Angie Adams, Helen Storer, Bridget Jones, and Amanda Rootes collectively known as Fluffy, England's latest punk rock sensation certainly have looks that kill, and a sound to go with it. Their debut album, Black Eye (the Enclave), produced by Bill Price (Sex Pistols, Clash), captures that wall-of-guitar sound that dominated so many late-Seventies punk records. And with songs like "I Wanna Be Your Lush," "Cosmetic Dog," and "Dirty Old Bird," it's clear these girls have a sense of humour to go along with their sex appeal and punk sensibilities. Guitar School recently caught up with singer/guitarist Rootes for a quickie while the gals were touring with Marilyn Manson across Europe. She was charming, she was sexy, but most of all, she was punk rock.
Guitar School: What kind of guitars do you girls use?
Amanda Rootes: Bridget's got two SGs, a '62 and a '72. I've got a yellow 1977 Gibson Les Paul Junior. Helen plays a Fender Jazz bass.
GS: What about amps?
Rootes: We us Marshalls. Loud Marshalls. One is 100 watts, one is 50. They're cool and really loud. We also have an Ampeg. That's loud as well.
GS: Who are some of the band's influences?
Rootes: The Stooges, New York Dolls, MC5, Sex Pistols, Ramones, Buzzcocks late Seventies punk rock.
GS: If you could marry one of the Ramones, which one would it be, and why?
Rootes: Johnny, because he's the most handsome. Actually, I should pick the bass player, Dee Dee, for Helen. He's handsome, and he rocks!
GS: Bill Price produced your record. He must be really old now. What was it like working with him?
Rootes: He's amazing, and he's still kind of rocking. He's got a wife who's really cool and I've gone out with them and gotten really trashed. They're very cool and very nice people. He can drink a lot, and he's got brilliant stories about everyone. Knowing he produced the Sex Pistols and Clash, it was brilliant working with him. He's kind of calm, but he pushes you hard and gets good stuff out of you.
GS: You recently toured with the Sex Pistols. What was that like?
Rootes: It was fun. We did Japan with them, and we got to know them pretty well.
GS: Did you end up dating any of them? Rootes: You've got to be joking! They're like our uncles. [laughs] The uncles of punk.
GS: More like grandfathers.
Rootes: Yeah. We just went out and got pissed with them. Didn't sleep with them. I'm saving it for the man I love. The man I'll marry.
GS: Now you're on tour with Marilyn Manson. Who's prettier?
Rootes: Well, they're pretty pretty. They look really good. There's a lot of competition and fighting for the mirrors and makeup.