Winston Watson has played drums for an astounding list of songwriters, including Warren Zevon, Robyn Hitchcock, Alice Cooper, Perry Farrell and Bob Dylan, with whom he toured from 1992 to 1996. He enjoys gardening and nurturing rescue dogs. His proudest accomplishment is his daughter, Marcella.
What was the first concert you ever saw?
Some country and Western act at the Ohio State Fair. I thought the steel player had claws, and it scared me. The guy smiled at me, though; from then on, the sound stayed in my head.
What are you listening to these days?
Old stuff: Blind Willie McTell, Muddy Waters, Jesse Fuller, Odetta, Nina Simone, the Rev. Gary Davis and classic rock B-sides.
What was the first album you owned?
Bought with my own money? America's first album (the one with "A Horse With No Name") or Indian Reservation by Paul Revere and the Raiders. My mom is a music nut. ... I didn't really have to buy anything, and now I have most of her vinyl.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
Today's marble-mouthed, auto-tuned, inane, hip-hop what-have-you. I've spent my whole life trying to communicate on all musical levels. The basis of this genre eludes me. I love real rap/dissident hip-hop music that doesn't exclude groups of people.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Jimi, Janis, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Nirvana, The Clash, Talk Talk circa 1990s.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Little River Band, any of their stuff.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
"D'yer Mak'er" by Led Zeppelin and maybe "You Love Me" by DeVotchKa.
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
Led Zeppelin ruined my distinguished military career. ... I find that on the rare occasion I run into someone who brags about hating the band, that same person usually lies about watching TV.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Damn, just ONE? Not fair. Houses of the Holy.
