Paul Young talks about his band ahead of Ruislip gig

EIGHTIES idol Paul Young is coming to the borough to do a one-off gig with his band Los Pacaminos, at new music venue, Tropic at Ruislip. Charlene Mitchell talks to him about his decision to start up the Tex-Mex outfit back in 1995.

"I had a record deal for 10 years with CBS and when it came to the end of the contract they didn't renew it so I decided I wanted to be off road for some time", said Paul.

"I didn't like the feeling of having to gig when I had an album to promote so I decided to start a band so I could play any time I felt like it.

"I decided on Tex-Mex music because it was so far away from what my career was all about and I didn't see the point in starting a band that did exactly the same music.

"I chose Tex-Mex because it's a style that I like a lot. All he guys in the band have played with me at one point or another and we thought it would be a laugh.

"I thought I would do it for a couple of years and then get another solo record deal but we found out we enjoyed it far too much and none of us wanted to stop. The reviews for our first album were really good as well so we knew we were getting it right.

"We play to lighten everyone's mood and we feel much happier when we come off stage.
"The personalities in the band fit like a jigsaw. When we all get together it's a great mix and they're all excellent players.

"We do a lot of talking in between songs which no one seems to do these days. People don't communicate with their audiences enough and I think we sometimes do it too much."

Paul still does a lot of solo shows and was playing in Germany and Portugal earlier this week.

He said: "People can't understand how I can do more than one thing but that's the thrill of it - to be able to take one hat off and put another one on.

"When I started the band I told the guys the reason I was starting it was because I wanted to be in a band.

"I didn't want it to be all about me so we split the song duties. It's been great for me because I get to play the guitar more and I'm much better than I was 10 years ago. It's added more strings to my bow.

"When I went solo it was the most successful part of my life and sometimes I love being the centre of attention but sometimes I just love being with my mates.

"Sometimes we have to put the band on the back burner because I am on tour a lot but we play as and when we can."

Los Pacaminos are playing at Tropic at Ruislip, Ruislip Social Club, Grosvenor Vale, on May 8. Jet Harris is also playing at the venue on May 1.

Go to www.tropicatruislip.co.uk to find out more or to buy tickets, or you can just turn up on the night at 8.30pm to buy tickets on the door.