Bobby Nerves | Interview
''To be a musician is to tune your mind into the frequency of the universe!!!''
No introduction needed for Bobby Nerves, the songwriter and frontman of the coolest modern punk band out there - Bad Nerves. Just in case you are unfamiliar with Bad Nerves, these guys from Essex play ‘‘melodies that hook so deep even the most skilled lobotomist would struggle to scrape them out’’! A lyrical mix of politics and love, and musical sound which is reminiscent of the best examples of 1970s New York punk like Johnny Thunders and The Ramones, their music is timeless. New, modern, fun and at the same time serious punk music is a rare find- Bad Nerves does it all and beyond.
Currently, the band has released two records, the self titled album Bad Nerves (2020) and Still Nervous (2024). Their latest album was released by Loosegroove Records - the Seattle record label formed by Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard and Brad drummer Regan Hagar.
Jus as the first album, Still Nervous mixes 1970s punk with 21st century blues. In the opening track of the album ‘‘Don’t Stop’’(2024) Bobby Nerves sings: ‘‘Futile government, do it all and they take your money’’, in ‘‘USA’’ (2024) : ‘‘United States of America, two million prisoners, rock and roll is bad for their business’’, and on the 12th and final track: ‘‘The kids will never have a say in what the future holds again’’… but here’s what he told me!
What or who is your greatest pride in your life?
BN: I guess I take pride in my dedication to doing what I love. That’s the elixir of life!
Can you tell me about a pivotal, life-changing moment that you have experienced?
BN: I would like to but I doubt you would believe me, and some things are far too magical to share with strangers.
What is the best piece of advice that has brought you good results?
BN: Breathe.
Have you ever done something that goes against your principles?
BN: Certainly in the past, I think most people have. Most of my principles were formed off the back of making mistakes that I never want to repeat. You should always be a work in progress!
Describe your character in five words!
BN: Living in the material world.
How do you respond to criticism of yourself?
BN: I welcome it. Some of my greatest personal and professional developments came from listening to criticism. Not all criticism is made equal though, so you have to take care to establish what is said to help you grow, and what is said to put you down. I’ve found the latter to be the most common.
How do you feel when you are being compared to other artists? Does it make you want to rebel and brake away from comparisons?
BN: Not really. I don’t really care about comparisons, you can’t avoid them. Some of them you like, some of them you don’t, but ultimately I’m not concerned either way!
What would you like for listeners to understand about your music?
BN: We copy Ramones.
Can you share your immediate and future creative plans?
BN: Immediate and future are much the same really, just to write great songs and tour the world! I’d quite like to write for other artists too.
What is a song you would never ever want to hear again?
BN: ‘Fast Food Song’ by Fast Food Rockers. Great band name though.
Continue the phrase: ‘’To be a musicians is to…’’
BN: Tune your mind into the frequency of the universe!!!
So beautiful
Excellent work! I’ve been a fan of this band’s since they began and I’m so glad they’re getting the recognition they deserve. They’re great and I hope they never lose their fire!