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| The artists formerly known as Dayer ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Years ago (two to be exact), I interviewed a Welsh up-and-coming band called 'Dayer'. So what was so special about Dayer that I should bring them up now? Well, it wasn't so much that they gave a spectacular interview - what really struck me about Dayer was that they were a spectacular bunch of lads who liked their music with a few beers and good times. In fact, they had so many drink-related stories and tales of hilarity that long after I had switched off the tape recorder, I sat, drank and laughed with them. Now, before I get all misty-eyed, yes - I said 'were.' Searching for Dayer, perhaps out of guilt that their interview never saw the light of day, partially out of curiosity, I discovered their website which proclaimed the end of the band. They had split up only a week or two before I had found them again! Undeterred, and keen to write a posthumous (and humorous) Dayer interview, I left a message on their website noticeboard and was rewarded with a reply from the 'John and Paul' of the group, Guy Cooper and Rich Egan.  Still going strong and looking
at solo careers, and even writing a book about their 'crazy' Dayer experiences,
they deny that they are anything like John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and
instead claim they are more like 'Laurel and Hardy.' Although, what happened to their first interview, you may wonder? Well, my employers went bankrupt, locked out all the employees... or ex-employees. Thus, I too was split - separated from my interview tapes. Dayer's interview was on the same tape as Nichola (the lesbian) from the UK's Big Brother 1. Tragic but true... And a damn dirty shame. What I regret is that I never immortalized them while they were still around. Nevertheless, not many people get a second chance, but finding Guy and Rich was mine - and there's too in some weird cosmic kind of way...? I wasn't surprised that the band were extinct, it just seemed their way. They were 'rock and roll' back then and, like all great rock and roll bands, you've got to break up. Millions of wannabe bands would have killed to have the lively, party-hard spark and bad boys' reputation that followed Dayer everywhere. Well, without further ado, here is the post-Dayer interview, which Guy and Rich insisted on doing at 1.30 AM and completely drunk. I couldn't think of anything more fitting... CM: 'Dayer' may be a thing of the past, but how would you describe the band and its music to someone who missed out on catching the experience? What epitomized Dayer? Rich: The friendship that was unspeakable! Guy: The desire to play for the people. The need to be the best rock 'n' roll band you saw in a bar.  CM: Can you give us a brief summary of the high
points (and low points) to date? When did it all end? Rich: No!!!! Not in brief! Read the book if we sober up enough to write it!!! Guy: The start, the end, and everything in the middle! CM: Not being the type of person to dodge the hard-hitting issues, I have to ask now that Dayer have officially broken up - who's fault was it and why? Rich: Rog!!! Guy: The bass player!! And me and Rich wanting different things - but the bass player didn't help! CM: To rest the minds of cynical readers everywhere - is this a publicity stunt? Will Dayer ever reform...? Guy: Only for the right charity. Rich: If the rest of the public wanted it, they would have asked... CM: Was it an amicable split? Rich: I don't know! It seems like a silly answer but it's the truth. Guy: It started life as a clean split... it didn't end that way! CM: Isn't there a song called 'Breaking up is hard to do'? And was it? Guy: Yes there is and Yes it was! CM: What has happened to the rest of Dayer? Are they selling Happy meals and squigeeing windows? Because you guys were the raw talent of the band, right? The Paul and John... Rich: Yes they are. Next question! Guy: (Drummer) number 4 is going to London soon with his new band. I don't care what Rog does! Hope he dies... CM: I was wondering if any suggestions have been put forward for possible uses for Dayer.net - the former band website. It could be a shrine to all things Dayer - but what about a new Internet site where you can view a handy on-line diary and plan your day-er....?? Guy: It is a shrine! Rich: It will always be a shrine for all things Dayer. It will be updated to let you know what the fuck we do. Guy: I own it for another 2 years anyway... CM: Let's relive the golden years... How long was Dayer actually around in it's present state? You've had a few drummers, right? Guy: 4 full time drummers. The last line up lasted 1.5 years. Rich: Dayer last as long as it lasts. It's not just about the band, it's about the attitude of those that are left! CM: Can you share a happy Dayer memory with us? Guy & Rich: Far too many. If we write the book, read it! CM: Now what about a godawful, hair-stand-up-on-the-back-of-your-neck, shit-scary time with the band, or on-stage, at a gig...? Guy: The time we declared our hatred of the 'Manic Street Preachers' and 'The Stereophonics' live on stage! Or the time we drove into a petrol station with lit fags in our mouths, or the time we blagh blagh blagh, this is why we need to write a book... Rich: That sums it up! CM: Didn't somebody puke in a well at a Welsh castle or something...? Sound familiar? Rich: Yeah! The first time our last drummer tried to drink at the same pace as us. He couldn't and was very ill, all over the biggest castle in Britain! Guy: It wasn't a pretty sight!! CM: Did the happy times outweigh the bad? And did the drunken times outweigh the sober? Rich: Yes, yes. Guy: I think so!!! Ask me when I sober up... CM: Do you have any regrets? Last requests? Rich: Only that this isn't the end! And that covers both I hope (smiles). Guy: No regrets. Requests? That we played our last gig! CM: What would it take to reform Dayer? A recording contract...? Britney Spears on a silver platter...? Guy: A sign from the Gods of rock - I'll settle for Britney or Christina though! Rich: Vodka or Drew Barrymore's nipples! I thank you!! CM: On a side note, I checked out your music video for the song 'Vicar's Daughter' and wanted to know who the dancing chick was? Somebody's sister? Or a rent-a-chick for music videos...? Guy: She was brought in by the film company... We never met her before. Me and Rich were worried in case they brought in a "Pamela Anderson" type girl, which wouldn't have worked. Her name was Katherine, and her boyfriend wasn't too happy with her dancing about in her underwear in front of four blokes she had never met! She was very shy, that's why we were wearing sunglasses... So she couldn't see what we were looking at!!  Rich: It was the most harrowing 7 hours of my life! CM: I have to admit that I always knew Dayer would break-up - it's because you're just so rock and roll. And what do all great rock and roll bands do... exactly. Who are your idols in the business today? Are your tastes changing/developing now you're looking at solo work/more stream-lined band? Rich: Yes, we were very rock 'n' roll and your question doesn't surprise me. I'm just glad you had the vision and experience that was Dayer. I hope you enjoyed! And there is more to come... watch this space. Guy: I love Jeff Buckley. I started playing and writing using one of his plecs. Its taken me in a new direction. I also like Keith Capulto. I will disappear up my own arse one day! CM: So, will Guy and Rich stay together, and become an uber-Dayer? What would your band-name be? Guy: New band name? The Drunken Fuckwits? We will be working together until we're 80 years old!!! Rich: Bung! CM: Finally, out of interest, have you noticed any bands attempting to fill the Dayer-void on the Welsh music scene...? Guy: Who could drink THAT much? Rich: Ditto!!! Dayer news and updates can still be found on www.dayer.net. Thanks guys, and all the best. By the way, they "stand by every drunken comment." Interview by: Toby Osborne |
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