First For Music News

In The NME Office - Behind the scenes at NME -  Behind the scenes at NME

By Jamie Fullerton

Posted on 21/12/08 at 01:37:25 pm

So, bang bang they're dead etc. – Dirty Pretty Things played their final show last night (December 20), and it was an emotional one. See the NME news report for the full shizzle about what went on onstage.

Meanwhile, half-an-hour after the last amp was switched off, Carl Barat and Anthony Rossomando prised themselves into a dressing room toilet cubicle with me for their final DPT interview. Read it below in full.

null

continued...

I’ve omitted the sporadic yells of “FUCK OFF!” from Carl as people repeatedly battered their fists on the door, convinced something more illicit than a chat and a fag was going on in the room (it wasn't). But aside from that, here is the final Dirty Pretty Things interview in full:

You’ve just played your final gig and DPT is no more. How was it?

Carl: I choked up a couple of times. But I learned very early on not to cry during a song.

Anthony: I saved all mine [tears] for after the gig.

Carl: During 'Truth Begins' I was like… [makes choking noise].

Anthony: All I could think about was being in the desert [recording second album ‘Romance At Short Notice at the end of 2007] when we were singing that song. It was fucking great for me. I can’t help it. I see the thing you shouldn’t think about, and the thing you should, and go for the wrong one, always. But it’s alright.

You said you wanted to go out with a bang, but on stage you were quite sombre…

Carl: Being a gentleman from the school of theatre, I didn’t want to do a ridiculous finale, showstopping fireworks…

Anthony: It’s like New Year’s Eve for everyone who’s had New Year’s Eve 20 days a month, like we have for the past three years. When there’s a build-up or expectation, it’s just… it is what it is.

null

Did you go out like you wanted to?

Anthony: I have no idea.

Carl: I can’t really tell. I had so many preparations for this in my mind. I’ve got this thing where I plan something and I think I’ve done it when I haven’t done it.

Anthony: For me it was holding back tears all the time.

Carl: Tears don’t work on stage, man.

Anthony: I opened my eyes [before the show] with tears in them and realised I was in the fuckin’ washroom with wash buckets and stuff on my own. I thought, ‘This is kinda depressing, maybe I should just go back in the room’.

You’ve had a blast though, haven’t you?

Anthony: It’s been amazing. We’ve had this incredible following.

Carl: Every night has been like the nights I dreamed of when I was 14. Like ‘The Doors’ film [the 1991 documentary by Oliver Stone]. I thought I was a raconteur – then I wouldn’t have had to play tonight, I could have just told stories. But I’m not.

Anthony: There was a lot of cameras and staring.

Carl: For me, because I’m such a mumbler, if I go [makes low-pitched mumbling noise] the crowd will go [makes imitating mumbling noise], and if I go [high-pitched mumbling noise] the crowd will go, ‘Yeeeah!’

Anthony: You need to express yourself in song!

Carl: People knew what they were in for. Why put out any of the cheese? Why spend three years not catering for the cheesy stuff then…

Anthony: We’ve never been a ‘show band’ or a talkative…

Carl: As appealing as it is to have that, we just stuck to having everyone bow after the gig, do one, do two, then do an extra one.

Carl and Anthony sing goodbye to fans after the final Dirty Pretty Things gig

No regrets, then?

Anthony: Maybe about a couple of kids I’ve got in south America… [This is a joke! – Legal Web Ed]. I never really liked the band name, but we were pressurised into starting the band so quickly. But it does sum up what we believed in, like, gaffer taped boots and Carl’s messy teeth, the same way Winehouse is a fuckin’ genius but she’s a fuckin’ mess – we’ve always liked the mess. I’ve got Carl’s teeth now! [Both grin and show off brown-tinged gnashers]

Carl: It looks like I’ve eaten a crap.

When you first announced the split you told NME you’d learned a lot about how not to be in a band. What did you mean?

Anthony: Probably about picking the right people to work for the band outwardly.

Carl: Work for? That’s a shiftaround. Work with!

Anthony: I do mean with.

Carl: I do have regrets. I have to refer you to Max Weber and functionalism – democracy can’t always work. I was a bit idealistic. I wanted a band of brothers and friends. We had that for a while. Occasionally things went awry. Our hearts were always in the same place. We were all very young in different ways. Yeah, I do have regrets, but I wouldn’t change anything.


DPT sign off at the end of their final gig

Carl, you told NME you’ve been working on solo stuff, what about you, Anthony?

Anthony: I don’t know how to relax. I had a girlfriend for a while who used to help me relax but now I don’t, so I’m fucked. I’m producing a few things. I’m going to work on a few records, but anything I say will sound like namedropping bullshit so I’ll just leave it. Carl and I have some plans which are pretty awesome. We’re going to write some cool shit. It’ll be free and it’ll be creative. We did two records and toured for three and a half year and it was great. We kind of went out the way we came in, without as much fuckin’ media blitz.

Carl: The day the expectation and the regimentation of the band died was the day we became friends again.

