Luke Black sat down with me to answer a few questions. Luke is 22, front man & boss of The Black Eagles, Portsmouth’s recent sensational indie rock band, they rocketed into the charts like a tornado. Although it seems like they are a new band, they have been working hard over the past two years, playing any gig they can get. A few months back they entered and came second in Amplified, the battle of the bands only just losing out to the Manchester band, Echo. It seems it wasn’t the end for them but the beginning. Jay-den Lake, Sky Storm records, A&R man liked what he saw. They were signed up a week later and they are kicking down doors. I can see why after only a few minutes in Luke Black’s company I knew he was their driving force. He’s charming, polite but with an aura around him, that has an edge. He doesn’t suffer fools and he won’t be told what to do. He’s driven, passionate and will go for what he wants. He has a passion for music that seems to be his air; he needs it to live. He talks about his band, his family and the girl who stole his heart and explains why she is the one. He isn’t one to hide his true self, and those he treasures in his life.
RM: Thank you for joining me today. How are you?
LB: No problem, thanks for having me. I’m doing good, more than good. I’m loving life.
RM: I want to ask you first Chloe, the famous Acoustic Guitar that seems to be your mascot.
LB: My mum gave that to me on my twelve birthday. That guitar is like another best friend if anything ever happened to her it would be tragic. I would sulk for weeks. I have poured my heart out with her, wrote many a song with that guitar. It’s like a limb that is a part of me, she has a special meaning.
RM: Can I ask why is it so special? What was the first song you wrote with Chloe?
LB: This questions will start this interview off with a darker part of my life. I guess it will come out one day, at least you will get the facts. Pink Ribbons was my first song when I was thirteen, it was the first one I was proud of and was confident to let people hear. Pink Ribbons was written about a girl called Chloe, I guess you could say she was my first girlfriend, my first best friend. She always had pink ribbons in her hair, we were five by the way. She was funny, pretty and fearless. we climbed trees, played football and laughed every time we were together. On her seventh birthday, she died in a house fire. It broke my heart and i didn’t understand how she was gone. That’s why I named the guitar Chloe, my way of keeping her alive. She was my inspiration and helped get my songwriting started. She will always be in my heart.
RM: That’s awful to hear. I am very sorry. What would you be doing now if you were not in the band?
LB: Thanks, but you have nothing to apologize for. The person who put those fireworks through their letter-box is to blame. I hope whoever they are can sleep at night. I hope they get what they deserve one day.
I would still be working at a petrol station, dying of boredom. I try not to think about it. I’m doing the only thing I want to do and have any skill in and it’s the best thing in the world.
RM: What was it like to go from playing to 20 people in a pub to what you’re doing now?
LB: Mind blowing, insane and I am still in shock. Everyone dreams of it but not everyone gets it. I am so thankful for every fan we have. I am having the time of my life.
RM: What song is your favorite to perform?
LB: That’s easy ‘Weekend High’ I wrote that when I was twenty after a really bad relationship. It wasn’t really a relationship but at the time I didn’t see it. It was just convenience and there was no love there we argued more than anything else that in the end, it became a joke, hence why the song was pretty upbeat as we would only see each other at weekends, Friday was all cuddles and fun, by Monday we would be tearing each other apart. I wasn’t heartbroken over it but relieved. I love the fact the fans go insane to it. My work is done, and it’s what I set out to achieve. My mum loves it, she didn’t like her either.
RM: Which song don’t you like?
LB: Hmmm.. I don’t really dislike any but I guess ‘Just another day wishing’ I think it’s quite slow for us and I sound like such a moaning old git. I was quite down when I wrote that. I don’t mind it but none of us really get excited about playing it. We drop it from sets sometimes, if I’m in a bad mood and I don’t want to do it, I won’t. Not a good song for me if I’m in a strop already. We get away with it as it isn’t a fan fave, some seemed to like it but not everyone.
RM: Which gig has been your favorite so far?
