Key Highlights
- The Charlatans returned to the studio where their classic album Tellin’ Stories was recorded after 25 years.
- Bassist and singer Tim Burgess reflects on his past struggles with addiction, including the impact of Rob Collins’s death in 1996.
- The band’s new album, “We Are Love,” pushes their sound into new experimental territory while exploring themes of love and relationships.
- Burgess discusses the concept of hauntology, linking the present to the past at Rockfield Studios where Tellin’ Stories was recorded.
The Charlatans: A Band’s Return to Roots
In a poignant journey through time, The Charlatans returned to the very studio that played a pivotal role in their musical history. On 22 July 1996, tragedy struck when keyboardist Rob Collins died in a car crash at Rockfield Studios in Monmouthshire, Wales. Just three weeks later, the band was back on stage supporting Oasis at Knebworth with a replacement keyboardist, a testament to their resilience.
Bassist and vocalist Tim Burgess spoke about this period of their career: “Adrenaline,” he said, explaining how they pushed through their grief. “We went to do it not knowing whether it would be like the greatest show on Earth or the natural dismantling of the band.” Their determination paid off as Tellin’ Stories became their best-selling album and a cornerstone of their legacy.
A Hauntological Journey with ‘We Are Love’
Despite their agreement never to return to Rockfield after Collins’s death, The Charlatans surprised themselves by revisiting the studio 25 years later. Burgess described this process as “hauntology,” a concept where the present is influenced by the past. This idea permeates their latest album, We Are Love, which pays homage to their roots while venturing into uncharted musical territory.
One of the most intriguing moments during the recording was when nothing seemed to work in the studio until Burgess checked Instagram on a particular afternoon and realized it was Rob Collins’s death anniversary. “You’d think that he would be helping us to continue,” Burgess said with a smile, acknowledging the band’s prankster spirit.
From Mod-Inspired Sound to Britpop
The Charlatans’ journey began in 1988 when bassist and songwriter Martin Blunt formed the band in the West Midlands. Drummer Jon Brookes and keyboardist Rob Collins joined soon after, bringing their unique sound to life. Their early-60s mod-inspired Hammond organ sound was a blend of contemporary groove from Madchester bands like The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays.
The mid-90s saw the band transition towards a more guitar-oriented sound, aligning them with Britpop trends. In 1992, they released “Just When You’re Thinking Things Over” on the same day as Oasis’s “Roll with It.” Despite the intense competition, Burgess smiled, noting their NME single of the week status.
Surviving Trauma and Addiction
The band faced significant challenges over the years. In 2013, drummer Jon Brookes passed away due to a brain tumor. Meanwhile, Tim Burgess struggled with cocaine addiction for many years after Rob Collins’s death, hitting rock bottom around 10 years later. “We all dealt with it very differently,” he admitted.
After going through a period of self-medication, Burgess found sobriety in 2006 and has been committed to healthy living ever since.
He now dedicates himself to his son Morgan and daily transcendental meditation. The dedication has paid off; despite the trauma, The Charlatans remain together, with no plans to split.
Burgess expressed hope that their latest album would redefine their narrative: “We’re bringing stuff in from the past, shovelling it into the pot, all the memories, acknowledgement of anyone who’s been involved in the band, the stories, the history.” The result is a collection that explores themes of love and relationship dynamics.
“We Are Love certainly pushes The Charlatans into new terrain,” Burgess concluded. “The organ-led single ‘Deeper and Deeper’ is recognisably them, but the second side is expansive and experimental.” This album marks a significant milestone for one of Britain’s most enduring indie rock bands.
In conclusion, The Charlatans have not only survived but thrived through decades of music. Their latest venture into hauntology at Rockfield Studios showcases their commitment to both honoring the past and embracing the future in their ever-evolving sound.
