The Duel - Classic UK Punk Rock Intro

Paul Roberts Pt 2

Home >> Punk Bands >> The Stranglers >>Paul Roberts Pt 1 >> Part 2

Norfolk Coast - The last Paul Roberts album with the Stranglers

I suggested to Paul that maybe "Norfolk Coast", the most successful Stranglers album for quite a while was a look back to Stranglers of old.

PR "It was right at the time, but a bit of a blue print though." Paul however had already been busy writing up to that period, already having 3 solo albums out already "I was very surprised why my songs weren't used....In my opinion my songs were being ignored" so even though Paul was part of a successful album with the Stranglers he was feeling frustrated artistically. As far as Norfolk Coast was concerned however, Paul feels he had a great input musically.

PR "if anyone suggests they had an influence on my vocal approach they are bullshitting it was all down to me....I was involved in the construction of the songs, but I still thought there was a movement against my input."

Frustration at his inability to adequately express himself artistically with the band continued over his years with the Stranglers.

PR "....if you're asked to be a songwriter and you feel you are not expressing yourself you need to go...."

Paul feels he would rather be poor then artistically frustrated.

"I can't take the blueprint of what the Stranglers were 1977 and 1981 and continue to write the same ideas, it is not me."

100 Club March 2007 Pic OldPunkGit

Feeling Paul's increasing frustration with his song writing and ideas being overlooked I asked him if there is anything he is proud of related to his time with the Stranglers he answered simply.

"No, because I didn't achieve what I wanted to achieve."

So is SoulSec the platform to enable Paul to achieve what he hasn't been able to with the Stranglers?

PR "I need to do this thing...I am very much happier, I am not being led along by the nose."

Paul has recently completed a new album which has now been released. He is also continuing to write new material for a new album collaborating with a guitarist he is working closely with.

In conclusion Paul wanted to express his total respect for the Stranglers the band he has left behind.

PR "I must totally stress that I love the band, although I always felt as a loner in a bubble, I do miss the band I just need to do this thing, but I'll probably end up as a plumber".

So if you need a plumber Paul Roberts may be your man!

After completing the interview, I was left with the feeling that Paul is a genuine guy, believing completely in his work, with a need to express himself without restriction. He could have continued with the Stranglers a band he appears to love, but ultimately he had to be true to himself, true to his art. In the end that is all any of us can truly be.

She came across Europe to see
the 100 Club Gig - Pic OldPunkGit

More info..

Soulsec / Paul Roberts MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/soulsec

Paul is featured on the Stranglers Live DVD at Shepherds Bush 2005
Click here for review

CD available via the Soulsec website:
www.soulsec.com

Paul & John Ellis Live at the 100 Club March 2007

Paul Roberts Pt 1