JJ Burnel : The John Robb interview : new Stranglers album/Dave RIP and much more

[@Porkcylinder]

I flew to Stuttgart with these guys as johns keyboard tech (RIP) in about 2000 for das fest I'd worked with several bands before and all of them wouldn't so much as acknowledge me. These guy were just down to earth normal blokes, no egos,no big heads and they all spoke to me just like we were all working a job together.dave was a lovely bloke who helped me out drawing me schematics for his DXs and akais etc I even went to his house near a famous festival site and as a young lad at the time he made me feel totally comfortable,the first thing he asked me was 'can you mix a rum and coke' two finger rum three Coke and sure to his word he nodded for me to come onstage in front of 40,000 people at that Stuttgart gig with his little sharpener. JJ was a top bloke too chatting about music etc I still boast I've sat next to jet black on a jet 😄

[@cavy1987]

Thanks for yr lovely post.

[@patkelly8309]

Excellent

[@Rugmunchersauce3]

Oh you lucky fella ! Obviously, not just "lucky" but very talented. I WISH I could get to meet JJ and/or Hugh. Would have loved to have met Dave and Jet too. The closest I have ever got was to have met and chatted briefly to one of their roadies at a gig. But hé was very busy. I think it was HIM who signed my copy of Jets book (Seven Days in Nice) on his behalf !!😆 I HOPE it was genuinely Jet who signed it but somehow I doubt it. But just in case it really was HIM, Jet, I occassionally lick it and I feel like I have indirectly TOUCHED a REAL, original Strangler!!!🖤

[@caspar2155]

This is a fabulous interview. JJ really opened up and John has a thorough knowledge of The Stranglers history and back catalogue. Broke my heart to see JJ so cut up when talking about Dave. First album I ever brought was Black and White, first time I saw them live was on the Feline tour, hope to see them on this tour. RIP Dave, and thank you all for everything. The soundtrack to my life.

[@Simonski8]

Black and White. Played it repeatedly for months at a time.

[@andrzejkrainski7155]

Hi JJ!!! I'm the guy, with whom you drank albanian cognac, smoked...etc.in Warsaw 1986.🙂 I was a kind of translator between you and guys from polish band Republika, with whom you sang a few Stranglers songs, what was great!!! Best regards from Poland!

[@Carbinax]

Its a shock to have lost Dave in this way. Golden Brown is a masterpiece, and its a privilege to have known and loved that song for many years, which was a doorway into an incremental appreciation of The Stranglers over the last something-something years, and immensely enjoying their creative output at every stage of their journey, and the amazing musical legacy. Great interview John and JJ !! Cheers

[@MrBenmanning]

I had a beautiful dream about Dave after he died and he was in a beautiful green garden and all i could hear was swirling 17th century style playing he was wearing black of course looked young. what a wonderful thing the imagination is but who knows it was fun!

[@MISSION315]

I’ve loved every second of this interview, great questions very interesting, still playing stranglers in my home regularly love em regards to you both baz UK.

[@davidmasterson1765]

A brilliant and very raw interview very sensitively facilitated by John. JJ as articulate and responsive as ever despite the obvious grief and loss he must feel. We all miss Dave but are delighted the band, including his protege, have decided to pay the ultimate homage to "the maestro of the modern arpeggio" by concluding the "opusinblack"! Thanks to all members of the band over the years for the memories, the gigs, the wonkybus tours and, most of all, the timeless and unrivalled music. Your place in history is assured.

[@711honved]

We loved Dave & his sound defined The Stranglers. A moving interview handled sensitively by John.

[@jasmineblack9778]

John Robb always does great interviews as he knows his stuff & has the passion that is infectious. Best interview you'll ever see of JJ

[@vv247]

Great chat lads .. so sad about Dave , he was key to The Stranglers sound.

[@FromaTwistedMind]

An excellent interview, with JJ baring his heart. Respectful interview style from John. Lots of insights & answers told and emotion from JJ. Can't wait to hear the new album & see em on tour. RIP Dave, long live Jet & The Stranglers.

[@JOHNROBBofficial]

the album is great - its not the best since The Raven - its an equal to those early classics - its that good

[@FromaTwistedMind]

@@JOHNROBBofficial Great to hear that John, l appreciate your reply mate. Look forward to hearing it & to getting to gigs again. Stay safe 😁

[@MrDesmonick]

Very moving at times, and huge respect to JJ for being so open about his loss.

