CULTURE EDITION
MUSIC
travelling around on a song, which is what we’ve done for the better part of my life. CE: The line-up has changed a bit over the last decades. Did you ever consider retiring the band? GC: When Marti Pellow stepped out in 2016, we had a big decision to make. I wanted to carry on, feeling the band still had something musical to say. There are also lots of people who have worked for Wet Wet Wet for an awfully long time so, for me, carrying on was a no-brainer. CE: How did you find Kevin Simm – your new lead vocalist? GC: Kevin was put on my radar after he’d won The Voice . Someone sent me a copy of his a cappella audition piece and said listen to this guy! We had a chat and I liked him, and we went and sat in the studio and played acoustic guitar together. Luckily, he felt the same way and we’ve been out on the road now since 2018, gathering momentum and writing new songs. The thing about Kevin is that he’s brought something new to the songs that isn’t a pastiche or clichéd version of them. CE: Will your set be a mix of your favourite hits and some new music too? GC: Our previous line-up had certain songs that they just didn’t want to sing, but the
The founder of iconic soft rock band Wet Wet Wet tells us about his love of Cambridge, musical inspiration and new frontman Kevin Simm 5 MINUTES WITH GRAEME CLARK Cambridge Edition: Are you looking forward to playing at the Corn Exchange later this month? Graeme Clark: We’ve played there before; I really love it, these quirky, out-of-the-way provincial cities! We had a great time last time we were there. It’s a beautiful city and I have a niece studying at the university. CE: Are you based in Scotland now? GC: I married an English girl, for my sins, so I’m based south of Croydon. But I have family in Glasgow; it will always be home. CE: Do you enjoy touring? GC: It’s a great way to see the country! When your music connects with people, there’s no better feeling in the world. We started playing live in about 1982-83 and it opened a door I can’t shut. It’s amazing,
new guys have come in without any of that history. So Kevin says: ‘Why aren’t we doing this song?’ And I’m like, ‘Good question, let’s play it!’ Generally, new music is a difficult sell, especially for a band like Wet Wet Wet. When fans buy a ticket, the expectation is there for us to play their favourites. I have no problem with that. What we can do is fly in one or two of our new ideas, and people will accept that. CE: What advice would you give to young artists just starting out in the music industry? GC: Man, I’m the wrong guy to ask! But what I will say is, you’ve got to be good and not muck it up. The song is the thing that lasts, that will connect and resonate with people. So try and make them as good as you possibly can. Wet Wet Wet will be performing at the Cambridge Corn Exchange on 28 January from 7.30pm. Tickets from £37
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