Anthony: It was like slicing out a cyst, or something. I don’t think we ever fitted in the suit. We threw a record together and the first album was in the top three, or something. It was way too much too soon to be what Carl wanted in the first place. But because we were so idealistic about it we didn’t pay attention to the expectation on it. We’ve always been in a bubble.

OK, people keep knocking on the cubicle door so we’d better head out – your final message to DPT fans?

Carl: Thank you.

Anthony: We’ve had an incredible, incredible response from people, the gigs have been amazing. We’ve been incredibly blessed.

Carl: Thank you for your attention, your patience, your belief and understanding, through what you’ve done it’s invigorated us. It’s not dead yet, far from it.

Anthony: From the way the fans have been it’s always been about us as individuals as well.

Carl: Are you going to go on ‘Celebrity Big Brother’?

Anthony:
I think we’re ready for ‘lost weekend phase’…

43 comments

Add comment

 
 
Irkku [Visitor] //December 21 2008 at 15:50
Thanks to you^^ I'm waiting for your new projects ^^
Vendela [Visitor] //December 21 2008 at 17:26
Thank you Dirty Pretty Things! as u said, DPT is far from dead!
Kris [Visitor] //December 21 2008 at 17:29
This band were amazing, only wish i could have seen them live more than the 2 times 'cause they.... were amazing!
god [Visitor] //December 21 2008 at 17:38
Thank me. One less medicore indie band to not clog up the charts. The dole queue awaits you losers.
Katy [Visitor] //December 21 2008 at 21:19
i went to this last gig! so emotionalllll i could have cried at times! anthony gave his trumpet to someone gary gave his drum sticks out to the crowd carl took his shirt off and through it into the audience setlists were given out i have seen this band 5 times this has to be the best and last time. xo
Juliette [Visitor] //December 21 2008 at 22:36
We'll surely miss you, thank you for all those amazing moments and those wonderful songs. I'll never forget. WE LOVE YOU.
Loinersid [Visitor] //December 21 2008 at 22:49
Thank you for the pleasure and joy you've all brought and particularly the seed of optimism you've sown. Whatever eventuates, I wish you all well. Class will out. Joe x
Loinersid [Visitor] //December 21 2008 at 22:53
Thank you for the pleasure and joy you've all brought and particularly the seed of optimism you've sown. Whatever eventuates, I wish you all well. Class will out. Joe x
jam [Visitor] //December 21 2008 at 23:04
First the libertines, now the DPT. itzsad really
Rhys [Visitor] //December 21 2008 at 23:06
A truly great band, Saw them at there last ever Irish show, couldn't have met a nicer bunch of people. Dirty Pretty Things thank you for 2 great albums and am looking forward to your future projects
Caarrr [Visitor] //December 21 2008 at 23:14
This still kills me. They've been one of my favourite bands these last three years, and both of their records will always be on my top ten. Thanks for three wonderful years, and maybe, as the optimistic person I am, you'll one day see how great you guys were, and reform. ..:) Cheers.
Motoko [Visitor] //December 22 2008 at 00:07
Such an underappreciated band. A truly wonderful send off last night boys...I look forward to your next projects xxx
Solly [Visitor] //December 22 2008 at 08:04
ooh this gig was so emotional, i wnated to cry during the whole show and couldn't hold my tears when Anthony gave me the trumpet.. really guys you ARE awesome ! we'll never forget you and are really looking forward to your new project !! Your fans will always be here to support you ! This is not the end, We'll see you again <3
em [Visitor] //December 22 2008 at 09:43
far from dead. DPT yay. x
Craig Weir [Visitor] //December 22 2008 at 11:43
Thanks Carl, Gary, Anthony and Didz for making real music! You were totally awesome and easily my favourite band! You will be sorely missed! I saw you both times you played in Dundee and you were incredible both times! Good luck for the future guys! X
caro [Visitor] //December 22 2008 at 12:03
thanks carl thanks anthony thanks gary thanks didz ! these three years have been amazing! I will never stop listening to your music! much love, caro
Queen Carmine [Visitor] //December 22 2008 at 13:13
We'll miss you and we all had an incredible time on the final tour running around the UK and Europe.
[Visitor] //December 22 2008 at 13:17
I went to this gig, they were always a truly fantastic band live, so it's sad that it ended in such a small place, but at least it was full of the most devoted fans. Love from London xxxxx
Marie Taylor [Visitor] //December 22 2008 at 14:56
Good luck for the future. Im excited about what you guys will get up to :) Saw u at leeds festival 08, wasnt best impressed with the crowd there though, i feel you guys are being modest..you truely were amazing! You had the looks, talent and energy every band needs. Just...Thankyou <3 xxx
[Visitor] //December 22 2008 at 16:17
my band played a covers gig once and it was just as Deadwood came out, we learnt the song in our car about 5 minutes before going on stage and opend with it. It was fooking dog shit, bum notes, wrong words, playing different parts at the same time and I think we just kept doing Didz's wailing bit. the crowds face at the middle class wine bar was a picture!! i think its what DPT would have wanted!....
