The Exploited: "Punk is whatever you want it to be"

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The news of The Exploited’s return to Greece for two live shows didn’t go unnoticed. The legendary punk group from Scotland, is about to play in Thessaloniki and Athens in the next week, in two nights that are about to write their own history, since they are the band’s last show in the country. So, the circumstance was ideal for a direct, even though short, conversation with the leader of the group.

The Exploited’s iconic singer, Wattie Buchan, agreed to answer to our questions, and as you will ascertain below, his passion hasn’t gone out after almost 45 years in the frontline. A challenging personality, with indisputable faith in his and his band’s vision, Wattie was straightforward, honest and unapologetic. We wouldn’t expect anything different. From what we expect from the live shows of the band, and what punk is for him, to advice towards younger bands, Wattie Buchan introduces himself to Rocking.gr’s readers with the interview below

Greetings Wattie, we hope that everything is fine and we welcome you to Rocking.gr! It is days before your return to Greece and we are excited! What should we expect from this live show?

Lots of chaos! People having a good night out!

Looking back in your career, what do you think was the element that made Exploited keep going?

Anger! As I hate the government and the rules they makeup to suppress the working people.

There was more violence at the gigs, real chaos

It’s been more than 40 years since you declared "Punk’s Not Dead". What is "punk" nowadays?

There was more violence at the gigs, real chaos! Punk is whatever you want it to be but for me it’s chaos, and rebellion, and living life your own way and fuck all the haters!

What are the differences between the "Punk's Not Dead" and "Fuck The System"?

What’s the difference was "Punk’s Not Dead" cost £600 to make, while "Fuck The System" was £101,000 over a two year period.

Never let record companies ever tell you what music tracks to release

After all of your experiences, what would you advise younger artists to avoid or pursue even more?

For younger bands, it’s hard to get started and you will always get counts telling you that you are shit. So ignore them and do what you want to do. And never let record companies ever tell you what music tracks to release it’s your music you decide what goes out.

Final question, and we would like to thank you for your time and wish you the best! With which artist/band, active or not, would you like to share the same stage?

Sex Pistols, James Brown, Johnny Moped.