He’s willing to talk about his 15 years away from the stage, although his perception of those wilderness years seems to differ from the official version of events which included causing affray in a pub.
‘‘Half of it was out of choice, I had my daughter and wrote a book, then I got locked up for no reason, in my view,’’ he says. ‘‘But I’m back. I just want to enjoy my repertoire and get the best out of the songs because I’m always looking for more from myself.
“And this new band is great, this band really kick butt, and they really care.’’
The album, Adam Ant Is The Blueblack Hussar In Marrying The Gunner’s Daughter, set for release next year, is conceptual, starring the Blueblack Hussar.
“He’s the character who started in 1980 with the stripe across his nose,” Adam explains. ‘‘He’s been to Moscow and come back.
‘‘It’s 30 years later and what is he like? That’s the question. It’s very filmic, it’s like the Terminator. He’s lost his innocence but not his sensitivity. He’s very delicate but he’s strong. All he knows is war and this business is war and you have to fight to hold onto any artistic integrity that you have because otherwise you are just be a can of beans and I ain’t a can of beans.’’
Adam is planning another UK trek next year.
‘‘After some showcase gigs in America I’ll be coming back to do the Marrying The Gunner’s Daughter tour which is going to be presenting the new album. By that time people will have heard the singles and some of the album. I always want to play what the audience want to hear. You’ve got to give people what they want.’’
He gets animated when I ask about the way the album is going to be released and distributed.
‘‘It’s 18 songs, double vinyl, gatefold sleeve, CD and cassette. I’m not doing downloads because I don’t get paid and I don’t like it.
“I like recording analogue. I don’t buy into this mentality of downloading a fictional image with no artwork.
‘‘Let’s get it straight, we’re a punk band. We’re the one per cent who don’t care and won’t do what they’re told. And I survived. The Pistols made one album, I’m on my ninth.’’
* ADAM ANT June 1, O2 Academy, Birmingham Tickets: 08444 772000.
