Take two of the world’s most popular albums – The Beatles White album and Metallica’s Black album - and mix them up. Or don’t, as swaggering Swedes The Hives decided...
“We looked at the white album and the Black album, and thought they had something there, so we made the Black and White album,” laughs bass player Dr. Matt Destruction (I’m not convinced that’s his real name, or he’s a real doctor).
Is it like either album? Did either band inspire you?
“No,” he says. “We don’t like The Beatles. We didn’t listen to them when we were growing up. I liked The Clash and The Sex Pistols, angry music.
“I like Liverpool though. It has personality, it feels like England. London is nice, but it feels like any other European capital. Liverpool feels like a real place, real England.”
I found out more about the music he’s been listening to this week.
“I like Queens of the Stone Age,” says Matt. “They’re really good. My favourite track at the moment is Regular John.
“Straight to the Bank by 50 Cent – that’s great – and I really like Help You Ann by The Liars.
“Jumping Jack Flash by The Rolling Stones is always good for a bass player. It has the best bass line of any song.
“Finally I’d have to say Lust for Life by Iggy Pop.”
The Hives play the Apollo, Manchester on November 24. For more information see www.myspace.com/thehives.