Dave Stewart is among the most influential figures in the world of music of the last decades. Together with Annie Lennox, he created the group Eurythmics, which has sold over 80 million records worldwide. As a producer and collaborator, he has worked with stars like Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan, Beyoncé, and Tina Turner. Now he is heading to the Benátská! festival with Impuls and his all-female band.
Is this your first visit to the Czech Republic, or have you been here before?
Yes, I think this is my first visit to the Czech Republic, but I might be mistaken because, you know, a long time ago... maybe I wasn't there, I'm not sure where I was. Ha ha! If I was there, I don't know where I was. Maybe I was lying on my back in the countryside in the grass, looking at the sky and thinking I was somewhere else. But, you know, maybe I wasn't there.
What are you most looking forward to in the Czech Republic?
I would like to see a lot of old things, old castles and such. And also see where everyone drinks.
Are you planning to try Czech beer?
Actually, I'm not much of a beer drinker. I used to be a beer drinker, but unfortunately or fortunately, I have my own vodka brand called Poetry and I've been drinking vodka straight or in martinis since 1984. But I will try Czech beer when I'm there.
Do you know any Czech artists or musicians?
I have come across many Czech artists and musicians on the Czech music scene, but most of those I encountered sang in English, so I was confused. I tried to find a great indie artist singing in Czech, although I'm sure there are plenty of indie or rock bands singing in Czech. I know one really exists because one is playing after me at the festival and I looked them up and they looked pretty good.
Do you know traditional Czech cuisine?
Personally, I don't think I've tried Czech cuisine. I'm interested in trying some traditional Czech soups or traditional dishes. I always like to ask, when I'm in a country, what is it that people eat at home, so I will definitely try your cuisine.
What specifically Czech would you like to experience during the festival?
I think I would like to experience some other bands and what the Czech music scene is like. And also, you know, I want to make sure I understand the area I'm in and what's going on there. I know there is a lot of beautiful landscape.
What can fans expect from your performance?
It will be about 75% Eurythmics hits, all of which I wrote together with Annie and produced all those records. And some songs that I just like to play - like songs by the Rolling Stones, I worked a lot with Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan, so some rock versions of songs that I like.
What message would you like to send to your Czech fans?
I would like to tell all Czech fans who are waiting for my performance that I am going to blow you away with my all-female band, they are all absolutely amazing players and great on stage and put on a great show. We have played almost a hundred or more concerts together, so it's a real show with solid interactions and Vanessa Amorosi, whose voice is incredible.
Which songs would you recommend to those discovering your music for the first time?
The song that launched my career was Sweet Dreams, which I wrote and produced. You could start there. Then you could move on to Love as a Stranger, Here Comes the Rain Again, Who's That Girl, Would I Lie to You, Missionary Man, Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves, if you're a woman. Many, many songs, but I think I would start with Sweet Dreams.
What originally drew you to music?
I wanted to be a footballer and I broke my knee in many places. Until then, music didn't interest me much, but then someone sent me some records from America, I listened to them, and I discovered music. Since then, I've been obsessed.
What moments from your career are the most memorable for you?
Amazing moments... playing in Africa, the giant concert I organized for Nelson Mandela at the largest stadium in Africa with Beyoncé, Queen, and Bono. And then playing at Wembley Stadium with Annie and lots of Eurythmics shows. I have played all over the world. I love playing in Japan, in Australia, actually even in Germany. A special show was at Rock am Ring in Germany, where Tina Turner played. I think I played there again with Excess. I have many great memories.
How has your approach to music and creativity evolved?
My approach to music and creativity changed significantly around 1983 when I discovered how to record, produce, and make records myself. Since then, my approach to creativity has remained basically the same - to capture the essence of what you do instantly and not to go back and change it too much.
What new projects are you currently working on?
Right now, I'm busy working on several great projects. I'm doing two films and collaborating, producing, and writing with a great young guitarist who is only 18, soon to be 19. Her name is Grace Bowers. And I'm doing a great project on September 21 of this year at Wembley Arena. It's called Peace One Day, and I helped launch it 25 years ago. So this is the 25th anniversary. That's what I'm most excited about right now.
