The Ross Elder interview
Good to meet up with you again……it’s been some time.
Likewise!
There’s been some surprising developments in the BURN camp since we last met. The band split up at the end of June 2005 which caused a bit of a stir. What happened?
Yes…Sadly, as with many longstanding relationships, conflicts creep in. Most of the time things can be smoothed over and you just get on with it. Unfortunately things came to a head. There was a certain amount of ‘throwing dummies out of prams’ and a split was inevitable.
This must have come as a shock to everyone?
Everyone was stunned…..including myself. I didn’t think it would happen!
So what did you get up to after the split?
Well, John and I continued together but with an old pal, Cliff Brown, on guitar and under the name ‘Fire In The Hole’, which we unleashed on the public a few times! Also, Rob had decided to put together a new BURN line up. As these things tend to happen, he was let down by his drummer so he asked me to help out, which I was only too pleased to do! The keyboard player then had to return to Italy so we were back to the classic 3 piece line up with a vocalist.
So it was a 4 piece?
Do you have to be so pedantic?!
Was there any animosity between yourself, Rob and John after the split?
(Defensively) We NEVER got into animals!!
I said animosity!!
Oh!…..You aren’t going to print that are you?
Of course I won’t…..that was strictly off the record!
Phew!…Thanks!
Last time we spoke, you were exceptionally busy teaching drums in schools and at your studio. How’s that all going?
It’s all going very well thank you! In fact I had to close my studio because I couldn’t cope with the demand between it and the schools and it had taken over my life. Something had to go, so I just concentrate on schools now which takes up my working days.
I believe you had something to do with the reformation?
Let’s just say I seized an opportunity.
Would you care to elaborate on that?
I was working with Rob and John separately and the whole situation seemed senseless to me. Don’t get me wrong……I loved working with the other guys but there was always that ‘something’ missing. Rob and I had discussed the possibility of a reconciliation over a beer or two, but he kind of blew hot and cold. I spoke to John about it and he was certainly up for it but didn’t think it would happen.
The chance came when John and I had a ‘Fire In The Hole’ gig on 29th January at The Black Horse in Kidlington, which was an old BURN haunt. Cliff couldn’t make the gig so I called Rob to step in. Much to my amazement (and his!) he agreed. All I can say is that the gig was awesome! The fire was burning….pun intended!! We played better than ever, the chemistry was there and the crowd were with us all the way. We couldn’t argue with that! So that was it really. A few phone calls and emails later, the boys were back!
This must be an exciting time for you?
Very much…….I’m just looking forward to getting out there again and doing what we do best and having a laugh!
Well, we’re all looking forward to it too.
I thank you!
Have we got time for just one more?
I’d love to go on longer but I’ve got an interview with ‘Horse & Hound’ in 5 minutes and I wouldn’t want to keep them waiting!
I’ll catch up with you again soon.
Happy Trails!