Interview: The Yummy Fur

The Yummy Fur were somewhat of a cult band when you were originally about, were you surprised by the reception the reformation shows have been receiving?

The Yummy Fur is a cult band now but we weren't when we were active, pre-social network sites we were operating in a vacuum. If we were cult we didn't know it. No one ever championed the Yummy Fur so people who liked us had made their own decision about that which often made it a bit special. It's been great to see who the Yummy Fur fans are and the reception in America has been surprising. Who'd have thought any of it had filtered through? The records are even scarcer over there so it's great that the best of compilation will be making the material available again to cult band completists, ganger conspiratists and anoraks worldwide.

What was it that brought about the reformation? How long did it take from the idea of reformation to it actually happening?

As I understand it, Paul Guided Missile wanted something special for the label 15th anniversary show and contacted John about a 1990s show. This wasn't possible so he upped the ante and asked for a Yummy Fur re-union instead. For some reason John gave this request serious consideration and Paul made inquiries as to the other members. I was obviously in but Paul Thomson was routinely unavailable. With a few schedule tweaks the gig was on with a Glasgow gig added to give our pals a fun night and nostalgic wallow. Then the US dates were all organised by Kevin Pederson from What's Your Rupture. I think it was about 10-12 weeks from idea to inception.

Obviously members of the band have toured in America before, but how do you feel about this first tour over the water with The Yummy Fur?

Now that it's all over I feel dazed, privileged and a wee bit melancholic.

The Yummy Fur is quintessentially a Glasgow band, what does it mean to you guys to be playing these songs in Glasgow again?

The Glasgow show was a brilliant night, we'd had one rehearsal but we were determined to elevate having a good time above all else. I don't know how good the performance was but the whole event was essentially a party for us and all our pals.

The show at Sleazy’s was being treated in some circles as a huge event in the Glasgow music scene, what do you feel the reformation and The Yummy Fur in general mean to the Glasgow scene?

I've no idea what the Yummy Fur mean to other people and had even less idea before these shows. To me the Sleazy's show had everyone I would have expected to be there; the same people who would be at my wedding or would have been there ten years ago, just that some of them now inspire delirium in others who haven't spent hours in the back of a crappy transit van with them.

The Sleazy’s show pretty much read as a who’s who of Scottish indie music, was there anyone you were surprised to see there or were honoured to have there?

See above. It was nice to see Philippa, Claire and Danny, Jane, Maureen, Stuart, you know, pals.

How does playing a show at home in Glasgow now compare to playing in say London or America?

As above, Glasgow was a party. As was the Buffalo bar in London. America was a tour proper, with all the stuff that goes with it so it could be tiring and feel alien. In New York we were literally trapped on stage, with no refuge or bolt-hole. You become a little gang on tour and have a shared experience. The audiences weren't that different, except for Beth Ditto. She commanded the room.

How is the band enjoying being back together and playing shows again?

Everyone is still on speaking terms. I think John and Paul T found the scale refreshing. Me and Paul GM (the civilians) were just happy to be there. To me, the songs sounded better than ever before.

There have been murmurs about a compilation to be released featuring the best of the band’s material. Is this correct? What is it likely to be entitled?

The compilation is due out in March on the ‘What's Your Rupture’ label. It looks like it's called 'Piggywings' and will feature our 'greatest hits'. The last track list I saw had 23 tracks, so it may be shortened a bit.

Are we ever likely to see The Yummy Fur release any new material and/or playing in Glasgow again?

No new material, we promise. You wouldn't thank us for it. I'm always up for playing again and the Yummy Fur door is now a wee bit more ajar than it was before. When Japan, Canada and the boutique festival bookers come knocking we'll be listening. I think I can say we are open to any interesting offers and we'll always need a Glasgow show to round things off, circle of life.