[@santfekuss]

Good interview ... very humble, nice to hear JJ talking like his old self . Respect 👍😎

[@AdSandtke]

Great interview with the man who taught me to play the (punkrock) bassguitar after years of listening to and trying to play like Julian Bream and John WIlliams. But then Punkrock came along, which was a bit more exciting for a 15 year old, so thanks JJ! Thanks John Robb for posting!

[@kevsalmon6573]

Respect to JJ for doing this, great interview in such difficult circumstances, opening up in an unprecedented way.

[@deborahbrett9526]

Remember the Windmill pub in Somersham xx Sending love x

[@DubSun33]

As always a great interaction, thanks to you and JJ

[@MOTORFREAKER]

When will a quality biopic on this mythical band ? Men in black deserve it. So many things brought to the post punk era... Inventiveness, creativity without compromises... They stood out because they were actual musicians and not just posers...Vastly underrated band... I had the opportunity to chat with JJ several times in 40 years backstage (signed vinyl records and so on...)...an honest and upright man...affordable and open... Great respect to JJ and an immense loving thought for Dave (a old French fan who loves Stranglers for...more than 40 years...)

[@JOHNROBBofficial]

There was a doc getting made last year - I think it's been held up by Hugh at the moment?

[@treasurehunteruk9718]

There is an old documentary which was filmed a few decades ago, but one part is missing on You Tube. The other three parts are there, you should be able to find it.

[@MOTORFREAKER]

@@JOHNROBBofficial Many thanks ! So I'll keep ear-hustling for that...

[@MOTORFREAKER]

@@treasurehunteruk9718 Thanks ! I know it and I love it a lot...

[@treasurehunteruk9718]

@@MOTORFREAKER I wish someone would post the missing part. It can't be the copyright, because all the other parts have not been removed.

[@Raveninblack1]

Really enjoyed this interview thanks. Watched with a lump in mi throat at times. Look forward to the album. Best

[@broken1394]

Excellent interview -tough to see JJ talk about Dave. Look forward to giving the new l.p. 40mins. Rave on Jet Black!

[@chrisloukes424]

Touching stuff from one of the world's most understated/underrated musical supremos. Saw The Stranglers a few times in Manchester. Always superb, fearless and note-perfect. (As JJ says here - be true to the classic numbers!). Dave Greenfield memories: clutching a can of ale in one hand, dancing over the bottom keyboard with the other - Go Buddy Go!) Take care JJ - top man. You always were, always will be. Like you, I cried the day Dave passed.

[@paolozak3014]

Oh JJ humbly revealing some more of his interior persona ...this is so welcome! Feels like Dark Matters is a good one

[@blackmoofou6385]

The Stranglers were the first band I was truly 'in to' bigtime. I bought the UA years comp in about 89/90 and loved it even though I soon discovered it was terminally unfashionable in the music press to be a fan I didn't care and that has stood me in good stead of not caring what's fashionable.I think all their different Influences from jazz to prog to blues and synth stuff has influenced everything I've listened to since. I can't thank them all enough for that and still listen to them today. I'm glad before Dave and Jet left us that with Baz as a four piece they finally got the respect they have always deserved. Wonderful interview by the way JJ really engaged with it he's such a nice bloke.

[@markthomas8322]

What a gem of an interview and lovely surprise. Loved the part about the mystery keyboardist...surely not? Dave was God.... think Dave had ８ fingers on each of his hands. Can't wait to hear the new album.

[@johnjonesToffeeman]

Love the way they credit all members with writing.a lesson for all bands there

[@roberthadley1717]

A very good interview.Nice to have a interviewer that listens and does not try to take over. Much respect to JJ .

[@DoctorJezz]

Brilliant interview. I love the humane punk equalitarian intellectualism of this band through the decades. Flipping the bird to politics with an innate multicultural instinct and then backing off with a gracious bow to settle back on a big black leather chesterfield with a glass of brandy and a massive fuck off raven on their shoulders. Long live the stranglers.

