Best known as the lead singer of Electric Six, Dick Valentine plays Monroe’s Live next Monday, April 27. His band play festivals all over the world, so why has he decided to go on a solo acoustic tour?
“After 14 years of touring with five other guys, it’s just a great change of pace for me to go out on the road by myself, troubadour-style,” he says. “I set my own schedule, play without a setlist, never have to share a hotel room with anyone. I love my bandmates, but you follow me!”
Electric Six had a massive hit with Danger! High Voltage. It’s easily their best-known song, but this doesn’t bother Dick.
“ I’ve always said, if my worst problem is that my band is pigeonholed as “the band that does Danger! High Voltage”, that’s not a real problem,” he says. “I am cognisant that it’s very difficult for most musicians to get any sort of recognition, so I am always grateful that we had those couple of years in the ‘spotlight’. But our band has kept going, we have 11 albums now and an amazing and dedicated cult following . . . our fans have given us a wonderful career.”
A veteran at this stage, Dick is looking forward to hitting the road once more.
“My favourite thing about touring, and these acoustic tours in particular, is really just seeing different towns and getting to look at a map and saying “I’ve been there….I’ve been there . . .” he says. “I love being a travelling musician for that reason. Oh yeah, and the free drinks too!”
