Chris Difford, Glenn Tillbrook and company are taking the British pop/rock band Squeeze on a “Join the Dots” tour, with a catalogue spanning 40 years.
It stops in Glenside on Friday night Nov. 17.
Connecting across the Atlantic Ocean via email, Difford responded to a few quick questions.
I believe the last time Squeeze played the Keswick Theatre, here in the Philly market, the show sold out. Was it a case of absence making the heart grow fonder, or is Philadelphia one of those cities that’s been really fond of your music?
Both. It’s a great place to play, with fabulous ice cream right next door (Weldon Soda Fountain at 293 N. Keswick Ave.).
Back when the band worked with John Cale (He produced their first EP, “Packet of Three,” and their first album, “Squeeze”), what was his reaction when he discovered you named yourselves after a Velvet Underground record that he wasn’t a part of (None of the original members of that Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band were present in 1973 for the making of “Squeeze,” the VU’s final studio album)?
He had no idea. I think he would’ve approved. He’s a wonderful person.
“Up the Junction” is one of those songs that sticks in my memory. What is the back story?
It’s plucked from my imagination – a deep place like a well. I found the story there waiting for me.
Especially in the last 20 years, there has been a lot of turnover in Squeeze’s lineup. How come?
Good question. I guess people just move on. Unlike the Foos (The Foo Fighters) we are not a full time unit (The band also broke up twice).
Have you and Glenn ever appeared on Jools Holland’s TV show (Holland was Squeeze’s original keyboardist before going on to host the BBC’s “Later … with Jools Holland”)?
Yes, it’s a top show to be on. The only one, in fact.
What can we expect to hear at the concert Nov. 17?
A game of three halves, up and down, fast and slow, old and new. A great night!
What are the similarities and differences between the new album you guys just put out (“The Knowledge” was released in October) and songs like “Tempted,” “Hourglass,” “Another Nail in My Heart,” “Pulling Mussels (from the Shell)” and “Black Coffee in Bed?”
Only the bones we have to hang ourselves on. We are different people, but the same.
What’s some advice you wish somebody would have given you sooner?
Don’t do it! Be a gardener instead.
What songwriters do you admire most?
Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe … there are many.
