ADAM DREW: The Man Behind The Music

13 Mar

Q. What’s the first thing you do as soon as you arrive in Florence?

I walk to the Arno, and watch the rowers flit by. If it’s sunny, I’ll perch on one of the bridges for a little. And whatever the season or time of day, I’ll greedily have an ice-cream. La Carraia is a good spot. And I love the cremino at Gelateria Dei Neri.

If the church of Santa Trinita is open, I’ll look at the Ghirlandaio paintings. The Adoration of the Shepherds is my favourite (especially for how the ox and ass look even more adoring than the shepherds).

Q. If you weren’t a performer, what would you be in another life?

I’m dedicating more time to writing - working on movie scripts, and lyrics for my London-based comedy duo Bounder & Cad. But maybe I’d otherwise try to be a painter. Wandering Florence’s churches and galleries must have got to me. And I know a few painters who’ve studied at the art schools here, and it’s always inspiring to see their work. One of them recently painted an altar-piece for FC Fiorentina’s chapel.

Adam Drew as George Beurling in Channel 5 series Heroes Of The Skies

Q: Who are your musical icons, and who do you draw inspiration from during your performances?

James Brown. If ever I’m feeling in need of inspiration (for anything really), I watch his 1964 performance of Please, Please, Please on the TAMI Show. His energy (especially clad in that giant-houndstooth suit) is mesmerising. But it’s as much about the interplay with his band - especially Melvin Parker. His drumming is like a defibrillator. I’m fortunate to have a similarly explosive drummer in my band, The Apples, Stefano Tamborrino.

Q. When I mention House of Nine, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

The pool table in the members club. I like the unusual blue-grey colour of its baize - and I’ll always have happy memories of playing on it with the band after our first ever performance, in the club.
That, and the cheery atmosphere throughout the place.