Derek Pringle (March 2008)

The latest Slow Boat Inquisition comes from former England cricketer (turned cricket writer) and all round Renaissance man Derek Pringle. Born in Kenya and famed for his eclectic tastes in music and fashion, Mr Pringle is often remembered for his bowling warm up routine, once described as 'lying on his back wrestling an invisible octopus' and for once injuring his back (and having to withdraw from a test match) whilst writing a letter (actually his chair collapsed...) 1: Your full name Derek Raymond Pringle 2: Where do you call home? Physically - Cambridge, England. Spiritually - the bush in Kenya 3: What is your earliest musical memory? Aged five or six singing my own songs on long car journeys to Mombasa. Otherwise, Kenya pop songs like malaika and mulofwa moja 4: What is your favourite record that you own? And what is the most elusive gem you are seeking? Favourites change all the time but at the moment it's "Sufferers Dub" by the Heptones 5 (Lee Perry production). It's a tune that combines rebellion, spirituality and a wicked bassline all pulled together by the sublime voice of Leroy Sibbles Gems still being sought - LP Spiro Gyra - "Bells Boots and Shambles," 45 Southern Sound - "Just The Same As You" 5: Who is the best live performer you have ever seen? And who would you most like to have seen perform live? Pixies at the Town and Country Club London 1989 Led Zeppelin in smallish venue during their heyday 6: Your favourite holiday destination, and why? Holidays, what are they? 7: What's the last great film you saw? Last King Of Scotland 8: And the last great record you heard? If you mean by current band musician(s) then Micah P Hinson and the Gospel of Progress 9: What is the best cricket ground in the world? Melbourne Cricket Ground 11: Will the All Blacks win 2011 World Cup, or choke (again)? Choke - the expectations of all those sheep gets 'em every time...