13/09/2010

The Nerve Centre Interview...Tony Chestnut - The People's Poet.

On the very last day of The Nerve Centre's present run, Tony Chestnut turned up and gave a thirty minute show of his excellent poetry. As you may know if you were there, Tony is The People's Poet and in that he is very much a part of The Nerve Centre! I caught up with his fittingly be-suited self and asked some probing questions of him. His responses, fittingly poetic are below with some excellent photos of the man himself in action. Read on and be informed!

How was your performance at The Nerve Centre?
My performance was that of an Anarchist at heart.So I felt quite at home really.

You performed on the last day of The Nerve Centre. What was the mood on the day?
The mood seemed a little subdued yet positive.

Your poetry is to the point and highly entertaining. What influences your work?
The facts of reality that effect our lives political, social and esoteric. Nothing too flowery. Blood n guts poetry.

You aim to be the people's poet. What does being a people's poet involve?
The Peoples Poet is nothing without the people and to pass on love, positivity, humour. Express that which others may not be able to is my goal.

What is the message of the Nerve Centre?
Nerve Centre gather get gain and sustain don't let the bastards grind us down.

Did any pieces of art catch your eye?
Loved John O'Neill's paintings.

 

Is there a piece of poetry, either your own or someone else's, that you think captures the creative spirit of Liverpool well?
All Liverpool poets at some point convey an aspect of our city.

There have been diverse opinions of STOK's graffiti piece on the window. What did you think of it?
Graffiti should be more than tag name logo express more.

How did you learn of Nerve magazine and what is your favorite aspect of it?
Always been aware of Nerve since its coming from where I'm at.

Art and Liverpool. Why should these words match each other?
Liverpool is a diverse culture which has its voice in all the arts.

 

What should the future be for The Nerve Centre?
The future is to continue with using vacant properties when ever viable. Keep it fresh.

Finally, any parting thoughts for the people of Nerve?
Keep the faith in one another include more evolve beyond politics.

Thank you to Tony for entertaining us and remember that you can more of his work at his website.

The Nerve Centre.

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