Interview: Squeeze at NJPAC

Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook of Squeeze were hailed as the next Lennon and McCartney during their 80s heyday. And it is no wonder why. Just like the geniuses behind the Beatles, Difford and Tilbrook were able to create pure musical magic through their collaborations, with Difford's poignant and insightful lyrics blending seamlessly with Tilbrook's artful compositions. It was a partnership that made Squeeze a powerhouse of the New Wave era.

Yet as successful as they were, not even Difford can explain what made the relationship so special. Then again, as he told BroadwayWorld.com ahead of Squeeze's Oct. 13 performance at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, it is not something that he really ponders.

"I don't try to make a philosophy of our relationship," Difford said. "We're two guys that came together very early in our lives and, for one reason or another, we wrote songs and (formed) a band and it grew and it grew and it grew. And here we are 43 years later still passionately believing that we can change the world with our songs."

The music of Difford and Tilbrook indeed has made an indelible impact ever since Squeeze released their first album in 1978. Hits like "Cool for Cats," "Up the Junction" and "Pulling Mussels (from the Shell)" - one of Difford's personal favorites - still resonate with fans as much as they did when they climbed the charts years ago. Even "Tempted," which did not enter the Top 40 in any country, has gone on to become one of the band's most iconic singles.

One of the reasons for their sustained popularity is undoubtedly Difford's poetic lyrics, which touch upon topics ranging from the dissolution of a once-happy marriage in "Up the Junction" to the lives of the British working class in "Pulling Mussels." Lesser songwriters would surely love to know the secret of his success, but Difford said there really is none. He explained that songwriting has always been a matter of closing his eyes, counting to 10 and writing from a good place. He never questions where his lyrics come from exactly, because he said the process then would become more like work.

Once the lyrics are written, it becomes a matter of waiting for Tilbrook to make the song whole with his music. And Difford is never disappointed.

"My experience has always been one of sheer delight," Difford said of the moment when he hears the completed song. "That's what I like about our relationship - that we go in two different directions together. And it's really important. It's inspirational."

Things have not always gone so smoothly between Difford, Tilbrook and the rest of Squeeze. The band initially broke up in 1982, only to reform in 1985. They disbanded again in 1999, refusing even to come together for VH1's "Bands Reunited" in 2004. But they eventually did reunite in 2007 and today boast a lineup consisting of Tilbrook on guitar and lead vocals, Difford on guitar and vocals, Lucy Shaw on bass, Stephen Large on keyboards and Simon Hanson on drums.

Last year Squeeze even released "Cradle to the Grave," their first album of new music since 1998's "Domino." And while the record was different from Squeeze's previous output - it is actually a soundtrack to the BBC series "Cradle to Grave," a comedy about growing up during the 1970s - Difford said making it was nonetheless a "very fantastic experience." And he is proud of the result.

"It's a really great record," Difford said. "Glenn's production is brilliant. Coming back into the studio again after a long break was just what we needed."

Squeeze might return to the studio soon - Difford said that another album is a possibility. But until then, he said the band will continue touring with material both new and old. And fans will continue to discover why Difford and Tilbrook were named the Lennon and McCartney of their generation.

To purchase tickets for Squeeze at NJPAC on Oct. 13 and to learn more about their upcoming performance, please visit http://www.njpac.org/.

Photo courtesy of NJPAC.