Michele Madden is an Australian singer best known as the frontwoman for legendary Aussie band Tourettes, a band that toured the world extensively, played Wacken Open Air a number of times, and basically introduced a new force of rock nature. Thanks to killer songs and Madden’s savage and commanding vocal style, she secured a slew of high profile fans including Testament’s Gene Hoglan, Dimebag Darrell and her beloved “Sikf*ks” – fans who are in her corner to this day. We caught up with Michele to hear the story of this photo with Dimebag, how he set her on her rock and roll path, and more.
Tell us about this picture … Who, what, when, where, why?
Dimebag , the great southern trend kill tour, in some dive bar that I was way WAY to young to be admitted to and because it was meant to be.
What is going on in the picture that wouldn’t be obvious to the random observer?
Dime had just told me that he knew that there was nothing I couldn’t do. I wasn’t even in a band at this point but I felt such a longing to be a part of the lost boys club that traversed the globe like a pack of sonically soused pirates..we were play fighting when Big Val took this picture.
He knew I didn’t drink and was very protective of me, he also wouldn’t let anyone make any untoward advances to me so I felt very safe, a little sister mascot.
Once I saw them on stage I knew what I wanted.
He was one of the kindest men I have even known and set me on the path that defined my life.
I sent him every album I made and he always cheered me on.
I don’t know what he saw I’m me but he gave me the ability to see it in myself.
I was never the best when I started but I had the drive and I trained myself …thanks to that meeting I ended up on some of the biggest stages in the world.
I wish he could see me now. I wish I could tell him that without him it never would have happened.
I miss him. The world is a lesser place without him.
If we gave god all the Kardashians could we have Darrell back?
How did you get into music, how did you find your voice?
With a lot of hard work on both counts. I was, how should I put this, very unwelcome in the scene in this country which only made me go harder. And go overseas to work and play shows with some of the biggest names in the game.
I had some great people in my underpopulated corner (thank you Dimebag, Gene Hoglan, The Hard Ons, Blood duster, Matt Reekie, Josh Nixon, Rod Yates, Devin Townsend, Burton C. Bell, Mick Cocks, Angry Anderson, Ian Rillen) that made up for the gormless twats who would come to my shows just to f**k with me. The more they did? The better and harder I got.
I was the one on stage and I got their money so eat my ass like a peach. I win. Loved the war. I still do. I was built for it.
What was the first big lightbulb moment that made you realise you were on the right path?
Leaving Australia to record with Andre Lukesky ( The Razors Edge – AC/DC) and going on to live in Hamburg and sign to Armageddon Records thanks to Rose Tattoo.
Listen – what else was a 6’3 14 year old who was kicked out of school for arson going to do? A law degree? It was this or jail.
What are some of your fondest memories of Tourettes and the adventures you had?
The fans. My Sikfuks. My Dirtbags. The fact that they are still with me today. And meeting most of my heroes. I’m a geek and it was amazing. Just playing. Being the Australian band to do a lot of 1sts overseas and knowing that the hesher brigade back here was seething about it. Revenge is a great motivator.
You guys did some international touring including playing the legendary Wacken Open Air Festival … what were the highlight live shows (and backstage moments) you remember most vividly?
Played it a few times. It was always amazing. Walking Angry Anderson and the Tatts up to the stage on his birthday and watching them kill it, hanging with a very drunk Al Jourgenson and discussing books, having D&Ms with Pete Steele and him and I always being the tallest people in the room, watching people’s jaws drop in the front row when I sang … It was all a gift.
What were your most epic “pinch yourself” moments?
They all were! Jamming with Cheap Trick was pretty fucking hard to top!
You guys were beloved the world over … who was the coolest fan you encountered?
All of them. Most of whom are still supporting me. One girl named her son “Madden” that blew me away. One guy has a portrait of me tattooed down one side of his chest … I love them because there was never a line between us (much to the disgust of my alcoholic elitist f**k ex-lead guitarist who was the ultimate demise of the band) There still isn’t. I’m a fan. I always will be.
How do you think the Australian metal world is unique? What are its strengths and limitations?
No one throws down like we do but sadly no one tears down it’s own just as hard.
I watched a doco on extreme metal recently that didn’t feature one woman, which I thought was ridiculous. Do you think that world can be intimidating/a boy’s club if you yourself aren’t already fearless?
Can I tell you how much I hate this question?
I never thought of my gender before my job.
I just wanted to be the best at what I was doing.
Get in and get it done.
That said I’ve always been overlooked here but I never cared. I never thought it was because I had a c*nt … More likely because if you fucked with me I had a reputation for BEING a c*nt, with a huge temper who was not afraid of a fight. My fans got me so f**k everyone else. They are all that mattered.
You’re welcome to protect the names of the innocent (HA) but can you tell us about a particularly funny moment on the road?
Blood Duster usually. I love those guys.
What was it like sharing the stage with Korn at the Big Day Out and King Parrot at Soundwave?
Korn was a headfuck. I didn’t sing with them but the story is on my Instagram.
I would choke a rabid wolf with my bare hands for King Parrot. It was and always is amazing to be a part of their crew. Matt Young is one of my best friends and one of the hardest working men I know and he and the band deserve every success.
What are you still aching to do as a musician?
Wait and see…..
What’s next for you, besides being a lean mean training and reading and babe-ing machine?
I’m writing a lot and loving my life as a hermit. Working with some cool bands, doing some guest spots and producing. I stick to myself. It works for me.
Who do you think are the most exciting Australian bands right now? Why?
King Parrot hands down.
Final words?
Everyone should own a copy of “A love supreme” by John Coltrane.
Interview: Christina Rowatt & Michele Madden
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