[@gruesometwosome6098]

Another great interview. And happy birthday John 😉

[@inbetweenland4395]

Great to listen to J.J. really looking forward to the gig in Glasgow this year. Just want to hear the many variations of Strangler sound. The new album sounds as though it is already a classic cant wait to hear it. The concert will be a emotional night, seeing the Stranglers without Dave will be a hard one. I have been following the Stranglers since 1979. When I started listening to the Punk era groups of the 1977`s the Pistols, Clash and the Damned once I heard the Stranglers they just took over. Musically brilliant and a brilliant powerful band live.

[@ricksuegreen1502]

For me JJ was always one of the most enigmatic personalities. back in the punk days we knew so little about him. Today it is refreshing to hear him talk so candidly about his life and of Dave Greenfield. -I grew up with JJ as a hero, icon and musical influence. This is a great interview, here we see a thoughtful, soulful man. A man with much depth and intelligence. A pleasure to hear him speak and a guy I always wanted to meet. This is the next best thing. Thank you JJ for the incredible music that has followed us around for a lifetime. We've all grown older together.

[@777Ruffdriver]

JJ Burnel what a great guy very moving how he speaks about Dave and jet, he’s the type of guy you could meet in a pub and have a good chinwag plus he’s Biker do you still get out on your Triumph JJ.

[@Mark_Ocain]

JJ is the only original member of the stranglers now...good to see him still working to maintain the legacy of this classy band.

[@OldWolflad]

What a top bloke JJ is. They were true tough guys in my opinion, but never in a nasty way. They were my first band I loved back in the 1977 days, as a young punk (before punk got narrowed into a certain type of aggressive Discharge type music). And aged nearly 60 now, I just love them and simply admire the musical brilliance of each of them. I could watch their live performances endlessly (sadly on KZbin not in the flesh). Walk On By just watch the bass and guitar and keyboards......wow!! Makes my blood run and my heart beat, sounds sad but I dream I was one of them. Anyway, thanks for your brilliance over the years, love em more than ever!

[@desohara7466]

Thank you for posting John, great interview as always!

[@christopherharris4453]

I have masses of respect for all the members of the Stranglers past and present, but Mr Burnell you are such a genuine, humble and intelligent man, and I hope that this isn’t the last we hear from the Stranglers. There’s a touch of irony that more concert tickets were sold after the sad passing of Dave Greenfield don’t you think, because ‘Everybody loves you when your dead.” Bless you all mate and thanks for the great music and memories you have created!

[@milosit]

I'll never forget running into JJ in my current home city, Long Beach, CA several years ago. He was quite surprised to run into someone from Bradford as that's where he attended university.

[@MrBenmanning]

wow wish id been there. i write from somerset england. last november i was still out in newport beach and met last year some stranglers fans who saw hugh cornwell recently in costa mesa and met him and said it was amazing.

[@milosit]

@@MrBenmanning I saw Hugh in LA back in 2012. He shared the stage with Glen Matlock’s band and they closed with some Pistols’ and Stranglers’ numbers. After the show he signed my 3D Raven. One of the nicest blokes you could meet.

[@MrBenmanning]

@@milosit i agree. i actually think monster and norfolk are my two fave post 1990 albums by anything stranglers related (trying to be careful with my words on A JJ Post lol! (cough)

[@hamishwally4875]

Carry on playing for another 30 years JJ

[@flatfox70]

Look forward to hearing the new album. The Stranglers have never really made a bad recording in my opinion. Outstanding band live and in the studio whatever the line up. Respect 😎

[@mrhbsaucepunkrocknewwavevi7946]

I love these interviews you do John of these punk and new wave bands from mine and yours youth. Will always listen to punk music from back then, helps me mentally and it's a comfort to what we go through later in life.

[@VincentRE79]

Yes that late 70's period had a major impact on many people's lives.

[@seawolf7218]

Amazing interview very emotional for JJ speaking about Dave.

[@Twig-The-Wonder-Kid]

Aw sad to see JJ cut up about his mate and colleague but sooo glad that Dave is playing on this album.... his swan song. Looking forward to listening to it... it will be received with enthusiasm by the FansInBlack but also sadness. Good luck to the band for their imminent tour and see you in Glasgow in 2022. Cheers John and a very happy birthday to you sunshine, really enjoyed this interview.

