Originally from South Shields, guitarist Chris McCormack moved to north London with his band 3 Colours Red, signed by Creation Records in the mid 1990s. Two Top 20 albums followed. His songwriting work since has been licensed for a wide array of films, from The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy to American Pie 2. Now a promoter for both Jubilee and White Noise clubs, he’s bringing his own Camden Rocks Festival to NW1 for the second time this Saturday, June 1.
When were you happiest?
When drunk. Anywhere.
Where would you like to live?
I live in Camden and love it. Everything I need – great bars, restaurants and venues.
What is your favourite sound or smell?
The sound coming out of the Barfly on Friday nights…[my own] Jubilee club.
Without a doubt my daughter, Scarlett, who’s 9.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Never trust an actor.
What is your earliest K-Town memory?
That would be watching the Wildhearts (my brother’s band) play the Forum about 20 years ago. Great venue – always has a certain amount of magic about it.
What makes you happy?
Lots of things. Being in control of everything I do, having the freedom to do whatever I like when I like. That’s important to me.
What simple thing would improve your quality of life?
A personal assistant.
I snore when drunk. Sometimes it’s so bad that I wake up with a swollen uvula. I choke on it and it’s not pleasant. It actually happened over the weekend, I’m OK with it now but the first time it happened I thought I was dying. Completely freaked me out!
What is your guilty pleasure?
That little kebab shop by the Bull & Gate after a few pints. They used to sell you alcohol after hours, really shit lager for a fortune.
Who or what do you hate and why?
Dishonesty and bullshit. No need for it.
What’s your best experience in NW5?
Playing The Forum with 3 colours Red for the first time was a big deal for me.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My fashion sense…black on black!
“Take this, they’re great.” The singer from Amen throwing a ridiculously strong horse tranquilliser down my throat. Complete idiot, he was trying to do it to a good friend that was pregnant too. I hate him!
What is your favourite dish and why?
Curry, there’s a great one on Kentish Town Road called the Bengal Lancer.
What was your worst gig and why?
With Gary Numan at Bevy Music festival. It rained heavily all day and just before I went on stage the rainwater started to pour into the back of my amplifier. It gave me an electric shock and then blew up as the intro was going.
Describe yourself as an animal.
A cheeky monkey. I went on a school trip once to London Zoo and saw a monkey pick a poop out of its bum and eat it like a banana…well, at least I don’t do that!
What has your career taught you?
Learn more chords next time.
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