Published: September 8, 2003
In this 2003 Rockum interview, music journalist Gino Alache speaks with Steve Brown of Trixter about his new band 40ft Ringo, their debut Funny Thing, and his reflections on the changing rock scene.
Gino Alache, founder and journalist of Rockum, interviewed guitarist Steve Brown, best known for his work with Trixter, a band that sold over a million albums, scored multiple Billboard Hot 100 singles, and had three #1 hits on MTV.
At that time, Steve was focused on his new project 40ft Ringo, alongside P.J. Farley, Maz, and Brian Gabriel. In this conversation, he opened up about the band’s beginnings, their unique sound, the album Funny Thing, and the ever-changing rock landscape.
The Interview
Gino Alache (Rockum): This is a question I always hear in Peru and Latin America. What does 40ft Ringo mean?
Steve Brown: It means nothing, it just sounds cool. And we have a great logo… he, he, he.
Gino: How and when was the band formed?
SB: The band was formed about four years ago. After Trixter, P.J. and I started Throwan Rocks, then we evolved into Soaked. With the addition of Brian Gabriel on drums, Maz, P.J. and I became the one and only, the heaviest melody band in the world: 40ft Ringo.
Gino: What is the musical style of 40ft Ringo?
SB: We call it Hard Pop. Atomic Pop. Music that rocks for a good time.
Gino: Who was in charge of writing the songs on the album Funny Thing?
SB: I write the base for all the songs, then P.J. comes in to add his great ideas. Then we rock it out as a band.
Gino: What message do you want to send with Funny Thing?
SB: The message? Life is too short. So have a great time, all of the time.
Gino: What plans and expectations does the band have?
SB: We’d like to become a worldwide sensation, which we are slowly doing. The CD is doing great all around the world.
Gino: Do you think the rock public has changed over the last 13 years?
SB: Of course. We’ve been through the hair metal thing, the grunge thing, ska. It’s always changing. But 40ft Ringo has a timeless sound. Good pop songs never go out of style.
Gino: Is the music market harder to conquer today than before?
SB: Yes. The biz is very hard right now.
Gino: Would you consider recording songs in Spanish for Hispanic fans?
SB: I’ve thought about it. A Spanish version of Funny Thing would be cool.
Gino: With Trixter you achieved many goals: great tours, over a million albums sold, three #1 videos on MTV, three Billboard Hot 100 singles and more. How would you describe that experience in one phrase?
SB: The luckiest guy in the world.
Gino: Do you know South America?
SB: A little bit. I’ve heard stories from my pal Ritchie Sambora of Bon Jovi.
Gino: Do you know anything about Peru?
SB: Nope, but I hear the women are great.
Gino: In 40ft Ringo, P.J. Farley joins you again like in the old times. Do you still see the other members of Trixter, like Peter and Mark?
SB: Not really. We’re too busy. I speak to Pete every once in a while. They are both doing well.
Gino: What would you say to your fans in Peru and South America?
SB: Help spread the word about 40ft Ringo. We need to get a deal for South America and have Funny Thing released there. You can order it from us directly if you can’t find it in the stores. Thanks so much for all the years of support.
Gino: Thank you, Steve.
This 2003 interview by Gino Alache for Rockum shows Steve Brown’s determination to keep rocking after Trixter’s success, with the same energy and optimism that defined his career. His words, “life is too short, so have a great time, all of the time”, remain a perfect reflection of his philosophy as both musician and entertainer.