[@JOHNROBBofficial]

Thanks haggis! I’ve got the album here and it’s full of classic bubbling dave runs - really underlining some killer choruses

[@Twig-The-Wonder-Kid]

@@JOHNROBBofficial That sounds like the band I grew up with.... they should have had a fucking OBE... don't know that they'd want it mind you but they should have had some acknowledgement for their longevity and contribution to British music... but the establishment would rather give it to tap dancing dullards fond of doffing their hat or jigging up a storm.... VIVE THE STRANGLERS AND VIVE DAVE G !!

[@JANER64]

@@Twig-The-Wonder-Kid OBE? They died the day they sold out for their apartheid tour of Israel.

[@Twig-The-Wonder-Kid]

@@JANER64 You'll get no argument from me there mate, not a decision I agreed with, quite the contrary but as a diehard fan it does not stop me from appreciating the music.

[@EdwardsOperation]

What an EXCELLENT interview! John Robb asking ALL the right questions. Here at Edward's Operation, we are all looking forward to the release of the new album - Dave's last.... - in September with great anticipation.

[@johnrobinson9869]

Remember seeing on my old black and white portable tv still at school The Stranglers on revolver hosted by Peter Cooke singing Tank and then Curfew, it made such a lasting impression on me, wonderful sounds.

[@Adambutler2]

Really enjoyed that John, thank you. JJ comes across brilliantly & I felt so much for him re Dave. 😢

[@HighlandMike325]

Saw you, John, at Stranglers Liverpool o2 Academy gig couple of years ago. Total respect.

[@D-osOrg]

thanks so much for the utterly pleasant surprise ! massive respect to JJ

[@seawolf7218]

Really cool guy JJ I love the stranglers and everyone that loves the stranglers will miss Dave

[@2760ade]

JJ looks fantastic for his age!

[@pedalscapes]

JJ an inspiration as always thank you 🌞

[@livianegidius9772]

Love and respect from life long fan. Stay safe and stay SANE JJ! Great interviw , mr Robb thank you for posting !

[@murphymary1015]

I bet these guy have played the most gigs out of all bands with millions of record sales. They have played every year for decades.

[@user-eb8mi3xi5f]

They are so prevalent.

[@greyscott8614]

Fabulous interview. Really brought out the Humanity of the Stranglers. I really felt for JJ . I’m looking forward to hearing the new album in full. Thanks ❤️

[@johnnybsteelriff]

Great stuff.....great to see JJ in a positive mood about the future and reflecting with humour on the past...good work, John....

[@sunsetoneuk09]

Great interview. Looking forward to hearing the new album.

[@Robmaxward1]

RIP Dave, JJ your a good man and top musician....

[@adriannebrendel2958]

Listening from Australia, a beautiful and raw interview, thoroughly enjoyable, blessings to you j.J. 🕸🕷🕸

[@adrianbrowne7962]

Absolutely agree with JJ's assertion that if you " Really like " Music then you should be able 2 embrace " Various Genre's " !!! From Adrian Browne 1965

[@nicensleazy1892]

John, great interview with our old friend JJ :-)

[@sspbrazil]

Great interview. R.I.P. Dave. Looking forward to the new album.

[@DanHintz]

great job as usual, john. you and don letts are clearly the best of the UK music intelligensia.

[@JOHNROBBofficial]

thanks Dan...all this stuff is eternally fascinating!

[@kevcatnip7589]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBB and GOOD LUCK stranglers

[@elusivestranger1032]

Very interesting to hear JJ speak so openly about the loss of Dave, Jet's role and the new album. Top bloke!

[@victorsierraband]

Thanks for your good job John. Nice interview.

[@eagleinblack]

Great interview looking forward to hearing the new album. And JJ has my favourite dog, never had one yet though

[@bmccabe1767]

Fascinating interview. Love the stranglers.

[@yvesaltana5732]

a wonderful interview John. x Y

[@politepunk]

Another great interview - thank you John 👍 Very much looking forward to hearing the 'multifaceted' new album, and Mila the Swiss Shepherd dog is absolutely gorgeous 😍💗😊

[@MrStranglers]

Great interview 👍

[@michaelpatrick3812]

Great interview,hope to see you on tour JJ,next year.

[@russellcolverson6916]

Great band,great interview, The Stranglers, will go on for ever,,,, Just like Triggers broom…Will you be playing in Brittany?? Saw you here many years ago,in a small Breton village called Malstroit,,,must have been when Baz first joined ? Keep it up JJ.

