The interview dives into the history and musical approach of Tiger Tails, covering various topics such as cover songs, name changes, and the band’s philosophy on fan interactions. Jay Pepper shares insights on the band’s choice of cover songs, including how they aimed to surprise audiences by playing unexpected tracks like Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd during a Velvet Revolver show. This reflects their preference for covering material that isn’t obvious or predictable.
Pepper also talks about the legal reasons behind the band’s temporary name change to Wes Bones in the ’90s. After a corporate collapse at Amuse Inc., which was releasing their album, the band was left in limbo and unable to use their original name. This forced them to perform under the new name for a few shows, including one at London’s Marquee Club.
When asked about the potential return of Tiger Tails TV, Pepper dismisses the idea, citing how today’s social media and streaming culture have made such formats obsolete, as fans now prefer content that is more spontaneous and continuously flowing.
The band’s cover of Now You’re on Your Own by China Rogue was also discussed, with Pepper noting it was recorded during sessions for the Young and Crazy album but didn’t make the final cut. The material from this period was done under the management of Tokyo Blades but was ultimately shelved for reasons that even Pepper can’t quite recall.
Addressing older material from pre-Tiger Tails bands like Stage Fright and Tosh, Pepper acknowledges the existence of demos but insists they’re too rough and unpolished for public release.
A personal anecdote emerges when Pepper discusses his brief stint as a vocalist on tracks like In for the Kill and In the Arms of Mary. Though he was considering solo work before Ashley Edison joined the band, he now believes Edison’s vocal talents better serve the future direction of Tiger Tails, particularly with the new material they’re working on, which deviates from their traditional ’80s sound.
On future releases, Pepper confirms that although the band has shifted focus to digital platforms like YouTube, fans may still get to see some content from the Pepsi Tate Memorial Show, though a full DVD release is unlikely due to high production costs and the changing landscape of how music and media are consumed.
When asked about his involvement with Kim Hooker on the Blood Brothers project that later became Bare Knuckle Messiah, Pepper denies any co-writing on the material, stating that he wasn’t involved.
Lastly, on the topic of paid meet and greets, Pepper takes a firm stance, arguing that it’s wrong to charge fans for interaction, especially from major arena-level bands. He mentions that while some smaller bands may rely on such events for revenue, Tiger Tails has always believed in giving fans their time for free, stating it’s the least they can do for their loyal following.
This interview gives an in-depth look into Pepper’s perspectives on both the music industry and Tiger Tails’ legacy, underscoring their dedication to authenticity and innovation, even as they continue to evolve musically.
I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.
