James Few is a longtime Tucson resident and drummer/percussionist for local band The Provocative Whites, which he co-founded with singer Mike Rowden in 2005. Sample the P-Dubs' brand of alternative rock 'n' roll at theprovocativewhites.com.
What was the first concert you ever saw?
I'm pretty sure the first concert I saw was also the first one I played. I was in Disgruntle, and we played with the Poster Children. I forgot my drumsticks and had to borrow a pair from their drummer. Such a nice lad.
What are you listening to these days?
Them Crooked Vultures, Unwound, and Prieta, a badass band from Sacramento that The Provocative Whites played with at Congress. Check 'em out at myspace.com/prietaslays.
What was the first album you owned?
It was Mötley Crüe, Shout at the Devil. I stole it from Kmart when I was 10. Supposedly, I am banned for life from every Kmart. They must have age-progression photos.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
I hate that fucking Auto-Tune shit! It makes Hulk want to smash!
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Led Zeppelin, with Soundgarden and Otis Redding opening.
Musically speaking, what is your favorite guilty pleasure?
I guess I would feel guilty about listening to Creed while waterboarding someone. I'm not sure which would be crueler, though.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
"Suicide Is Painless" (aka the theme song from M*A*S*H).
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
I'd have to say Joe Cocker. When I was a little kid, "Up Where We Belong" was my favorite song—kind of a precursor to rock 'n' roll.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Probably The Who, Who's Next.
