The former Polecat, who has worked with
Morrissey for 30 years, talks us throughhis formative influences
R
ockabilly Guy and multi-instrumentalist Martin James ‘Boz’ Boorer has led a
colourful life thus far, earning his stripes in the early 80s as guitarist with neo-rockers
The Polecats, before joining Morrissey’s band in 1991 and going on to become his
musical director. A diverse and impressive CV boasts several notable collaborators, including Ronnie
Dawson, The Deltas and The Shillelagh Sisters in the rockin’ sphere, as well as Adam Ant, Joan
Armatrading, Jools Holland, Kirsty MacColl and Edwyn Collins in the wider music world. We found out
what’s kept his motor humming through it all.Boz Boorer
AS^ TOLD^ TO^ RIK^ FLY
NNThe Cramps
ROCK ON THE MOON
1980
I could pick any track from Songs
The Lord Taught Us. We consumed
the Gravest Hits EP and saw them
live – I think it was their first UK gig
at the Marquee before they did the
Police tour. Lux Interior was an
enigmatic performer and they
never suffered a lack of low-end for
not having a bassist. Their sound
was simple, but also unique. This is
a cover of the Jimmy Stewart track
recorded in 1959. Sometimes when
I sing Rockabilly Guy, I’ll switch into
Rock On The Moon halfway through
(on purpose).The Johnny Burnette Trio
THE TRAIN KEPT A-ROLLIN’
1956
I bought the album re-release from
a local Woolworths very cheap.
I was amazed at how great the
songs were and thought he
sounded much older than he was.
I also opened up the Burlison/
Martin debate about who played
lead guitar. I’m not that fussed,
it’s a great record! The simple
two-string guitar is monumental
and the distortion is thought of as
the first on record. There’s been a
few covers over the years, including
some by The Yardbirds that sound
Boz Boorer has enjoyed a diverse almost like proto-punk.
career, working with rock’n’roll acts
as well as mainstream pop artists
DERRENRYANSoundtrack Of My Life