Charlatans: Interview

By James Morgan

Legendary Charlatans front man Tim Burgess is in fine form as he knocks back his red bull in London's Hard Rock cafe.

"We've been going nearly 20 years now and we're still going strong," laughs Tim.

"Everyone in the band's still massively up for what we're doing. There's a great vibe. We're The Charlatans through and through."

After all, Tim - 40 but still as chirpy as when he first started out along the rock star path nearly two decades ago - should know what he's talking about.

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Once seen as the runt's of the Madchester litter, the Charlies carved a hugely successful career and mega fan base while many of their northern contemporaries floundered by the wayside.

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Where are they now? Certainly not banging out their tenth studio album since Some Friendly crashed to number one in 1990.

Invigorated by new manager, Alan McGee, the band decided to ditch record labels and their latest album You Cross My Path was given away free on the XFM website earlier this year.

Since then, it has racked up an incredible 80,000 downloads - which would have seen it enter the charts at number two if the band had released it conventionally.

Tim - now alcohol and drugs free after realising he was heading over the edge - says: "We've always tried to change our sound with each record. No-one wants to hear a band pumping out the same old tunes time after time.

"Yes, You Cross My Path is very New Order inspired. Why not? They're one of my favourite bands. If there was no New Order, there would be no Charlatans.

"It's still our sound though. Fans recognise that."

Speaking exclusively to the News of the World, Tim revealed the band have been added to the bill for the prestigious Hard Rock Calling concert on June 28-29th In London's Hyde Park.

In indie legends will be rubbing shoulders with  Eric Clapton, The Police, Starsailor, Cheryl Crow, The Stranglers, KT Tunstall with more acts to be confirmed.

For more info check out the official concert website