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In 1993, the band Happy Mondays fell apart following the release of their fourth album, Yes Please!. The financial disaster of the album and their wild behavior, fueled by drugs, while recording in Barbados, led to the bankruptcy of Factory Records in Manchester.
Without delay, lead vocalist Shaun Ryder created his next musical venture, Black Grape, in the same year. He was joined by Mondays’ maracas player Bez and Paul Leveridge, also known as Kermit, from Ruthless Rap Assassins.
Black Grape’s first album, It’s Great When You’re Straight … Yeah, was a successful combination of dance-rock, acid house, and rap, reaching No. 1 and platinum status in the UK in 1995. Like the Mondays, the band has experienced breaks and reunions over the years. Now consisting of only Ryder and Leveridge, they have released their fourth studio album, Orange Head, which was recorded in Granada, Spain with producer Youth. We caught up with Ryder and Kermit, who are currently on tour, to talk about drugs, mortality, and political figure Nigel Farage.
Hello Shaun, how are you doing?
Shaun Ryder requested to lower the volume of Emmerdale. Greetings!
Kermit appears on our video call while wearing a robe…
Are you wearing your robe?
I am currently in bed and feeling very cold.
It is 2:05! Are you feeling unwell?
Do you recall how you commemorated the success of your debut album reaching No. 1 in 1995?
It is likely related to heroin.
There is purportedly a significant amount of both heroin and crack.
We were smoking in a closet in a large ten-bedroom house in Los Angeles.
Reworded: We can now find humor in the situation. How do you plan on commemorating its 30th year? Perhaps with a piece of cake.
Perhaps we would like a salad and a non-alcoholic beverage. We are now vegetarians and very socially conscious individuals [laughs].
What’s the reason for the name choice? Why Black Grape instead of Green Grape, for example?
The main reason was that although our album was complete and all the songs were written, we still didn’t have a name. Our record label, Radioactive, led by Gary Kurfirst, refused to provide funds until we officially signed and provided a name. When Paul Kermit walked in with a can of black grape juice, we were just hoping to get the money, but it ended up being carrot juice instead [laughs].
The title of the new album, Orange Head, is being discussed – what is the inspiration behind this name?
Essentially, we received the new artwork from our artist Matt Carroll, who also created the artwork for our previous album Mondays and the original Black Grape LP alongside his brother Pat. As per usual, I entrusted Matthew with the artwork and this is what he came up with – a large orange head. I could joke that it was inspired by my two teenage daughters who often have orange heads due to their excessive makeup, but I can’t say that or they’ll be upset with me.
I documented it in Spain.
Granada, located in the mountains, boasts a stunning landscape. The area is truly picturesque.
We made some amazing new acquaintances during our visit: a pack of stray dogs that roamed freely on the studio grounds. The owners just let them roam freely inside the house.
Did you resist the urge to return to Barbados, the location of the infamous Mondays’ Yes Please sessions?
SR God no. My kids keep wanting to go to Barbados on holiday. I smoked that much crack over there, it makes me feel sick.
Kermit, were you really administered the last rites in the late 90s due to contracting septicemia from contaminated drinking water?
I experienced death twice and it was a profound experience. I believe that after our time on Earth, there is something else beyond. Although our physical form may change, our essence remains. This realization was a significant moment for me and if I had passed away, my daughter would not exist. She brings me immense happiness.
One of the most remarkable tracks on the album is In the Ground. It deals with a weighty subject…
Both of us have recently experienced losses – Paul’s father passed away and my brother, Paul Ryder, also died. While Paul may have a different perspective, my own interpretation was meant to be humorous, although it may come across as serious.
It was a very healing experience to release all of the sorrow we were experiencing. My father passed away in October 2022 and five days later, we traveled to Spain.
I have experienced great sorrow due to my ADHD diagnosis in 2020. I have often pondered why events and emotions do not affect me as they do others. When a family member passed away, I did not display any reaction and it felt as though nothing had happened. Sometimes, it would take me one or two years to emotionally process the loss. It wasn’t until three years later that I truly felt the impact of my father’s death. My relationship with my brother was strained and tumultuous. We each have our own version of events, but my brother was skilled at portraying me as the villain. He harbored resentment towards me, despite my efforts to support him and fulfill my responsibilities. Jealousy consumed him and caused a rift between us.
The love within the K Family is stingy.
Shaun, you have been referred to as a valuable asset to the nation. How do you feel about this recognition?
I received this achievement following my experience on the 2010 season of I’m a Celebrity. It’s nice to be considered a national treasure, rather than being labeled a drug addict.
What is your opinion on Nigel Farage’s appearance on I’m a Celebrity?
SR At the end of the day, editing can make you look good or a bad cunt. It’s all down to how you are going to be made in that edit. I’m not into Farage’s politics, not in a billion fuckin’ years.
He is repulsive.
Speaking of TV, what’s your memory of Black Grape performing Pretty Vacant on TFI Friday in 1996 ? Has Chris Evans ever forgiven you for swearing loads?
Chris, a colleague of mine, displayed exceptional intelligence. He faced numerous fines as a result of my actions. I received a lengthy ban from Channel 4, despite being heavily involved in their projects. I want to clarify that my behavior was never intentional, as I have ADHD. In hindsight, it would be considered unjust to ban someone for having a learning disability.
How does being in a band now compare to the experience in the mid 90s?
We do not spend as much time together, but when we do, it is meaningful and valuable.
We spent a significant amount of time in intense and dangerous situations, risking our lives to obtain drugs in various countries. No matter where we went, we had to find a way to get our fix. We were addicted to heroin, which meant either carrying it inside our bodies or immediately finding a way to score upon landing. We found ourselves amidst gunfire in Jamaica while trying to get crack. These high-pressure situations often led to arguments and conflicts within our group.
Avoid using drugs, children!
The release date for Black Grape’s latest album, Orange Head, is January 19th.
Source: theguardian.com
