Surrey Rocks caught up with Jack Bessant, from hit UK band Reef, at the Shred and Butta Yard in Cobham, where he performed with close pal Damon Reece from Massive Attack to a sold-out crowd. Reef, whose hits include ‘Place Your Hands’ and ‘Naked’ are celebrating 30 years since the release of their first album ‘Replenish’ this year and are touring and gigging to celebrate.
HOW DID YOUR COLLAB WITH MASSIVE ATTACK’S DRUMMER COME ABOUT?
Literally just through jamming and hanging out with Damon. As a team we just clicked and we started to create together. I record in Chedder and he records in the old Portishead Studio in Bristol, so we’re practically neighbours!
WILL THIS BE A REGULAR GIG WITH DAMON?
Damon’s going on tour to America with Massive Attack and doing lots of concerts and festivals (like me!) so I can’t rely on him being there all the time. But when we can do stuff together, we always will – although it is hard to tie each other down.
WHAT PLANS HAVE YOU GOT TO COMMEMORATE THE 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF REEF?
We are going on a massive tour of the UK. We have a great line-up now with Gary on vocals, Amy on guitar and Luke on drums and we have all our usual hits. Plus, we have rerecorded top hit ‘Naked’ which sounds really great and we are doing a recording of ‘The Chain’ by Fleetwood Mac. Head to www.reeftheband.com where you find all our tour and festival dates. We are doing quite a few sausage and cider festivals this year too! (he says laughing!)
WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT TOURING?
I always make sure I have fun when gigging. That’s what it’s about isn’t it? Finding places where you can hang out and do another gig or going surfing or skateboarding. I just try and keep the spirit vibe up! Looking forward to checking cool things like the new Lost Shore surf resort near Edinburgh – been to the Bristol Wave and it’s ace!
WILL YOU BE RELEASING ANY NEW REEF ALBUMS SOON?
The upcoming tour we are excited about, however, it is a different climate for bands out there currently and it can be a huge financial cost. We want to put albums out because we have something to say and we want to. If we have nothing to say right now then we might as well sit back and chill!
WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO SINCE REEF?
I have been doing solo stuff on the side for over 30 years and I decided to put my very own solo album out in 2015, then I got into being creative and releasing stuff without thinking too much about it, I am having fun which is the main thing! ‘Lucky Mountain’ is a really calm and good album of mine that I’m proud of.
ARE YOU RELEASING ANY NEW SOLO MUSIC SOON?
I am hoping to release the album ‘Spider Hair’ soon – on there is the title song ‘Spider Hair’ with powerful lyrics and vibe that relate to something heartfelt in my community. Other songs channel a great message from my soul.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU WHEN WRITING SONGS?
An ongoing awareness of what’s going on around me.
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
To be doing something that I’m really passionate about.
WORST HABIT?
Overthinking!
WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE GROWING UP?
A rocker in a band! (laughs!)
BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN?
Slow down you are the star!
IF YOU HAD TO TAKE 3 THINGS TO A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
Guitar, surfboard and the wife (maybe I should have put her first!)
IF YOU COULD PERPETUATE A MYTH ABOUT YOURSELF WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I’ve got gills.
WHO WOULD PLAY YOU IN THE MOVIE VERSION OF YOUR LIFE?
The Big Lebowski!
WHO ARE YOUR IDEAL CELEBRITY DINNER PARTY GUESTS?
Lucky to have so many great friends so would rather have them, all together in a space like the Shred & Butta yard with plenty of food & drink.
MOST EMBARRASSING ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE?
Erghhhh… I don’t think there is anything in there that’s embarrassing. I don’t think there should be anything to be embarrassed about.
WHAT´S THE BEST THING ABOUT SURREY?
Beautiful, friendly people – a good vibe! I loved the people at the recent Surrey gig I was at, they seem so creative, was amazing to hang out and be so chatty to these creative, fun people.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO ADD?
Only that I’m really happy to be recording in my 50’s and I am having so much gratitude to be able to do that. I’m happy to be alive. I am excited for 2025 to release new material too.
