JEORDIE WHITE | BASE TENDENCIES
PRESS
Ex-Marilyn Manson bassist Twiggy Ramirez has lifted the lid on A Perfect Circle's new lineup.
The band, which also includes Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan, drummer Josh Freese, guitarist Billy Howerdel and Twiggy, who's now using his real name Jeordie White, recently got a new member to complete the group. Replacing Troy Van Leeuwen is former Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, who's signed on for touring duties.
White joined recording sessions for the band's forthcoming second album, Thirteenth Step, after finding out that his predecessor, Paz Lenchantin, had left for Zwan last New Year's Eve.
"A lot of the album was written when I joined," he says. "But I was able to write a couple of songs and play on pretty much all of the record. It's definitely got a dark edge to it; not in a gothic creepy way, but it's more experimental, like Pink Floyd or the Cure."
The bassist also reveals that being recruited for APC has re-awoken his love for music.
"It was very satisfying recording live with this band. I was able to get rid of my jaded attitude after years of success and it was like being a teenager again and having the dream of wanting to make it in music," admits White. "It's definitely the strongest group I've been in as far as everybody's characters go. It's very much a democracy and the camaraderie of being in a band is already here."
White maintains that there is no bad feeling between him and his old bandmates, despite dropping the monicker that he used when he was with them.
"It wasn't a thought out decision. It just seemed natural to use my real name," he explains. "Not to say I'll never use Twiggy Ramirez ever again."
In a show of support, Marilyn Manson and girlfriend Dita Von Teese recently attended an APC show in Philadelphia.
"It felt like having sex with your new girlfriend with your old one watching," laughs Ramirez. "But when I told people I was joining this band I got nothing but good feedback. It was the obvious thing to do."
APC's new album, Thirteenth Step, is out on September 29.