I chatted with Dean from Toad The Wet Sprocket about their journey thus far, and their love of Baltimore
Q: Is there a story behind the band name?
It comes from a Monty Python comedy record I had in high school. I always said that if I had a band, I would name it that, and I actually get to have that!! Years later, Eric Idle heard us on the radio and wrote us a letter saying that he almost rolled off the 405 in Los Angeles when he heard the band name. We ended up sending him a gold record with his name on it.
Q: How has the business different from then it is in the 90’s?
It’s so different now with streaming. I remember when the “Fear” album came out, it had a long box. They didn’t want to change their spacing because they weren’t convinced compact discs would take off. Back then CD’s were $18, now you can buy the song you want fora dollar.
Q: What do your fans mean to you?
They mean everything. They have really excellent taste of music ::laughs:: Some have become friends over the years. They’re so pumped every time we tour. They come out and support us..they buy a ticket, buy a T-shirt..stuff like that.
Q: What have you learned about yourself throughout the time with the band?
Lots. We took 1999-2003 off from the band. We appreciate our time with the band a lot more. We’ve become brothers essentially.
Q: Why did you guys decide to get back together in 2009?
We had done some shows on and off starting in 2006. Each time we would do a small tour, we knew we were lacking original material. So we decided to do a Kickstarter and release new stuff on our own label. At the time, it was the fourth most successful Kickstarter. The fans REALLY showed up. We felt like we weren’t done.
Q: Your song “All I Want” is featured in shows such as “Doogie Howser” and “Dawson’s Creek.” How does it feel having your songs embedded in pop culture?
Oh man, it’s the BEST. People will be enjoying those episodes for years. That’s how some people have found us that way. They Google it, and download it, and soon they’re downloading more of our stuff. Back in my day, we didn’t have Shazam. I would have to go down to the record store, sing the song to the clerk, and he would find the single for me. “Walk On The Ocean” was featured in the Steve Jobs movie with Ashton Kutcher. He was listening to it on a CD player, and it starts skipping. He gets frustrated, throws it in the trash, and then invents the iPod. I’m fine with people thinking Toad inspired the invention of the iPod. ::laughs::
Q: Are you guys excited for your show here in Baltimore?
Absolutely! Baltimore was one of our first big cities. We used to play a lot at a bar in Fells Point. Do you know where that is?
I’m there every. Single. Weekend.
::laughs:: Those audiences were getting excited about us, and wanted us to keep coming back. We’ve actually been playing Baltimore since 1989, when we were on The B52’s tour. We make it a point to come back as much as possible.
Do you remember which bar?
Max’s Taphouse!
Toad The Wet Sprocket plays their greatest hits Monday at Rams Head Live!
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