Iwan Griffiths, drummer of Welsh band The Automatic, chats with Starwars.com about his love for the saga, his family vacation to Tatooine, why Boba Fett should join the band and how he imagines Bib Fortuna spends his evenings.
What's your fondest Star Wars memory?
When I was about 11, I went on holiday with my family to Tunisia and we went to the town where they'd filmed the Tatooine scenes for the films. It was one of the coolest places I've ever been. I got my photo taken in my Yoda T-shirt on Tattooine. So that was pretty special.
Were you the kind of kid who would play with Star Wars toys?
I had quite a few Star Wars toys. I still do. My favorite was my lightsaber. I still have it, though it's pretty broken. It was cool though it made noises when you swung it. It sounded awesome!
Why do you still like to collect Star Wars toys and action figures?
I buy Star Wars stuff I guess because I still love Star Wars! I love my Han Solo action figure just because he's the coolest character, I reckon. I'm also pretty proud of my talking Yoda. I bought him on our first tour and he'd give good advice when times got tough. [laughs]
Which Star Wars film made you become a fan?
A New Hope was the first Star Wars I saw and I was just hooked straight away. They're cool films; they just draw you in. I always liked the dirtiness in the films. I can't stand clean-cut science fiction like "Star Trek." Star Wars always feels like it has one toe at least dipped in reality.
Why do you think the Star Wars films still end up on everyone's favorite movie lists?
It's a good simple story of good versus evil. Unlike other films, it gives the bad guy a shot at redemption at the end which is pretty cool. Plus everyone loves monsters and space battles!
When was the last time you saw a Star Wars film?
Last time I watched Star Wars was Return of the Jedi on Easter Sunday. I had loads of friends round. And if in doubt of what to do we shove on some Star Wars and all debate who's coolest, what's the best film, etc. It gets pretty heated!
What did you think of John Williams' music for the films?
John Williams is a legend! He's pretty much created the mood for some of the biggest films ever. I can't imagine seeing Vader without the Imperial March. What the hell would Indiana Jones look like swinging on his whip to different music, hmm? Probably not as cool. He just seems to be a genius at picking the mood of a film and putting into amazing memorable orchestral tunes. Soundtracks to films are immensely important they're pretty much responsible for how you feel during a movie scene. I reckon by just changing the music in a film you could probably turn a thriller into a comedy.
Which Star Wars character would feel right at home playing in your band?
Boba Fett would be pretty cool. We could all hang out discuss bounty hunting and stuff. He'd be perfect he's got the right attitude to be in a rock band.
Who in your band would most likely blend in well in the Star Wars universe?
I'd like to think I would just because it'd be so cool. Rob [Hawkins] would fit in pretty well probably not sure what as though, but he has a pretty impressive beard. He could hang with the Wookiees!
Which character do you identify with the most in the entire Star Wars saga?
I think I can relate to Han Solo mainly because I guess I'm pretty sarcastic too and have a pretty blunt sense of humor which probably gets me into more trouble than it should.
Which character do you think is the most-underrated and under-appreciated and why?
I think Bib Fortuna is pretty under appreciated not just by Jabba but by all of us! [laughs] He's a pretty cool looking bloke, isn't he? I just like to imagine him going home to his wife, moaning about Jabba, watching pod racing on telly and kicking back having a beer.
Are you into playing any of the Star Wars video games like LEGO Star Wars, Galaxies, Republic Commando, Battlefront, Empire at War, Knights of the Old Republic?
I've got both Star Wars LEGO games on my Xbox 360 at home. I like them because they're not too serious they're pretty fun games. I used to be addicted to X-wing vs. TIE fighter. Do they still make that? It was awesome. Taking down Star Destroyers and stuff was pretty satisfying.
Why do you think sci-fi and fantasy films like Star Wars are so important -- especially as a creative muse?
Star Wars and sci-fi are generally pretty important because the only real limit is your imagination. As a genre it helps people to think outside the box. It removes the audience at least for a bit from what's considered normal.
Why are you proud to call yourself a Star Wars fan?
I'm proud to be a Star Wars fan because Episodes IV, V and VI are part of the coolest film trilogy ever made! It'll always be cool because it was a pretty major part of my existence when I was a teenager and it's never grown old. I can sit and watch them continuously no problem, still -- I just don't have the time!
Learn more about The Automatic on their official site here. Be sure to check out The Automatic on Myspace and Facebook.
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