Juckie [Visitor] //December 22 2008 at 17:36
Who cares? They were rotten.
jolly [Visitor] //December 22 2008 at 18:24
Dirty Pretty Things made my 2008 what it was, without sounding really melodramatic. Saw them three times and each time it was an evening full of raw British talent and swagger. Thank you for the music boys.
Coco [Visitor] //December 22 2008 at 19:13
i'm still so sad that it's actually rly over know..DPT is one of my fave bands ever and the fact that i'm never gonna see or hear them together makes me wanna cry.. thnkfck i saw u at ur last time in Amsterdam, but i'm still very depressed that i couldn't make it to the final gig in Ldn i hope to hear more from all of u, and my support will be there.
Alice [Visitor] //December 23 2008 at 03:15
Thanks for one helluva ride. Saturday was an emotional rollercoaster that had been building up since early October. Catharsis abounding. I'm sure we've not seen the end of any of you lot, and do not doubt we'll be there dancing and cheering when the time comes.
dodo [Visitor] //December 23 2008 at 06:51
oh fuck!
Praxilla [Visitor] //December 23 2008 at 09:58
I so wanted to be at the last gig! We really tried to make it over. However, we had an engagement in Paris, and it was too hard to make it to the gig for just the night! We loved you guys in Chicago! I'll always remember that evening. What a great time, and a wonderful crowd! We also made friends with Scissors for Lefty that night, and have stayed in touch with them. I wish all you guys the best of luck in your future endeavors! Kisses from Praxilla, your fellow Peter Sellers fan! xxxx Prax praxilla.com
Stylish Kid in the Riot ... [Visitor] //December 23 2008 at 12:45
You guys changed my life ... and i will never ever forget you for it! couldnt come to your last few gigs becasuse of the rat race! .... now and forever guys! I love you xxx
Ch.K. [Visitor] //December 23 2008 at 13:15
Love you, boys! Good luck! Hope to see you in Russia one day %)
tobi [Visitor] //December 23 2008 at 13:49
lads, you've been amazing! thank you for everything and good luck whatever you're gonna do!
Josh [Visitor] //December 23 2008 at 14:13
I'll never forget you guys.Thank you for all you've done.You are awesome and will always be my favourite band!Good luck to the future!
Rosolayen [Visitor] //December 23 2008 at 14:16
Goodbye dirty pretty things.....
Amie & Chaz [Visitor] //December 23 2008 at 17:14
OMG they're great in that last 5 month we've seent them 5 times and every show has been perfect. They were/ are one of the best bands of this generation and will be INCREDIBLY missed. The last hurrah was the best gig weve ever been to and they also happen to be the nicest people to talk to fans as well :) Its just a shame that people couldnt get over their stupidity and realise that Carl is not Pete and stop comparing Dirty Pretty Things with The Libertines and Babyshambles- they're different people, different bands and fantastic in their own right. :)
Irena [Visitor] //December 23 2008 at 20:46
This is just too sad... First The Lbs, now DPT... :(((((( I will miss you guys so much. Thank YOU!! :''-( xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Haddock [Visitor] //December 23 2008 at 22:23
Thank you guy for everything. It's been a pleasure to be a fan of yours. Good luck with any upcoming projects!
pete [Visitor] //December 24 2008 at 12:02
why does this guy keep kissing boys on the lips why why
Amy! [Visitor] //December 26 2008 at 14:10
aww it's so sad, i've always loved them, saw them at their cambridge junction gig on my birthday, was so so good :(! well good luck with the future, maybe you and libertines can do a big reunion tour or something aha, yeah right.. xx
Libertine [Visitor] //December 28 2008 at 01:34
Love you guys!Will miss you so much!Look forward to the next thing :)
MADDIE [Visitor] //December 29 2008 at 02:42
GONNA MISS THEM. THANK YOU, BOYS. CARL, WE CAN BUT WAIT FOR YOUR NEW PRECIOUS WORK. LOVE!
likely lass [Visitor] //December 29 2008 at 11:00
I still love and miss The Libs. It's no fun watching Carl kissing a guy just like he used to do it with Pete. With all my sincere love to Carl .
Theva [Visitor] //January 1 2009 at 22:57
sad sad sad indeed...oh well, at least i saw u guys in live in cork...it was awesome!
ru [Visitor] //January 5 2009 at 14:41
thank you all so much! i wish i could have seen youz live :( good luck!
Uupy [Visitor] //January 14 2009 at 17:24
When i started reading this interview i started crying and i can't stop anymore, when i watched the little clip with carl and anthony. Oh god... Just love them too much.
Goldie [Visitor] //January 17 2009 at 00:39
I will miss you so so much, Carl, Anthony, Gary and Didz. I think Faultlines is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, and you were amazing at Leeds. I queued up for hours at the signing tent but people pushed in front so I wasn't allowed in, but Carl you leant out of the tent for a few minutes to sign which was so lovely of you, and your autograph made my day. Thank you so so much, I love you all and I really really will miss you x

This post has 4 feedbacks awaiting moderation...

Leave a comment:

 
 

Note: HTML tags are not allowed
 

<< Previous post: Forget Phil Spector - Darlene Love Is The True Sound Of Christmas

Next post: Your Musical Predictions For 2009 >>

Free weekly music news, videos and MP3s in your inbox: