By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
August 15, 2003
Twenty-five years after Joe Jackson, Gary Sanford, Graham Maby and Dave Houghton began recording “Look Sharp,” which was released in 1979, the musicians have reunited for “Volume 4” (Restless) and a tour that brings them to Chicago this weekend. Phoning from New York, quirky singer-songwriter Jackson talked about the strains of touring, his favorite books and how he’d fare as a new artist in today’s looks-obsessed market.
Getting signed today: Being as goofy and as much of a misfit as I am, I would never get signed to a label today.
Reuniting with old bandmates: They didn’t believe it at first when I called ’cause someone had said it would never happen. Oh, that was me!
Eating your words: I said in 1994 I would never tour again. Never say never.
People have no idea that: Being onstage is tiring. We’re having fun, but it’s also very hard work.
Twenty-five years ago: I had no idea what I’d be doing today. I’m happy I’m where I am.
How you keep your voice in top form: Work out, don’t get drunk every night and warm my voice up so I don’t strain it. It’s all pretty common-sense stuff.
Reading the audience: We change the set nightly depending on the vibe of the place. It’s good ’cause then we don’t repeat ourselves too much either.
What you do when you’re feeling down: Go to dinner or have a drink with some friends.
Your long-term plans: People always think I have a long-range plan but I never do. I’m kind of following my instincts.
When you’re 64: Hopefully relaxing. I think I may have earned it by then.
Favorite thing to do on the tour bus: Hang out with the guys. Laugh with the guys. Read by myself.
Book you’re reading: Weapons of Mass Deception: The Uses of Propaganda in Bush’s War on Iraq (J.P. Tarcher, $11.95) by Sheldon Rampton [and John Stauber]. It’s very scary stuff.
Favorite author: I’m big on Dickens. I read three of his books on this tour already.
Last thing you want to do when you’re touring: Go out to see a concert. I like to be quiet.
Favorite Chicago hangout: I can’t tell you that, ’cause then too many people might show up. [Laughs]
Your workout: I run, do a bit of weights here and there, and stretch.
Favorite kind of ballgame: Hmmm, baseball maybe. I’ve been to some games and enjoyed them.
Famous last words: The Joe Jackson Band reunion is a one-off tour. It won’t happen again.
