Nobody knows which louse Geoffrey Arnold Beck ran into his liver. The fact is that the old master released "Loud Hailer" in mid-July, his first studio album in six years, and received euphoric reviews. But he doesn't want to talk about it. And he only wants to present it live in the USA, where he has been touring with Buddy Guy since the beginning of August - in casinos, provincial nests and monumental venues like the Hollywood Bowl. A finger exercise for ego and pension funds - while he cancelled all activities in Europe. Probably because he has no desire for clubs, a comparatively small salary and the questions of the local press.
Because as Beck recently complained to the US online magazine "Rock Cellar", he is reduced to the "guitar god" in this country, which is a great pity for him. "Nothing is more boring than talking about strings, pick-ups and effects," he says. "I've done this all my life, and it pisses me off. Because I'm not the nerd everyone thinks I am. I am a musician who expresses himself through the guitar, but not a luminary who knows what to say. So ask me reasonable questions - or leave it alone."
Which also explains why Beck recorded "Loud Hailer" not as a soloist but as part of a band - a power rock trio with guitarist Carmen Vandenberg and singer Rosie Bones. Adrette young ladies who usually play in the London formation Bones and who Beck met at a birthday party of Queen drummer Roger Taylor. "We talked and found many musical similarities. And after I looked at them in a club, it was clear: "I would love to do something with them." A scenario that is reminiscent of Wendy and Lisa at Prince and provides a similarly positive result...
