"NO MORE TELEPHONE BOXES!"

Q Magazine (Festivals Issue), July 2000

Gem Archer's playing the biggest gig of his life…

Q-Noel told Q he was looking forward to writing with you and Andy Bell. Will anything be ready for these gigs?

GEM-We've done some bits of music, but I don't know if they're songs yet. Since we played Seattle we've been doing a new cover, though-Hey Hey My My (Into The Black), Neil Young. I have this filth box I put my guitar through-in my head I do what he said, play a note so fat you could walk out over the crowd on it.

Q-What's your favourite Oasis song to play?

GEM-Shakermaker. It's bang on. I've always thought that was a really good attitude, rip off the Coca-Cola song and have it large. It's cheeky psychedelia. And Champagne Supernova. We all go "Tune!"

Q-Any special effects planned for the festivals?

GEM-Amps and a drum riser. No more telephone boxes.

Q-Have you ever played to such huge crowds before?

GEM-No. At festivals, Heavy Stereo were always in tents. I don't get too nervous though. At least only in the dream most musicians have about the gig where everything goes wrong, your pedals don't work and your ex-girlfriend's sitting in the front row.

Q-What's worst about festivals?

GEM-When people walk through the crowd carrying snakes. You don't want too much of that.

Q-Noel said that after travelling around America on a bus you'd "either come back really close mates or fucking hate each other". How's it going?

GEM-The better option. But wait till the end of the tour.

Q-That's a bit enigmatic.

GEM-It's honest.

Q-Are the Gallaghers still a nightmare on the road or have they become mature family men?

GEM-They're both essential ingredients in the soup. You don't need to reach for any extra condiments to spice up Oasis.

Q-Top festival tip?

GEM-Get backstage. I've never seen a snake backstage. A few sharks, but no snakes.