Black Rose

First published on 26 Jun 2009. Updated on 29 Jul 2009.

So what drew you into the hectic world of rock'n'roll? I think it was pure envy for me - pure, absolute envy. I like the camaraderie of being in a band. I always say to people no matter what stage in your life, even if you are shit, you gotta be in a band. There's something great about rehearsing, there is something great about being in a car and going somewhere and playing and having 12 people there and then staying the night, getting up hungover and driving home. Knowing no matter what, in your own mind it was brilliant.

Black Rose is unashamedly cock rock. Why did you select that genre?
Because it's funny. It never stops making me laugh. Seriously, it never stops making me laugh.

Is there such a thing as too many guitars on stage?
No. Strangely enough, Black Rose is pretty light on the guitar but for my liking, no. Just keep adding instruments, it doesn't matter. Seriously - three, four guitars, go for it. Double drummers too. I love that stuff, like when Phil Collins goes "you know what, I need someone else to play drums as well, in case I get tired." Although I'm not big on the saxophone. If I could somehow work out how to put Bruce Springsteen albums into Pro Tools and take [E Street Band saxophonist] Clarence Clemons out, I'd be a very happy man.

Do you wear a Lycra jumpsuit? Yeah, I wear a black unitard, which is just a one piece. A one-piece suit. I've got to say I like it - it's comfy, it's sexy. I wear a little codpiece over the front so it is not too revealing and I'm not scared of putting a little bronzer on to make me feel a little bit sexy when I hit the stage.

Has anyone ever called you 'The Uni-Tard'? No, they haven't, but it's a fucking good nickname isn't it? Jonathon Valenzuela