Peter answers questions from fans--Questions 76-100
76.I was wondering if you wrote the lyrics to “In The Night” and, if so, what inspired them?I did, yes. You tell me what they mean.
77.As you’ve taken this time off from touring, and delved back deeper into visual art, I’d love to know what lessons you’ve pulled out from within yourself, what insights if any you’ve gained from the paintings you’ve created recently, and finally, how your faith has informed your art if at all?Not so complicated as the above I’m afraid. I’m a rock ıcon painting things. That’s all.
78.Are there any ideas or projects that you wish you had pursued?Flying. Healing bats. Javelin throwing.
79.Is playing live outdoors in a sunny daylight concert different compared with performing at night dark in a club?As any band will tell you daylight concerts strip away the usual lighting production and are somehow more of a direct way of performing and connecting to the crowd.
80.You are a great performer with a powerful presence on stage. I understand Daniel Ash asked you to join Bauhaus. You were interested in music for some time before then but how did you become this "slim Pixie thin and forlorn " with a strong mesmerizing voice? Was it something you created or was it something that was always in you ready to come out?Daniel asked me to begin writing songs with him and we wrote just he and I half the 1st album in just one weekend in our rehearsal place. Bauhaus name was absent. Dan suggested I dye my hair black. Before this I had my own propensity for dressing up in old 20s double-breasted suits and women’s clothes shop tops. I morphed very quickly into my image with full makeup in my long black coat walking around Northampton doing day-to-day stuff. I had to look like I looked 24/7. It was a sense of authenticity and Bowie influenced to some degree.
81.I’ve read that it was difficult initially to comprise lyrics; particularly when you ventured out in your solo career. When did you feel the most comfortable in this aspect?Odd! Lyrics have never been a problem for me.
82.Where do you think your extraordinary musical talent came from? Do you come from a musical family with a lot of exposure to great singers? Or were you an anomaly?Youngest of 7 siblings all at least 10 years older with the full gamut of 60s music being played always in the air. I would as I do now sing to all of it trying to match whatever pitch singers had and high notes. My natural baritone came with singing to Bolan and Bowie.
83.Who, besides Bowie, were your biggest influences on singing?Bolan, Lennon, Shirley Bassey, Jagger.
84.What age were you when you truly started getting into the dark style (because you always had your own unique style of clothing)?13 years
85.Any plans to do another tour similar to The Ruby Tour?Remind me of the uniqueness of that tour? I remember it and don’t plan anything similar but will create more themed tours in the future.
86.I read that Peter is vegan. Is it true?Local produce all meats except pork salads sauces…I’m a good cook.
87.Do you recall the September 5, 1981 Futurama gig at New Bingley Hall in Stafford? Several other acts performed that night, many of which became quite famous (Gang of Four, The Sisters of Mercy). It just feels like something out of a movie. Everyone’s favorite bands were all in one old concert in some exhibition hall. And many of which are still the last word in all things dark post-punk. Do you remember?I do we blew everyone off.
89.What happened to your collaboration with Tool bassist, Justin Chancellor?It just happened on my new album.
90.If someone wants to learn about Sufism, what book would you recommend?Idries Shah’s The Sufis
91.The energy you have in your voice and use of the mic and positioning on stage of your body as a frontman is so intense it's like a trance-like feeling for me. I have always wanted to know, were your dance movements self-taught?Yes and I have a dancer theatre person inside me, methinks.
92.Many mistake “Cuts You Up” as a love song. You have stated in interviews that it is a song about the spiritual journey in life. I feel like the opening lines " I find you in the morning, after dreams of distant signs, you pour yourself over me like the sun through the blinds" is about how our higher consciousness can uplift us. Would you say this is an accurate interpretation of what you intended?Hi. Yes, close enough. Simultaneously a love song and ode to the beloved partner guiding me on the way.
93.I have many favourite Bauhaus songs, Lagartija Nick in particular. How did this title come about? What was the inspiration?It was called Bite My Hip. Changed in 1982 to the more S&M-orientated lyric/song.
94.What is the name of your cat? Do you say silly things to them?Pearl and Narin. I exhort them with a “you are unbelievably smashing”. They love it.
95.What’s the craziest thing you recall a fan having done?With no way to have known my hotel since we had just arrived in LA, I get a call from a 'Cat'. “Hi, I’m Cat. Let me into your room” What the FZLknz.
96.Have you ever used painting as a way to inspire you to write lyrics?I used a painting by Carlos Sosa to generate the story of Indigo Eyes.
97.If you had never been a singer/musician, what career was a second interest or love?Theatre actor or director
98.Bauhaus recorded a criminally underrated album “Go Away White”. Writing credits are attributed to the entire band. I'm curious: Did you write the lyrics?Mostly except for 2 or 3 songs.
99."Subway" remains one of my favorite songs of your solo career. It's fine of course if the subway isn't a metaphor for anything, but I've always wondered what inspired the song?Don’t stay in your fallen or deep sad state.
100.Did you ever meet Lou Reed?As it happens, no. Though the very first American that I sat next to at a small hotel bar (on my first visit to the USA being NYC ) was Iggy Pop himself. Literally the first American that I speak to. If that’s not portentous I don’t know what is.
Photo: Steve Rapport