Bring on the bosses of funk

Left begging far too long, Bangkok is finally going to get to see Earth, Wind & Fire, one of the most musically accomplished, critically acclaimed and commercially popular funk bands of the 1970s.
 They’ll be at Impact Arena on Monday.
Famed for energetic shows and a dynamic, electrifying sounds that spans soul, jazz, R&B and rock as well as funk, these guys cranked out hits like “Devotion”, “Getaway”, “Fantasy”, “Love’s Holiday”, “September”, “Boogie Wonderland”, “After the Love Has Gone” and “Let’s Groove”.
Two of their best-known tunes – “Shining Star” from 2004 and “That’s the Way of the World” from 2007 – are in the Grammy Hall of Fame. These sort of songs sold 90 million albums.
Earth, Wind & Fire – the first African-American band to sell out New York’s massive Madison Square Garden – has six Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards. They earned their own place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Over their four decades of success, Earth, Wind & Fire has gone through many personnel changes. The current line-up includes Philip Bailey, Ralph Johnson, Myron McKinley, Philip Bailey Jr, B David Whitworth, Greg Moore, Morris O’Connor, John Paris and this guy – founding bassist Verdine White.
Hey, Verdine! How’s the Guiding Lights Tour going so far?
It’s going great, and the single “Guiding Lights” is also doing well. We’re happy with everything. After Bangkok we’ll have a month off and then start the tour again in Los Angeles.

What took you so long to come to Bangkok?
A lot of times it has something to do with logistics or the right timing or if we’re even able to come. But we’ve been looking forward to coming there for a long time!

Anything in particular you’re looking forward to?
The people – I’ve heard a lot of great things about Thai people. I’ve never been to Thailand before in my life, and I’m going to do some Thai food, too!

Any new music in the works now?
Our new album will come out in June, but we can’t play any of the new songs on the tour until it’s released. Sorry!

How’d you guys keep going so long?
We love music, and when you love music you’re always inspired by it. It just comes to you.
You need to know your music and how to get along with people. Music is hard work – a lot of people don’t realise that. You’ve got to stay focused and disciplined.

What would you say was the defining moment of your career?
Oh, we have a lot – that’s a long career! But for just for the past couple of years, we played for President Obama and at the Hollywood Bowl. And there’s Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame. It’s amazing.

How has the band evolved over the years?
We’ve evolved just as people. We’ve matured. We keep a couple of perspectives and we stay humble, we stay in gratitude. That’s the most important part of evolving.

How do you like the scene these days?
The music industry today is always redefining itself. We’re in the downloading era of music – it’s a much faster business. What’s interesting is that, when you do concerts, they’re tweeting and texting while you’re onstage!
For us, we’ve always been on the music scene, so we just watch and learn. We’re never really surprised, because we’re always discussing what the changes are and we’re always watching what’s going on.

Do you feel pressure to adapt?
There’s no pressure, really. I love YouTube, and downloading is great for a band like us, because the younger generations found out about us through YouTube and downloading.
Before YouTube, people would have to ask, “What have they done?” Now they just go to YouTube and look at our interviews, concerts and videos. It’s a new way of communication.

Who’s your idol in music?
I don’t have one – there’s a lot! Music belongs to everyone, and there’s not just one artist that’s the greatest, you know.

What’s in you iPod?
I’ve got Miles Davis, the Beatles, Adele, Alicia Keys, John Legend and Lenny Kravitz.

What can we expect from your show next week?
It’s going to be a great, energetic show. You’re going to hear all the hits, and everyone is going to have a good time!

GROOVE THIS WAY
 Earth, Wind & Fire’s Guiding Lights Tour hits Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani on Monday at 8.30pm.
nSeats cost Bt2,000 to Bt4,000 at www.ThaiTicketMajor.com. Call (02) 262 3456.