me happy.
Interviewer: Which things make you happy right now?
John: Of course, my new album! And making the next Chili Peppers’ album. I also love artistic movies.
Interviewer: Do you think about how people like your new solo-album?
John: I don’t think things like that. My album successes just like it is meant to be – at least better than my previous albums. My duty is to make my songs for people. My music wasn’t born just selfishly for me. I’m just the middle piece between music and people, my job is to create it so people can enjoy about it. By the way, I’ve written few of my album’s songs in Helsinki. At least songs called Representing and Someone’s, if I remember that correctly.
Interviewer: What memories about Finland do you have?
John: Last time when we (Chilis) went to Helsinki, I met a really nice girl! In the concert venue, there was loads of people, of course. But in front of our hotel there was just one girl and her little friend, who didn’t speak English at all. That seventeen year old girl took me to one record shop. She was really nice and funny person. I’ve thought about her very often, I kinda fell in love with her. Next time when I come to Helsinki, I wish that I could meet her again.
Interviewer: Well that was nice to hear. Thanks for your time, John.
John: Thank you.
