What was it like playing shows with that band in England and Europe?
Justin Maurer: It was good! In mainland Europe, folks literally give you the shirts off their backs. You go and play and they give you dinner, as much beer as you can drink all night, a place to stay, breakfast, and it’s just assumed. I was living in Spain and Chris was in Germany, and during the Briefs’ last tour Chris came up to me and said, ‘We should be in a band.’ And we did a couple tours and a couple 7″, but it was difficult because Chris was in Berlin, I was in London. We’d wait three months and tour for a week, and wait three months and tour for a week. I really missed tour! I had withdrawal. And in England right now, the music scene is so dire and depressing and disappointing. It’s all about haircuts and not about the music. It’s all laptops and drum machines—things that could be alright if people were innovative! But if you think about it, the Libertines were the last exciting thing to happen over there. The kids aren’t starting garage bands. I’m so stoked to be spending som
