Eagles of Death Metal: Rock ‘N’ Carnivores
‘My moustache is a supernatural, soft, boomerang of love…’ in a strictly adults-only interview, Jesse Hughes tells the note why Eagles of Death Metal are destined to raise Adelaide’s temperature. You have been warned…
Words Jesse Hughes (EODM) // Partial censorship by The Note…
Image supplied
We’re super-excited to see you’re playing The Gov this July. For those who haven’t managed to see an Eagles of Death Metal show, can you tell us what to expect from your gig?
First of all, we’ve scientifically managed to perfect the concept of gender-neutral Viagra. So, the second you walk into an Eagles of Death Metal show you’re automatically three-quarters chub, and you don’t need to go to the emergency room if it lasts longer than four hours. There is no need to go full chub because my moustache is a supernatural, soft boomerang of love, and everyone will immediately be swept up in its tickly hairs. A smile will emerge on everyone’s faces as the ass shaking and titty wiggling ensues.
Surprisingly, the world’s dependence upon petroleum will come to an end as well, but that’s just a byproduct of what will happen at this show.
Ok, then! It’s the first time you’ve touched down in Australia since 2016 and your first time in Adelaide. Why was now the right time to return to Australia for a national tour?
In my experience in show business, the right time to tour is [always] now. Australia truly is one of my favorite places on earth. Several previously scheduled tours were interfered with by international events, so I’ve literally been chomping at the bit to get down there. My goal in life is to retire and buy a small place in front of Luna Park so that the big mouth stares me in the face every day. I’m also a hillbilly at heart and by birth, so any place where there are real cowboys, I’m happy. And that seems to be the case with Adelaide.
How did you find Australia last time you were here?
Well, I went straight from Los Angeles and sort of veered to the right at Hawaii, and then boom! I was in Australia. I found it rather easily. It’s the only thing down there. Australian audiences are hungry for rock ‘n’ roll – [they’re] carnivores, cannibals of the boogie. It’s the only place I’ll ever go where I enjoy being eaten alive.
You’ve played to massive crowds around the world, but The Gov is on the smaller side. Tell us about playing to intimate crowds. What do you enjoy about it?
The success of any relationship depends upon intimacy and intimacy cannot exist where one is unfaithful. I have never been unfaithful to my fellow rock’n’roll. The smaller venue is by no means smaller in any way. The smaller venue allows for the larger experience just in the same way that big amplification is not required for big sound. My dad used to say, ‘There are two types of rock bands in the world: a rock band that jacks off for everyone to see; and a rock band that fucks everyone in the room.’ I give you my word of honor as a southern gentleman that I intend to do the latter that night, and a smaller venue just makes it easier.
The Southern River Band will also be joining you on tour around all Australian cities. Why did you invite them to join you?
The Southern River Band are fellows of the cog. We all belong to the same gang – a particular sort of boogie-woogie and rock ‘n’ roll. Their delivery is top notch. It’s a good and perfect match, a righteous union if you will. I believe in the rock tour. I do not like opening acts and headlining acts. I like a total show, a complete package, and we’re like the UPS men of rock’n’roll delivering giant packages for everyone.
How do you stay creatively fresh and fired-up on tour? Any on-the-road tour tips?
Freshness is the essence of everything. Music, rock ‘n’ roll, showbiz is nothing new – it’s only good when it’s fresh. I pull my rock and roll straight from the udder, pulling every last drop of sweet nectar I can possibly get. I also tend to immerse myself in music. I love music. I’m a fan first and foremost, so to stay fresh you have to listen to fresh stuff [and] stay current. You must also do something supernatural, which is to embody the past. This band is all time at once – and I say that with all humility. I love what I do and I treat every situation as the first time it’s happened. I never get bored and I never get irritated. I treat every audience like it’s the first audience and the last audience I’ll ever play for.
When I travel, I bring a small group of items with me that I set up in every hotel room so it feels kind-of like the same place. That’s a tip I have for you – that’s all you need an it feels the best.
Eagles of Death Metal started as a side project between you and Josh Homme in 1998. Josh was playing with Queens of the Stone Age which had huge success – did you ever think EODM would make it so big?
In all actuality, Eagles of Death Metal started before Queens of the Stone Age so technically Queens of the Stone Age is a side project of Eagles of Death Metal. It seems, in all truth, I’ve always known that if I follow Joshua Homme, it’s going to be among the best things I’ve ever done. The fact that I’ve been able to have this dream life and been able to share it with quite possibly the finest person I’ve ever known in my life, is truly a gift from God.
See Eagles of Death Metal play at The Gov this July 31. Tickets on sale now.
