"an interview with Frank Sidebottom"
you know it is, it really is:
an interview with Frank Sidebottom
A singular presence on the stand-up comedy and cabaret circuit, Frank Sidebottom can rightly be called an institution. His act takes in popular Manchester standards (his rendition of Love Will Tear Us Apart really is quite something), some traditional showbiz patter and also puppetry with his cardboard alter ego Little Frank, all performed by a man with a giant spherical papier-mâché head. Once seen, Frank will surely not be forgotten by anyone in a hurry. Emerging around the late eighties/ early nineties Madchester music scene, he spent many years appearing on regional TV and treading the boards at northern comedy gigs. After making something of a comeback around the turn of the 21st century, Frank has recently performed in a few art spaces such as Tate Britain to great acclaim and a viewing of his routine by some as a form of outsider- performance art. In May this year Frank shocked his fans with the “bobbins news” that he has cancer, but this he has borne with characteristic valour. A self-portrait titled ‘me as me after chemotherapy’ was posted on eBay, raising £480 for Cancer Research, and in an exclusive Yuck ‘n Yum interview we learned all about the world according to Frank Sidebottom:
During your fantastic showbusiness career you have performed at the CHELSEA art space and even at Tate Britain. Do you consider yourself an artist?
************ anyone can be for as little as a pound !!! that’s how much my felt-tip pens cost from the pound shop !
This year you’ll be playing shows across the world. Is there any place that you’re looking forward to the most?
*** new york is ace,... but then so is the isle of man !
In June you’ll appear at Glasgow’s Puppet Cabaret festival. What can your audience expect?
**************** a medium rate of semi-professional puppetry,... as long as little frank (my ventrilloquist puppet) doesn’t ruin it !
Do you ever argue with Little Frank when you’re both on tour?
*** don’t be swept along,... he’s only cardboard !
Who is your favourite artist?
*** myself,... and paul macca and billy childish are quite good at painting too !
Are you planning any more TV appearances in the future?
***** i’m planning loads,... it’s just a case of if the telly companies are planning that too !
We all know how much you’re looking forward to the world cup, but who do you think will win?
**** in the ideal world,... it would be “timperley bigshorts f.c.” (my sunday football team... but it will probably be 10 men from somewhere else !
During your long glittering showbusiness career what do you think have been the high points?
**** meeting the queen was o.k.,.. and supporting bros at wembley in front of 54,000 was quite good too !
Who would be your dream special guest on Timperley TV?
**** ringo ,... (only joking !!! i mean paul!)
Yuck ‘n Yum will be holding a karaoke contest for artists in September. What is your ultimate karaoke tune?
“see you later crocodile” (in swahilli)
Many thanks and all the best... Ben Robinson, Yuck ‘n Yum
and a big thank you to you ,.. and all at yuck ‘n yum
best regards
frank sidebottom
http://franksworld.co.uk