Bassist — Southend On Sea
Name
Rhys Webb
What do you do?
Bass player. The Horrors.
Where are you from?
Southend On Sea
Describe your style in three words?
Ever Changing Moods
Which sub-cultures have had an enduring effect on you?
I got really into the Mod thing when I was a young teenager. I became obsessed with searching out dancefloor soul and rhythm and blues 45's. It was a great way of discovering music and style and introduced me to the world of collecting records, dancing and staying up all night. As soon as I started visiting '60s clubs in London, I got heavily into British psychedelic music and U.S garage which I also collect passionately. I have a massive love for punk and post-punk music and style, especially the early look of artists like John Lydon and Siouxsie Sioux. All of my favourite scenes and sounds start with subculture. I find anything that encourages people to express themselves through a love of music and individuality inspiring.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would like to spend an hour with the British record producer Joe Meek. He ripped up the studio rule book and created some of the most fantastically weird, wild and wonderful recordings of the 1960's.
Another you? Any other career that would have appealed?
I guess if I could get away with it I would attempt to peruse a career as a DJ as I love sharing music in a club as much as I do playing it live.
Best Gig you have ever been to?
The Rolling Stones. My mum took me to see them a few years ago.They are still the best rock and roll band in the world. They played Lady Jane for the first time since 1967.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite, and why?
José Cuervo Salón in Mexico City. Probably one of the most exciting shows we've ever played, a week after the release of Primary Colours.
First track you played on repeat?
The Mohawks - 'The Champ'
I got the 45 when I was 15 and hammered it for months, I still play it when I'm DJing now.
Song that defines the teenage you?
July - 'Dandelion Seeds'
The ultimate sound track to my psychedelic teenage adventures.
What was the last piece of music you bought?
Delphine - 'La Fermature E'clair'
An amazing French beat record I've been hunting for a long time. The backing track is 'In The Past' by an American garage group called We The People. I'm not sure how Delphine ended up with their instrumental, but her version was released as a single in 1966.
One record you would keep forever?
Jo Ann Garett - 'A Whole New Plan'
A beautiful song that can still bring tears to my eyes.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
John Lee Hooker - 'Boogie Chillen'
I love this track, this lyric has always resonated with me.
One night I was layin' down
I heard mama 'n papa talkin'
I heard papa tell mama
Let that boy boogie-woogie
It's in him, and it got to come out
A song that people wouldn’t expect you to like?
Hot Chocolate - 'You Sexy Thing'
Simply amazing.
A song you wished you had written?
David Bowie - 'Station To Station'
What a journey, it makes me want to dance and cheer every time I hear it.
Any new bands you are listening to right now?
Weeping Icon - All girl punk band from Brooklyn. They've just released their debut EP, and it's fantastic.
Name
Rhys Webb
What do you do?
Bass player. The Horrors.
Where are you from?
Southend On Sea
Describe your style in three words?
Ever Changing Moods
Which sub-cultures have had an enduring effect on you?
I got really into the Mod thing when I was a young teenager. I became obsessed with searching out dancefloor soul and rhythm and blues 45's. It was a great way of discovering music and style and introduced me to the world of collecting records, dancing and staying up all night. As soon as I started visiting '60s clubs in London, I got heavily into British psychedelic music and U.S garage which I also collect passionately. I have a massive love for punk and post-punk music and style, especially the early look of artists like John Lydon and Siouxsie Sioux. All of my favourite scenes and sounds start with subculture. I find anything that encourages people to express themselves through a love of music and individuality inspiring.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
I would like to spend an hour with the British record producer Joe Meek. He ripped up the studio rule book and created some of the most fantastically weird, wild and wonderful recordings of the 1960's.
Another you? Any other career that would have appealed?
I guess if I could get away with it I would attempt to peruse a career as a DJ as I love sharing music in a club as much as I do playing it live.
Best Gig you have ever been to?
The Rolling Stones. My mum took me to see them a few years ago.They are still the best rock and roll band in the world. They played Lady Jane for the first time since 1967.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite, and why?
José Cuervo Salón in Mexico City. Probably one of the most exciting shows we've ever played, a week after the release of Primary Colours.
First track you played on repeat?
The Mohawks - 'The Champ'
I got the 45 when I was 15 and hammered it for months, I still play it when I'm DJing now.
Song that defines the teenage you?
July - 'Dandelion Seeds'
The ultimate sound track to my psychedelic teenage adventures.
What was the last piece of music you bought?
Delphine - 'La Fermature E'clair'
An amazing French beat record I've been hunting for a long time. The backing track is 'In The Past' by an American garage group called We The People. I'm not sure how Delphine ended up with their instrumental, but her version was released as a single in 1966.
One record you would keep forever?
Jo Ann Garett - 'A Whole New Plan'
A beautiful song that can still bring tears to my eyes.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
John Lee Hooker - 'Boogie Chillen'
I love this track, this lyric has always resonated with me.
One night I was layin' down
I heard mama 'n papa talkin'
I heard papa tell mama
Let that boy boogie-woogie
It's in him, and it got to come out
A song that people wouldn’t expect you to like?
Hot Chocolate - 'You Sexy Thing'
Simply amazing.
A song you wished you had written?
David Bowie - 'Station To Station'
What a journey, it makes me want to dance and cheer every time I hear it.
Any new bands you are listening to right now?
Weeping Icon - All girl punk band from Brooklyn. They've just released their debut EP, and it's fantastic.
The Horrors | Something To Remember Me By (2017)
The Horrors | Machine (2017)
Miles Kane in conversation with Rhys Webb
The Horrors | Still Life (2011)
The Horrors | Sea Within A Sea (2009)
The Horrors | So Now You Know (2014)
The Horrors | Gloves (2007)