In Person
Waite, a romantic, is musically inspired by artists like Steve Marriott, Paul Rogers, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Wilson Picket and Percy Sledge. Among his favourite bands are The Free and Bad Company. At home, his mother played the piano and as a young kid he listened to The Beatles and The Stones on the radio.
His all-time favourite records are 'Fire and Water' by The Free and 'Are You Experienced' by Jimi Hendrix. Some of his favourite movies are 'Performance,' 'Blow up,' and 'Privilege.'
Waite has developed into a truly great songwriter. He considers songwriting a form of art. His lyrics are evidence of an intelligent poetic style. He hates to be called a superstar and is quoted: "The only difference between me and the audience is the microphone." He is also actively concerned in social matters; He has played benefit concerts for the homeless in New York. John Waite has lived in the USA for most of his musical career, but in his heart he's still an Englishman. In 1987 he stated in an interview: "If my records sold well in England I wouldn't think twice about going back." But, as his albums are mostly recorded in New York and they nowadays get a 'US only' release, promoting a record with a tour only makes sense in the USA. For the time being he regularly goes back to England for holidays and to visit family and friends.
No brakes -
The unofficial international John Waite fanzine
In 1997 Kevin Scott from Jedburgh, Scotland started a John Waite fanzine. For every fan that is interested in the past and the future of John Waite, this is ideal starting point. Kevin releases the fanzine approximately every three months. It gives info on John Waite, The Boys, The Babys and Bad English. For more information, write with SAE or IRC to: Kevin Scott, No Brakes Fanzine, 68 Howdenburn court, JEDBURGH Rosburgshire, Scotland TD8 6PX
The music of JOHN WAITE
John Waite is a true rocker and a lot of his album work proves this. In the charts however, mostly his ballads appear. 'Everytime I Think of You' (with The Babys), 'Missing You' (solo) and 'When I See You Smile' (with Bad English) are among his biggest hits. The Babys albums became more melodic through the years while Bad English was a real rock band. His early solo work contains a lot of heavy stuff (like 'Change' from 'Ignition' and 'Saturday Night' from 'No Brakes'). His third solo album 'Mask of Smiles' is an excellent mix of up tempo songs and ballads (like 'The Choice'). 'Rover's Return' contained a potential hit single: 'Act of Love,' but unfortunately EMI never released it as a single. 'Woman's Touch' on this album was Waite's first impressive proof that he can sing heavy blues/rock and his fans can only hope for more blues-related songs.
His 1995 solo album 'Temple Bar' contains almost all ballads and is considered by Waite to be among his three favourite albums. 'When You Were Mine,' his latest album, is a great mix of up tempo songs ('I-95,' 'Let's Get Out of Here') and potential hit singles as 'When You Were Mine' and 'Imaginary Girl.' Waite's aim is to continue to make good albums. He says: "I want to sing as honest and true as I possibly can."
