Quite simply taking the room by storm, Franti arrived to a thunderous ovation, and immediately gave a theatrical bow. After taking his seat, he proceeded to throw his arm around interviewer Paul Nolan, who also received a kiss on the cheek.
Franti had no shortage of fascinating tales, including one particularly remarkable story from his days with the innovative Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, who supported U2 on the Zoo TV tour. Together with Bono, Franti visited Beat author William Burroughs – with whom the Disposable Heroes collaborated on the album Spare Ass Annie and Other Tales – in the writer’s adopted home city of Kansas.
Burroughs arrived with a bowling bag and enquired if the duo wanted to see his gun collection. After replying in the affirmative, Bono and Franti were slightly disconcerted when the author reached into his bag and took out a pistol – although not as uncomfortable as when they subsequently discovered a bullet in the chamber.
Other topics on the agenda during the wide-ranging discussion were Franti’s new album Rebel Rockers (recorded in Jamaica with Sly and Robbie), his San Francisco festival Power To The Peaceful, and his trip to the Middle East for the documentary I Know I’m Not Alone. However, Franti saved the best ’til last.
Responding to a query about his YouTube channel, Franti-V, the singer took out a miniature camera and began videoing the audience, stating his intention to upload the footage. The shenanigans concluded with Paul Nolan recreating the camera-swallowing turn Bono performed nightly during ‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’ on the Zoo TV tour.
Indeed, so impressed was the boy Nolan with Franti’s appearance, he concluded the interview by describing the singer as the best ever guest in the Hot Press Chatroom. You can judge for yourself when the incident-packed highlights are uploaded soon on hotpress.com