A Conversation with Glenn Tilbrook (continued)

PM: Do you have any hobbies outside the musical sphere?

GT: Not too many. Cycling I really like doing. I mean, I carry bikes around with my gear, too, so it's always nice to go for a ride.

PM: Yeah, you seemed like you were in good shape.

GT: Luckily enough, yes, I am. The other thing I've got in my bus is I've got two turntables--two CD turntables, not vinyl--and I like playing with those, playing records loud.

PM: [laughs]

GT: Absorbing. If I'm at home, I spend a lot of time in my studio, just doing one thing or another, because everything you do feeds you in some way, doesn't it? So I just like playing music or doing things that are inspiring.

PM: Oh, yeah, you can't be on output all the time. You need to get on input.

GT: Exactly, yeah.

PM: Well, if you would, give us your feelings about the States, the Yanks, and touring here.

GT: Well, I've always had a fascination with America, ever since I can remember. Certainly my generation were inundated with images about America, and we had ideas about America before we got here. I'd always dreamed--quite literally, dreamt--of coming here. When I did first come here, it was actually everything I'd hoped it would be. It was fantastic.

And I've had lots of times back here since, and I've never really revised that opinion. I think that I--now, I speak as someone who lives in London, and I don't think I'm ever going to move away from there--but I really believe that Americans are very open, warm people, in a way that humbles me every time I come here. And I have more experience of that in the last, say, two years, than I have had previously. I love being here. I love traveling around here. I love meeting people here. And [laughs] I love being home as well.

PM: Yeah, of course. And it's beautiful to hear someone call us warm. I really appreciate that, because you were extremely giving in your performance, and you seem to just give every ounce of what you have and who you are, and I admire that greatly.

GT: Well, that's very nice of you. Thank you.

PM: Is there a question that you wish interviewers would ask, but they never do?

GT: [considers, then sighs] I was trying to think of a good answer, but I'm afraid I didn't. People generally seem to cover things, and understand, to a large extent, where I'm coming from as well, which is always nice.

PM: I think that's because you are so giving, and you're so open faced in both your tunes and your way with the audience. You make yourself truly accessible instead of enigmatic.

GT: [laughs] Well, that's good. I'm pleased to hear that.

PM: So thanks so much for all your time today.

GT: Well, I thank you, and I'm sorry for all the delays...

PM: And it was a very memorable show the other night. I'll never forget it, and I look forward to seeing you next time.

GT: Excellent. I really appreciate it.

PM: Thanks, Glenn. Take care.

GT: All right. Cheers.

Most of the photos that illustrate this interview come from the astonishing array to be found at "The Unofficial Glenn Tilbrook Site," many snapped by fans. Handsomely designed and smartly written (check out the mighty thorough bio), packed with rare treats of every variety, this site (www.babylonandon.com/glenn) is definitely the place to go for all things Glenn.

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