LB: That is harder to answer because every gig is amazing for all kinds of reasons. I don’t think it would be fair to choose one. That is like saying to one set of fans ‘Oh you were great’ and make other fans feel like you didn’t enjoy their show. For sentimental reasons, our third gig at Ruby’s back home will always be special. I meet my girlfriend there and it was what changed everything for me and us as a band.
RM: Let’s talk about Melissa, how did you meet?
LB: Like I said it was at Ruby’s, I saw her at the front during our gig. She caught my attention and afterward I just had to find her. My band mates decided to push me causing me to fall into her and knocked her over. It’s the worst way to meet a girl but turns out it didn’t matter. Icebreaker worked well. I fell in love with her that night she’s amazing.
RM: Is it true she entered you into Amplified without you knowing?
LB: Absolutely true. She is the reason why we are where we are. She took a chance on us after only knowing us a day that’s why she’s the best girl in the world. She believed in me.
RM: There is a story at the moment saying you proposed to Melissa? True or False?
LB: What? News to me. No, not true. She’s amazing though, one day, maybe. Right now I’m concentrating on my career and we are still having fun and getting to know each other. That is a decision I will make when it is right. She isn’t in any rush either.
RM: It’s a Saturday night and you’re not on tour. What would you be doing?
LB: I don’t see my girlfriend very much so we would either be catching up at home. (Luke winks and laughs) or I would be writing new material. I don’t really have spare time. I feel like I always have something to work on or prepare for. When I’m on tour that is my party time, and when I’m home, I calm it down a bit.
RM: Who is your best friend?
LB: My band are my best mates but the ultimate title goes to Dale. He’s always there for me even when I’m being a dick, we’ve known each other for about 100 years. Dale will tell me what I need to hear even if I don’t like it. If I’m having a strop, he will be the one to be sent in to talk sense into me. He’s a fucking ace best friend, and he’s not a bad guitarist either. There are two people who can get through to me when I am at my lowest. Dale and Melissa but Dale has been doing it a long time. He’s a professional at it.
RM: What would you like to say to your fans about the gossip that surrounds you?
LB: That most are complete and utter bollocks. If you haven’t heard it from me, the chances are it isn’t true. Just to clarify the latest story. The band is not splitting up. My girlfriend isn’t sleeping with my drummer, doesn’t have a drinking problem and isn’t pregnant. and I haven’t proposed. Amazes me how many lies fly around. I don’t care what they write about me as I’m really not that bothered by it. I do care when my girlfriend is sobbing because people are calling her all kinds of things in the street or online over lies. I don’t like people trying to stir up trouble in my band. Toby is none too pleased either, I suggest those who said it stay out of his way.
Do people think Toby would still be drumming in my band if he was doing that? Are these people stupid? I’m not a dickhead, he’d be out on his arse if he betrayed me like that, and I certainly wouldn’t still be with Melissa either. Have a word with yourselves.
RM: What annoys you about being in the limelight?
LB: Just people’s need to lie. Write the truth or don’t bother. If people want to know something just ask me. I’ve no problem with having a chat but don’t make stuff up or I will pull you on it. I’m not scared of standing up for myself. Be warned.
I’ve taken names.
RM: Do you have any regrets?
LB: Yes. I would rather not say as it’s something that is causing me issues currently and I wish I could turn the clocks back so I never meet this person. That’s all I’m willing to say.
RM: What would you say annoys others about you?
LB: I’m a perfectionist. I drive everyone mad at times. We could have completely nailed a song but I will be thinking about making it better. I worry about things more than the others. There have been times where I’m trying to change a set list minutes before a show and that winds people up.
RM: Would you change anything about the band?
LB: Hell no! We’re in a good place and there’s nobody else I would consider doing this with. They are my best mates and we have a laugh and without them, I would be nowhere. Anyway, I don’t think anyone else would put up with me.
RM: You have 48 hours to live what would you do?
LB: I would put on the biggest free show for all my fans, party hard. Meet as many people as I could and thank them for their support. Then make sure my parents know I loved them, pay off any debts they had and give them what’s left so they and Melissa could live without any worries. I would then spend the rest with my girlfriend, have loads of sex and go out with a smile on my face.
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