[@kevpi400]

Great interview..Thanks Rob.

[@andymiles3886]

Inspirational band

[@1990-t1j]

He comes over very well.

[@nigelprosser5692]

Great interview , thanks mate .

[@thisisstevet]

Great interview as ever, John

[@colinrgage]

Good interview, comes across as an interesting guy

[@shubr66]

Great all round effort by the both of you thanks and respect . The band that I have seen the most live 👍

[@djmbird557]

I enjoyed that, thanks both of you

[@merseybeast76]

A great discussion, by 2 intelligent human beings - the spirit of Punks Not Dead

[@benhaslam7765]

Great Interview Thankyou

[@matthewgriffin9320]

great interview John you let people talk! so refreshing , you dont know me but i met you once at a gig by the farm , pete wylie and mick jones at Liverpool olympia, we had a few words. im sure it was that , if it wasnt then it was a Stranglers gig somewhere, anyway enjoyed that interview very much .Thankyou.

[@paulwatkins2579]

Superb work John

[@SrawberrySunday2]

One of the best bassists out there

[@MrWrightcaroline]

RIP Jet. And if you should see Dave, say Hello.😪😪😪😪😪

[@messeswithbassesbassguitar9060]

Ive always enjoyed the French Stranglers songs and JJ's solo music. Does anyone know who will be playing keys on the tour next year? As a lifelong listener I feel the Endinblack is near; I feel honoured to have witnessed the journey.

[@darrenjreynolds22]

Perhaps the most painful kind of love is called grief....

[@christinemartin1523]

salut j-j en France on est toujours là.......et on pense à DAVE!!

[@santfekuss]

Nice 👍

[@thescreamsmusic]

My first album was No more heroes and in all honesty the first thing that grabbed me was Dave Greenfield and his swirling keys. Hugh is gone,Jet is unfit,Dave is dead and that's my heroes gone. No more stranglers anymore.

[@patrickdalton3174]

True enough

[@メローイエロー-w6x]

日本語でも読めるので字幕付けて下さって本当にありがとうございます。

[@patrickdalton3174]

I was just going to say that

[@Rugmunchersauce3]

I really love The Doors (not as much as The Stranglers though!) and of course i am a great fan of Ray Manzerak. A lot of people liken Dave to Ray, but I sincerely think Dave is the better of the two BY FAR. In fact, I personally think Dave Greenfield (RIP) is enormously underrated and alongside all the great, legendary keyboard players of the last seventy years or so, I honestly think hé IS the GREATEST of them all. Even though he has flown off to Valhalla or wherever, hé is STILL thé best. I doubt anyone will ever bé as good as him. (Toby is fkin excellent, hé plays Daves parts, ooh-er, perfectly...but it was Dave who created those "parts" in the first place)😎 🖤

[@jamesbright3789]

Were the drums programmed on Suite XVI and Giants? I'd assumed Jet was playing a live kit on those

[@martinscase3904]

RIP Jet Black x

[@thirdeye147]

Beyond the dave tour UK 21/22

[@terrythekittieful]

Safe travels back to 'old Blighty' J.J. and say 'hello' to Hugh C if you get the chance.

[@adrianbrowne7962]

The distinction made in relation 2 a particularly brilliant piece of music " But " Created by an unpleasant individual like Richard Wagner for Instance is " Entirely Relevant " And JJ is right in trying to " Emphasise This !! From Adrian Browne 1965

[@imogenimeson664]

Good of him to admitting finally "growing up"no more grotesque and inane songs like Ugly then.I'm forever young...as in the ageless beauty portrayed in Oscar Wilde's story The Picture of Dorian Gray. I've met John Robb by the way.

[@newforestpixie5297]

That ‘ Gary Glitter ‘ drum rhythm or sound was first re gurgitated successfully by Killing Joke in their song Tension . I know GG didn’t write Tension but he certainly must’ve created some in the backroom of PC World in Swindon ...( “ do we blackmail the bastard or Strangle him ? “ ) 😃

[@Rugmunchersauce3]

Dont worry Mr Robb, I did chuckle a bit when you said "some of the most boring art is made by some of the nicest people". ! 😆

[@StrawberrySunday212]

JJ is the only original member left now :(