Intresting read....I just honestly can't see a way forwards for the band or the wanting to for many of it's fans as a guess only if there was ever to be a continuation if and when JJ pulls the plug on his fantastically long career,yes there'll always be gig goers who wouldn't really care whose up there as they are going for the music alone who like the Stranglers music and a good night out and why not good luck to them all who would want to still go.ThinkTank wrote: ↑05 Aug 2023, 15:28Baz has been in the band for over 20 years and as the lead singer role for longer than Hugh was. That's a hell of an acceptance from the fans and by the time JJ leaves the band you could probably add another 5 years to that as well.toilerinblack wrote: ↑05 Aug 2023, 13:18You have a point but for me only if JJ left that draws a line and I honestly believe they don't think they could carry on without him and if they do then have a new band with the three of them still there but I wouldn't want to see the brand name continue on without JJ.ThinkTank wrote: ↑05 Aug 2023, 12:55
I think if i could have asked you back in the day when you were enjoying Hugh in the band would you have followed the band in the current state that they are today? you would be horrified by the thought and answer the same. When Baz continues as i think he will i bet you still do follow them.
It would make no logical sense why yourself and other fans didn't especially after all the changes they have gone through already and Baz is now the lead singer and front man of the band why would you not get the same enjoyment now with out JJ.
It wouldn't be the same without JJ of course but no different surely to not the same with out Hugh,Paul,John,Dave, and Jet
They just about are getting away with being the Stranglers still becuase JJ is still there whose such a main original member,frontman and bassist from those classic times,without him I cannot see how they can or would to want to still gig as the Stranglers.
If and when JJ has had enough I think he could or might still work with Baz in some format or another...time will tell and I think they could still gig as The Stranglers for a long time yet anyway with new material.....we'll here's hoping so anyway lol
I have to disagree with you about Baz he could definitely do it and I don't think Baz could really be successful in another band but I'm pretty sure he would continue very successfully leading the stranglers without JJ. if its just a live tours sort of thing and an odd album now and again.
He certainly would want to lead the band i have seen the interview of him answering that exact same question and even though the interviewer was pushing him to answer with a yes just so he could get a scoop of course. But Enough pushing for Baz to let on to me he's very interested even though he keeps dismissing it he doesnt without enthusiastic Yeh's to the interviewer of approval and giving examples why it does sound a good idea to do. He even asks the interviewer "What do you think" and responds enthusiastically to the interviewer saying he should. The dismissing i felt was just biding his time.
At what point in time does Baz not deserve to wear the Stranglers Brand on tour he's been there long enough now and proved himself by now surely. He's been the lead singer now longer than other bands even last let alone as the guitarist..
I'm playing devils advocate of course because i agree totally with you but i do feel that time is coming and it will happen.
Could Baz do it if JJ called time and left? Absolutely he could along with Jim who both have been there long enough with the experiance too no question there yes and Toby plays as if he's been there playing at the back for years too which is quite remarkable his settling in time I think.
They all get on and are very professional as individuals and as a unit so all the ingredients are there to if they wish to that is.
Do I think they should do as one fans opinion only......No
I think there would be an effect in the gig goers numbers and tickets sold personally and that's only a guess only tbh who knows how well they would actually do without JJ.
If they want to still carry on and it could happen as to be fair JJ has been doing this for nearly 50 years so i do understand at some point he will say that's it I'm done,I'd much prefer as one fan only they would start another band a new name and not the continuation of an inherited brand name if they ever was to that is without JJ,again I could be wrong but i just can't see that happening myself.
I'd much more hope baz would continue his music career on further say as the former Stranglers frontman in say more the solo gigs direction like Hugh,I'd honestly like to think they wouldn't what with then no originals left and that would be the right decision if they did with a band they all joined which was an already long established and successful one which now has none of them left, yes they have the right to but i hope they wouldn't as one fan only and carry on with the name they all inherited.
Again it's only my view and he may feel he wants to or plans to but not while it's still going with JJ still very much in control and at the helm...I wouldn't know how he feels only he knows but I hope they wouldn't but they could easily do just that yes if they wish to that is.
Who knows we will see but I can still see them all continuing on with JJ for quite a few years yet tbh.
So for me either together as a new band once JJ leaves or Baz to solo or even duoing with JJ at small venues maybe as they are so good friends,acoustic nights togehter I couldd see as an option after the band ends that would be nice too as they have done already in the past....an acoustic night with JJ & Baz doing some of the old hits from time to time maybe.
Let the Stranglers end with JJ is how i feel only and not a continuation with what then would be a tribute or inherited band yes I would agree then but it's no tribute band whilst JJ is still there.
So again....only time will tell!
But for the moment it's all hearsay and the band are still very much together getting ready for one big year next year for them and their fans and maybe recording new material this winter so presently it's looking all good on the Stranglers front.