February, 2003
Watchara Charoenpon, better known around town simply as Took, has been Chiang Mai’s most celebrated Rock ‘n Roll guitarist for nearly two decades. Now 40 years of age, Took spoke exclusively to Citylife about his life, his dreams and his rocky history.
Citylife (CL): You have been getting up there on stage and playing almost every night for the past 15 years……what’s your secret?
Took: I suppose I’ve become a bit of a John Mayall (British Blues player): I keep picking up new artistes.
I’m a professional: it’s what I do, man. But when I’m on stage, it’s not only the music, it’s sharing with your friends: we go uphill together, downhill together – it’s something beyond music: it’s life.
Since my dad passed away a couple of years ago, it’s been difficult. It’s like the Old Man has been kinda kicking my ass along the way……but now, well…the cloud has almost gone now.
CL: You are best known for your renditions of Eric Clapton, Bob Marley, Hendrix, The Doors, Pink Floyd... but in recent years you have been introducing some new sounds.......
Took: Yeah. Latino, Blues. I’m too greedy with music. I just suddenly pick up on some new sound, or sometimes I just let my band relax and bring up some new friends that are passing through, you know, maybe some guy with a didgeridoo or some bongos comes on and something new develops. People like that. I’ve even been playing some Country ‘n Western. In the future I want to play Jazz.
CL: Have you always wanted to be a Rock Star?
Took: (laughs) I’m a bit embarrassed to be called a ‘Rock Star’. But, the answer is No. I used to want to be a painter. I still sketch and do watercolours.
CL: You play every night in your own club, yet many of your old buddies like Ad Carabao, The Butterfly Group and Caravan have gone on to great commercial success. Not jealous?
Took: No way. That’s their way, not mine. We’re all still good friends: when they come to Chiang Mai they always come to see me, but I’m never jealous.
I like doing what I’m doing, man. I like touring Japan for example. I’ve been 5 times. I got good money for that. That’s OK. I don’t mind making money, but I don’t want to, you know, sit on the throne like a rock star. There are lots of things I would do if I had money. Projects. Like a Public Music Library, for instance, stocked with vinyl, CDs, everything: and free for everybody.
CL: Some people have suggested that you’re a bit arrogant. Is it true?
Took: I don’t think so. Some people might look at me and think, “Oh, Pop Star” But I don’t think of myself like that at all. I’m quite shy really. I just seek self-respect.
CL: You went into a monastery some time ago. What brought that on?
Took: Peace of mind. I really needed it after my father died. Also, I needed to clean up.
CL: Clean up from drugs? Alcohol?
Took: Definitely. I was a heavy user before. It cost me a lot of money. Nowadays I just smoke a bit and drink.
CL: Do you get frustrated with politics?
Took: I’m still a rebel. Still against the political establishment. My grandma helped teach me about standing up for what you believe: do the Right Thing. Don’t compromise yourself.
CL: What about the future? Marriage? Children?
Took: I’m still going out with the same girl, Jit after 18 years. This year I’m going to finish my first album. I just want to keep writing songs, maybe make a fea
ure film, you know, like Billy Bragg: travel around the country playing with all the local musicians and filming it all.
CL: Last question, Took, if you could choose or write one lyric to put on your tombstone as as epitaph, what would it be?
Took: None at all. I'd prefer an umarked grave.
CL: Thanks for the interview. Now would you mind taking your shirt off and posing like Jim Morrison for a photo.
Took: Cool!
Took struts his stuff and trips the light fantastic almost every night at The Brasserie, 37 Charoen Rat Road. He normally starts playing after 11 p.m.
By Hinsh and Sarah Woods |
