Brian Jonestown Massacre frontman Anton Newcombe opens up about his recent heart surgery, ongoing musical journey, and reflections on a tumultuous career spanning over three decades.
The 57-year-old musician recently underwent double bypass surgery in 2024 after experiencing what he describes as "an elephant standing on my upper arm and chest." Despite the health scare, Newcombe remains committed to his musical pursuits, telling his manager Alan McGee that the experience has "lit a fire under me and made me want to try harder."
Speaking from his Berlin studio, where he's lived for 18 years, Newcombe continues to be prolific in his musical output. He's preparing for the release of a new project called All Seeing Dolls, a collaboration with Scottish singer Dot Allison, while maintaining his work with Brian Jonestown Massacre.
The band's recent performance in Melbourne made headlines when it ended in an altercation between Newcombe and guitarist Ryan Van Kriedt. The incident began when an audience member threw a glass at Newcombe, leading to a chain of events that resulted in the venue lowering its safety curtain. "When you are in a situation like that, it is highly volatile," Newcombe explains, though he maintains he was trying to "maintain order."
Despite the band's reputation for onstage drama, documented in the 2004 film "Dig!", Newcombe has proven remarkably resilient. While many of his contemporaries signed major label deals, his decision to remain independent has paid off. The band's song "Straight Up and Down" became the theme for HBO's Boardwalk Empire, and their track "Anemone" has accumulated 80 million Spotify streams.
Looking ahead, Newcombe and Brian Jonestown Massacre are embarking on a month-long UK and European tour, playing 2000-capacity venues. The upcoming shows will feature the band's "core line-up," including guitarist Ricky Maymi and tambourine player Joel Gion.
When asked about writing his memoirs, Newcombe dismisses the idea: "I don't care about any of that. I just want to make music." It's a statement that perfectly encapsulates his enduring dedication to his craft, even after his recent health challenges.