An intriguing, in-depth portal into Baz's experience as guitarist and singer of one of the world's best known bands
Putting the seemingly endless debates over personnel aside, it is an undeniable fact that singer and guitarist Baz Warne is an integral part of The Stranglers, having joined the band 26 years ago. Initially he was the guitarist, replacing John Ellis, while Paul Roberts continued as vocalist (following Hugh Cornwell‘s sudden exit in 1990). Paul’s departure in 2006 led to the logical decision for Baz to step to the front as lead vocalist, in addition to his guitar duties, returning The Strangers to their original 4-piece format which works so well.
The band have gone on to sell out large venues and draw huge crowds at festivals across the world, and to release several successful new albums over the last two and a half decades, with a well-deserved reputation for both top-notch live performances and new music.
Initially, Baz was skeptical about writing his memoirs.. “I didn’t think anybody would be interested!” he reckoned.. Fortunately he was convinced otherwise, and set about reviewing his tour diaries, writing about his birthplace and background, and compiling what has become a fascinating book written in his own warm, humorous and engaging style.
Baz opens ‘No Grass Grows On A Busy Street: 25 Years On The Road With The Stranglers‘ with a short introduction to the book, admitting “I get a bit spiky at times”! He then gives us a few snapshots of his early life; a proud Makem and to this day a supporter of Sunderland Association Football Club, his Northeast English roots make him strong. He tells how he got into music, and joined his first real band – The Toy Dolls – aged 19, jetting off on tour across Europe and the USA!
His successful audition to join The Stranglers almost didn’t happen.. read the story in the book! Fortunately everything fell into place, and Baz was given just a short few weeks to learn all of the material before the band hit the road..
The video below shows Baz in conversation with Mark Hart from the Rock N Roll Book Club, Baz explaining his parents’ reaction to getting a namecheck at The Stranglers‘ gig at Newcastle City Hall:
Much of ‘No Grass Grows On A Busy Street: 25 Years On The Road With The Stranglers‘ is taken up with Baz‘s tour diaries from The Stranglers‘ annual international tours. There’s an added bonus in that Baz has written something fresh about each one, from his current day perspective. He includes many previously untold anecdotes to chuckle along with.
We become absorbed by tales of travel chaos, much comradeship between the band and the crew, high jinks on and off stage, and sometimes, dealing with less than pleasant people in or managing other bands. Baz pulls no punches, he gives his honest opinions about certain interactions!
Here’s Baz on his bass player buddy, JJ Burnel:
The history of The Stranglers is also covered from Baz‘s perspective – personnel changes were inevitable, due to toxic communication in some instances, and sadly, illness and old age in the case of our dear departed drummer Jet Black. Baz recalls many fond memories of both Jet and equally dearly departed keyboard maestro Dave Greenfield.
I always get the sense that both men are still very much present during the live shows, and asked Baz if he felt that too? He told me he does, and that they will sometimes pop into his head while he’s playing.. I’d noticed that wistful look he and bass barracuda JJ Burnel have drift across their faces whenever they’re thinking of Jet or Dave for a moment..
It’s safe to say that Jim Macaulay on drums (since 2012) and Toby Hounsham on keyboards (since 2021) have indeed filled those very big shoes, and the current live band is exciting, incendiary and great fun! Baz and JJ are convinced that Jet amd Dave would approve.
Here Baz expresses his delight to be working with keyboard whizz Toby:
‘No Grass Grows On A Busy Street: 25 Years On The Road With The Stranglers‘ also contains a wonderful selection of photos from Baz‘s childhood up to the present day – well worth seeing! There are also several interviews included, which were conducted for The Stranglers website across the years, adding additional depth to Baz‘s tour diaries and experiences.
Although you can read these in the online archive, it’s nice to have them all gathered here in print. Speaking of which, this book is a chunky hardcover volume of 43 chapters across 406 pages, but it’s the kind of book you can dip in and out of (when you’re on the bog, as Baz suggested!), and even revisit certain chapters that stand out for you. Baz speaks about being a Strangler:
The book has an appendix listing every Stranglers tour date from 2000 to 2025, for the completionist. And in case you were wondering which Stranglers song is Baz‘s favourite, it’s this one!
If you haven’t yet read this fascinating collection of archives and memories by the tall, sparkling-eyed bald man with the singing guitar, you can order your copy of ‘No Grass Grows On A Busy Street: 25 Years On The Road With The Stranglers‘ HERE or via Amazon.
Catch The Stranglers out on tour again in the UK, Portugal, Germany and France in 2026 – dates HERE
Main Photo Credit: RUTH RAE
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