Following on from their sold-out London debut last Spring, supergroup THE SIDESHOWS have announced a brace of shows in London and Helsinki next month. Singer/guitarist Rich Ragany stopped by Vive towers last week to let us know what's been going down...
Can you tell us who you are and describe your noise for anyone who doesn’t know The Sideshows?
The legendary Sami Yaffa (of Hanoi Rocks/New York Dolls/Joan Jett/Michael Monroe and solo fame) asked me if I wanted to record a couple of tracks at his home studio in Mallorca. We got Simon Maxwell (drummer and my fellow band mate in The Loyalties/Role Models/Digressions) to hit the pots n pans! We liked it so much, we started a band! Rock N Power Pop - Punk N Roll should cover it for now.
The Sideshows have been getting great reviews all over Europe you must be very pleased?
We are super happy and grateful that the music is reaching so many people and leaving its mark. We were commenting that it’s some of the best reviews we’ve each gotten! And that says something. It’s been a blast!
And now you are playing two more shows after your London debut a few months back. Where can we see you and what can we expect?
Saturday 3rd Oct, London UK, Camden Barfly and Saturday 10th Oct, Helsinki, Finland, Kult. We decided to end the year off on a high note… get together and celebrate a bit. Expect loud obnoxious joyous melodic FUN! I personally have never been to Helsinki… and getting a look at the home of Hanoi history with Sami… that in itself is incredibly exciting. Can’t wait!
Is it difficult rehearsing with Sami Yaffa based in Finland?
We’re professionals! Hahaha. We get together in London a few times and then with Sami just before. No sweat.
And I hear you have the hot shot Gaff (ex-Digressions and Desperate Measures) on second guitar now...?
I did all the guitars on the album… but in person I am no octopus hahaha! When we thought of someone to join us onstage, Gaff was the first name up. Awesome player and harmony singer… and a great pal. When you got a talent like him in your Rolodex you know who to call!
Are there plans to play more shows in Europe?
Yes, next year we are planning to hit some more places… Sami is a very creatively busy man, with the Monroes and art and solo stuff, so we work around his schedule. When we do get together we make it count… creatively and with gooooood times!
Who would be The Sideshows' perfect band to tour with?
That’s a hard one! I DO know someone doing a solo album right now, that when it’s done will be brilliant… so him… but sworn to secrecy! Haha TANTALISING ANSWER haha!!!
Finally, if people want to bring you presents at the shows, what do you wish for?
I think some hats for Sami… that man is a style icon I tells ya! Jars of pickles for Simon. He loves a 'Pickleback' (Jack Daniel’s and pickle juice shot!)... well… so do I haha!! Scarves and drinks at the bar for Gaff… And me … I’d be happy with a cheeky bottle of red! Hope to see you out there so we can pop the cork together!!
Sat 3rd Oct - Camden Barfly, London tickets
Sat 10th Oct - Kult, Helsinki tickets
Buy The Sideshows' debut album here
Pic by Tina Korhonen