Senor Johnny aka The Sheek, uh, sacrifices a sombrero. Geroge Munoz photo
August 13, 2003
Senor Johnny aka The Sheek,
uh, sacrifices a sombrero. Geroge Munoz photo
He's conquered musical kingdoms from Doha to Darlinghurst, and back again. He's Sheek the Shayk, a shadowy, other-worldy musical character whose true origins are obscured in the mists of time. The Sheek has been assaulting Australian audiences with his unique brand of garage fuzz since the mid-1990s. Two singles, a mini-album ("Enters the Sandstorm"), cuts on Citadel Records label and Radio Birdman tribute sets and now an album, the very rockin' "Hour of the Seventh Moon" on Laughing Outlaw, are the sum recorded output to date and present a solid body of evidence of the carnage the Sheek and his veteran backing band can unleash. Sheek the Shayk peddles a strange mix of '60s snarl, '70s rifferama and glitter punk, over which the shadow of bands like Radio Birdman, the Psychotic Turnbuckles and the Lipstick Killers hangs. The debut album's release seemed like a good excuse to bowl up some questions to The Golden One. THE BARMAN did the interrogation.. The Sheek provided the, uh, answers....
It
is the vehicle of which Sheek has chosen to journey the sands of time. The red
carpet is afforded the Shayk throughout the entire galaxy.
Communing with the audience. George Munoz photo
OK, but you
didn't seem to be very high profile immediately after 9/11. That's suspicious.
Let's cut to the chase...give us the dirt on ASIO investigating your potential
links with Al Quaeda.
9/11?
Are thee a student of The Oracle? ASIO? What is this? A creature of the desert?
Al Quaeda? I know nothing of this man.
Why do you wear a mask? Is it because you're suspiciously similar in appearance
to one of the guys on the George Bush Most Wanted playing cards or are we simply
not worthy to gaze upon your countenance?
It is you who is masked, you who fears the unknown.
Sheek: "Would you buy a used T-short off eBay from this man?"
Richard Sharman photo
"Hour of
the Seventh Moon" is the first album for Sheek the Shayk. Why did it take
so long?
Did the hour not
convenience you? It is impossible to manipulate the sands of time.
Your first single came out on Vicious Kitten, and the label is sadly
no more. The second seven-inch came out on Haveacone, and they've hardly
been heard of since. What does the future hold for Laughing Outlaw?
It is true. He
who approacheth the Shayk must die. But their reward shall be great, for they
will bathe in my glory for eternity.
How did you
con Peter Wells into playing as a guest on your album? Is it true tattoos of
your countenance are now the most popular request at the House of Pain tattoo
shop where he works?
Wells? Oh yes,
the beggarman outside the palace gates. Of course I had him sent away. Tattoos?
The countenance of Shayk is visible across the entire eastern sky.
There are rumours that some of your band members may have a connection to
a former Sydney rock and roll group, the Psychotic Turnbuckles, who were once
claimants to the Rock and Roll Wrestling World Title. Would you care to comment?
Royal Camels of Shayk consorting with peasants? You would be foolish to believe
this.
The Sheek shows off Jacko's
glove. George Munoz photo
On a different
note, there's another rumour that because your band members are commoners, they
are required to spend the last few minutes before going on stage kissing the
Sheek's ring. Is this correct and is this why you come out on stage last?
The Royal Harem never fails to accompany Sheek to his every performance. And
so to the Camel go the crumbs, and the Shayk....the cake.
Speaking of the Sydney music scene, are there any other bands that impress
you? I'm thinking the Uptight might rate a mention...
Earth music? The bleatings of an unmilked goat.
On the same theme, which member of the late Thurston Howlers was your favourite?
These questions are becoming tiresome.
Happiness is a Royal Camel
with something to hit. George Munoz photo
What's the most outrageous demand you and your band have made as part of
your backstage rider?
It is the Royal Harem who attend my every whim.
Are
many Sydney venues camel-friendly?
Wherever I journey, an oasis awaits.
Sheek in traditional garb.
Barman photo.
Sheek,
you sing a lot of songs about girls ("I Want That Girl", "Just
a Chick", "Mary Lee", "Cage Girl", "Jane Kennedy").
How many wives do you have? HaIf it's not too personal a question, have you
ever required the assistance of a little blue pill?
I believe six.....no..seven. yes, even. Seven thousand wives. Assistance? You
believe Sheek to be humanoid?
Who in your band has the hots for Jane Kennedy and does she know?
It is forbidden to desire the wife of an earthman.
Senor Johnny lays
it on the line. George Munoz photo.
Is it
true you and your band are being invited to play live on The Panel?
It is probable. Invitations are sent from all over your planet daily.
Who wrote the lyrics for the song, "Hour of the Seventh Moon" and
can you give us a translation? It's certainly the trippiest song on the album.
What were you smoking in your hookah?
It is the thoughts of Sheek that are manifested by the power of Shayk and partaking
of the hookah is forbidden during the Year of the Seventh Moon.
Thanks for your time, Oh Golden One. This may not be an appropriate question
for someone from the Middle East where it's usually a dry argument but, seeing
we're in a Bar, what are you drinking?
You may water the camels.
"Hour of the Seventh Moon" is reviewed here and out now on Laughing Outlaw.
Win a copy of the album as well as early singles in our contest here. Hurry, it closes on September 30!
