Yesterday’s Augie March missive, left us all scratching our heads a little. Thankfully, touring buddy DAN LUSCOMBE from The Drones is on the case. In this revealing, albeit brief chat with frontman GLENN RICHARDS, the pair discuss the finer points of the English language, first impressions and future plans.

Dan Luscombe: So this is the last Augie March tour for what could end up being a quite a while. The people who have bothered to read this far into the interview would no doubt be curious as to what's prompted this break and what you now intend on doing to keep yourself occupied. Care to discuss?
Glenn Richards: Just a question of my own first – which is better, is it "intend on doing", or "intend to do"? I know which way I’d go but then I’m sort of Hemingway with my grammar while you're a bit Sophie Kinsella. To be honest I'm bored and tired and I need to do something else that speaks a little more in my musical language. There's no especially ill feeling in the band other than what you'd expect. I have no desire to have the thing dry up or go splat so I'm letting it sleep in the cave. I'll do a solo record and get some old friends, like yourself and Gaz [Gareth Liddiard] on board, then have some fun. Actually fuck it, The Drones can be my new band and I'll put you on a retainer that'd make Natalie Bassingthwaite blush. You'd think that'd be quite a lot.

DL: I met you back in '96 when I was in The Blackeyed Susans and we were both supporting The Church at The Palace in St Kilda. Legend has it that I insulted you, but my memory's a little fuzzy. Regardless, 13 years is a long time for any group to remain together. What's kept you at it for so long?
GR: Well Dan, for the first decade it was probably a tie between the burning need to prove you wrong and to see how many "last ever" gigs The Church could get away with. The last three years I've been stumbling along blind drunk and sick with the knowledge that I've failed to quench the former and, having just done a show with [Steve] Kilbey who looks younger and fitter than me, that I could have a few more years left of following the latter. Next question.

DL: Not many people know this about you Glenn, but your musical background is heavily rooted in metal, particularly metal bands of the ’80s. Have you ever noticed these influences in your own work? Or does it mainly manifest itself when you crack the shits onstage?
GR: Yes, I still listen to Ratt, and fuck off I can't hear myself think in my mental foldback because you keep asking stupid questions.

“To be honest I'm bored and tired and I need to do something else that speaks a little more in my musical language. There's no especially ill feeling in the band other than what you'd expect.”

DL: Our groups have both made several valiant attempts to "crack" the United States over the years with the occasional glimmer of hope, but more than the occasional feeling of frustration and financial haemorrhage. Is this something you can still be bothered with? Or can the Seppos go fuck themselves?
GR: To answer the second part of the question first, yes I'm sure they can. But like you know every town over there is like its own little country and there are always going to be pockets that you connect with and miss. If you could be choosy you would. What I won't miss is driving through the night post gig in a stinking brown Chevy with suspension custom rigged for the fattest arses in the universe, and hearing on the radio about a young Australian band who found a part of a turnpike you're not supposed to drive on, then turning up to the next town on the next afternoon to find there's no press for you and the main act has failed, yet again, to even pull its own dick. You either live there or you get really, really lucky with your timing and your pretty face. For me neither looks likely, but you're still in with a shot.

DL: This tour we're on marks the fifth tour you and I have done together, without me ever actually playing in the same group as you. Why does this keep happening? Are you in love with me?
GR: I may have garnered a reputation for being difficult to work with over the years, heaven forbid a songwriter should behave like any other so-called “creative” and want the best for his work, but not many could argue that I never gave a sucker a break. Thanks for letting me vent Dan, better now.

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'WATCH ME SET MY STRANGE SUN YOU BLOODY CHOIR' TOUR

Friday, August 7
Moorilla Estate, Berriedale, TAS

Saturday, August 8
Moorilla Estate, Berriedale, TAS

Friday, August 14
Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, VIC

Saturday, August 15
Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan, VIC

Thursday, August 20
Settlers Tavern, Margaret River, WA

Friday, August 21
Fly By Night, Fremantle, WA

Saturday, August 22
Fly By Night, Fremantle, WA

Thursday, August 27
Karova Lounge, Ballarat, VIC

Saturday, August 29
The Forum Theatre, Melbourne, VIC

All dates with Dan Luscombe and Gareth Liddiard