McFly Interview - Summer 2004
Fazed nattered with Dougie, bass guitarist and youngest band member (at the tender age of 16) of McFly, Britain’s hottest rocky-silly faces-jump up and down-y band since Busted. Find out what he had to say, but between you and me it was a bit like getting blood from a stone ;)
Rebekah: So first thing’s first. I have to ask this. Why did you choose the name McFly? I’m guessing you all dig Back To The Future.
Dougie: That’s an old one! Well yeah, we all like it, but we actually got the name from Busted’s song ‘Year 3000’, ‘cos they’re singing about going back in time and things. We thought it’d be pretty cool.
(and for your convenience, dear readers, here’s the section of lyrics they nicked it from…)
“…stood there was my neighbour called Peter/and a flux capacitor/He told me he built a time machine like the one in a film I’ve seen/Yeah yeah... he said/I’ve been to the year 3000…”
R: You’ve had an amazingly busy 2004. What’s been the highlight of your year?
D: Well, there’ve been so many it’s difficult to count, but if I had to choose, I’d say playing live at the Olympic Torch concert, in front of 80,000 people. We were all incredibly nervous, but it was a brilliant experience.
R: How well do you think your current release ‘That Girl’ is going to do? Is this your favourite so far?
D: To be honest, I’m not really bothered (Yes, you did read that correctly everyone)! I just like playing and entertaining people. That we do well is an added bonus.
R: Which track on your album, ‘Room on the Third Floor’ have you most liked recording?
D: I liked recording ‘Obviously’, but I really love playing ‘Five Colours in Her Hair’ live. I think the bass line sounds fantastic in it.
R: Did you think you’d be doing all this at your age? You’re younger than me, and I’ve only just finished my A Levels this Summer!
D: Well, when I was at school, I studied music because I’ve always wanted to do this. There’s nothing else I’ve been focused on in my entire life!
R: Hmm, well with all this rock potential in you, were you a cheeky lad at school?
D: Actually, I was pretty quiet!
R: Do you have any rituals you do before a concert, or do you have a good luck charm?
D: No, not really. I just warm up a bit, do some stretches (For all that jumping around, I presume) and try and concentrate on what we’re going to be doing. I still get butterflies though!
R: Who do you think you get along with the most in the band?
D: Hmm….I think it’d have to be Tom, we’re very good mates and we have a laugh.
R: Which other names did you have in mind for the band apart from McFly?
D: We always wanted it to be that, right from the word go!
R: Have you met any of your idols?
D: Well, I only have two: Blink 182 and New Found Glory, and I’ve met them both! I can die happy now!
R: That’s it! It’s been good talking to you...
D: (Sounding suspiciously upbeat now the interview’s over) Oh, cheers! Lovely talking to you. Take care!
Rebekah Ireland,
Thanks to Jo for fixing the interview
