John Cuffley Interview
(Climax Blues Band)

Voted the most promising new group of 1977 by Capitol Radio, the Climax Blues ! Band has actively been on the music scene for 10 years. The release of "Real To Reel" on Sire Records marks the eleventh album for the group. They have been touring the U.S. recently, opening for Peter Frampton, The Cars, and Marshall Tucker. Music Monthly spoke to drummer John Cuffley prior to their appearance at the Civic Center in Charleston, WV.

Q. Is 1979 the year the big push in on for Climax Blues Band to become better known?
A. One always hopes for that. There's nothing nicer than people knowing your songs. We're still known as a well-kept secret in the business.

Q. Have you noticed any differences in the concert-goers' behavior in the last 10 years?
A. They're pretty much the same lot, with their bottle and their cigarettes.

Q. Are you aware of any other musicians you've played those early years reaching the point you're at?
A. No, not really. This is the only kind of recording band I know of from Stafford, England.

Q. How do you avoid boredom on the road?
A. Oh, let's see ... we read, play cards, get drunk, tell jokes, jam in bars, and we're all avid photographers.

Q. With all the seriousness that surrounds a touring/ recording group, is there anything funny about being in a rock 'n' roll group?
A. Oh, its all humor. It's very serious, but it's fun.

Q. Would you like to say anything special to all the Climax Blues Band fans?
A. We've stuck together this long 'cause we're good friend and enjoy the music. We want to lay it on as many people who want to listen to it. It's a mutual admiration society.

Official Website: http://www.climaxbluesband.co.uk

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