Fatlip started out playing bass with local Punk outfit The Fluids. When they folded, he and their guitarist Morv formed The Butt Plug Babies and decided Fatlip should become the vocalist because it is easier to find a bass player than a singer. When not working or performing, he enjoys the relatively simple life of walking his dog, a large white Alsatian called Aurora and playing games on his computer.
What’s the most Metal thing you’ve ever done off stage?
More punk than Metal. At Rebellion Festival, completely drunk, I crowd surfed in a kilt with no pants, the correct way to wear one, crotch first, straight at Watty the vocalist from The Exploited, who were on stage at the time. But it was OK. He is Scottish, so he would expect no less.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played, and why?
When we played Chatham, we drove for about eight hours and were exhausted. We decided to crash there overnight and have a few drinks. We got moved to the headline slot, and whilst waiting around to play, we ended up getting completely drunk. By then almost everyone had left to get trains home. Because alcohol hits harder when you are tired, we basically played badly, to virtually no one.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever played, and why?
As support to the local legends The Bus Station Loonies at their final gig. This is a band who have always been a huge inspiration to The Butt Plug Babies. In the past, their vocalist Wheelie, also a superb drummer, has stepped in to cover drums for us on several occasions. The atmosphere was amazing, the crowd were great, and to be there at their final gig and give them a good send-off meant a lot to us.
Would you choose a platinum record or one perfect, legendary live show?
Well, definitely a legendary live show. Then we could get pissed. To be fair, I would probably be a bit pissed to start with. But it would not be legendary if I did not make a twat of myself.
What’s your greatest fear?
Becoming washed up and mainstream.
What’s the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Overthinking and not letting myself sleep enough.
What’s the trait you most deplore in other musicians?
Egos and unreliability.
Describe yourself in three words.
Absolute fucking legend!
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Cheese! I fucking LOVE CHEESE!!
What does a great riff feel like to write?
No clue. Ask Morv, our guitarist. I just shout.
What’s the worst thing a fan has ever said to you?
Wait? We’ve got fans? [Laughs]
What’s the worst thing a critic has ever said to you?
Dunno. I don’t really care what they have to say.
If you were not in music, what would you be doing?
The job that I already do. My band does not make any money. Arguably, I would have more money if I were not in a band.
What’s one album outside your genre you secretly love?
There are quite a lot, actually, but the first to spring to mind is Stone Sour – Come What(ever) May. I also love singing along to anything by Frank Sinatra.
When did you last cry, and why?
In the night. On the way to go for a piss, I stubbed my toe, and that brought tears to my eyes.
What keeps you awake at night?
My seemingly ever-decreasing bladder size.
Riffs, royalties or recognition, if you had to choose?
Well, Morv already produces great riffs. Royalties would be nice, but then I would not have to do anything, and it would be boring. So I would be happy with recognition.
How do you want to be remembered?
Preferably NOT passed out in a bog covered in my own vomit with my pants and trousers around my ankles. Some things need to be forgotten, although we wrote a great song about it afterwards.
What’s the most important lesson the road has taught you?
Never trust a fart.
What happens when the music stops?
Either play another track or get off the stage.
Fully Lubed, the second studio offering from Plymouth Punks, The Butt Plug Babies, was unleashed in 2022. You can find out more on Bandcamp and Facebook.
Enjoyed this Lowdown? Explore more from the series, featuring Toby Jepson, Zorn of Zornheym, Vanessa Warwick, Baz Mills, BAEST, Krusher Joule and Howard H Smith, among others.
Same questions. Very different people. Read more MetalTalk Lowdowns here.
