An Interview with Pete Finestone
*Interviewed by Michael Murphy, webmaster of "The Pete Finestone Page", on 13th July 2001
Q. What did you enjoy most about performing with Bad Religion?
a. Getting to see the whole world and meeting many interesting and cool people.
Q. Did you ever have an influence on any songs, if not would you have liked to pitch in?
a. Sometimes Brett or Greg would bring in rough outlines of a song and we would work on it and maybe put together a bridge and assist in making the whole song.
Q. Did you prefer live gigs or recording studios?
a. Both have their moments but after touring you cant wait to get back to studio and after recording an album, you can't wait to hit the road and test the new material in front of a live audience. They are both magical.
Q. Which is your favourite record which you played in?
a. "SUFFER" because we rediscovered our magic and chemistry and because the record is timeless in it's influence and always sounds fresh.
Q. Speaking of more recent albums, if you could, is there one you'd like to have been a part of?
a. Maybe "GENERATOR", 'coz Greg and Brett wrote some amazing songs on that album.
Q. Who was the most influencial person in the band for you? Who did you sit back at and think "wow"?
a. I think Brett and Greg always amazed me because of their uncanny ability to come up with amazing songs and the depth of their intelligence.
Q. Are there any BR songs which you thought weren't as good as others?
a. Of Course we had our fill of fillers that were not great.
Q. What is your favourite B-side?
a. Can't think of any..
Q. In your opinion, who was and is a more preferable songwriter, Brett or Greg?
a. They complimented and challenged each other to reach beyond their limits to write incredible songs that had great melodies and important, clever lyrics. When Brett left I think Greg suffered 'coz he didn't have that challenge or inspiration. With Brett back in the fold, I think you are going to see the first complete Bad Religion album since "Stranger Than Fiction". I can't wait!
With special thanks to Pete Finestone for agreeing to the interview