I'd also like to do some movie soundtracks, acting - heck there's a lot of stuff I'd like to do. But so much of it requires doing business and I'm just not cut out for it. The art is hard enough sometimes as it is. I've been phoning some agents and things and everybody sounds surprised that I'm still alive. That was Johnny Thunders and one of the Ramones who died, not me.

But like you said the immediate future is busy. We're off to Sweden for a birthday party,- then a week of press tours in advance of the tour in February, then back here to rehearse with the band. Then it's the tour....

Well you know, I think that's it. I should let you get back to your day. Thanks again for taking the time Willy ... it was great to talk to you again.

Yeah you too, take care. 

---

To be honest - I made those last two sentences up; we were just wrapping up and Willy's phone died. He said to me just before it went, "You been hearing those beeps? If we get cut off it's because the phone's battery is gone..." and then the line went dead. I gave it a few minutes and phoned back and left him a message saying thanks, I had all I needed, and wished them both a Merry Christmas and good luck.

What struck me most about this conversation, is how much the music still excites him and how passionate he still is about what he does. I know he's been through his share of ups and downs in life - and yet here he is, after more then 40 years of playing music and dealing with the bullshit of the business, still loving and caring deeply about the music.