Following five single releases: “The Wolf,” “Plastic Bullets,” “Lost In The Middle,” “Banana Tree,” and “You’ll Never Be Mine Again,” the band presents their eagerly awaited seventh album, “One Ride.” It’s been a lengthy wait, marked by lineup changes, divorces, lost loved ones, and job troubles. Yet, “One Ride” showcases how these challenges have only made The Peawees stronger.

This album brims with the rock ’n’ roll swagger reminiscent of a bygone era, demonstrating the band's rare ability to wear their influences proudly while maintaining a distinctive sound. The mix of rock ’n’ roll, soul, punk, and garage spins on the record like a concoction blended to perfection and served with an unapologetic punch.

The current lineup includes founding frontman and songwriter Hervé Peroncini, drummer and Texan transplant Tommy Gonzalez, guitarist Dario Persi, and bassist Fabio Clemente. After touring with The Hellacopters, their international tour kicks off again this month from Spain. I had the opportunity to sit down with the band between gigs.

Tell us about the new album.

HP:  Well, it was a long process full of ups and downs, with the pandemic, a lineup change, and some obstacles to overcome. But we worked our butts off, and everyone gave their absolute best. I wrote most of the songs in 2020 while I was on a Canary Island, and I’d send the recordings to the guys as I went along. When everything restarted after the pandemic, Carlo (ex-guitarist) moved to Berlin, and Dario joined us. We decided to do a bit of touring with him to get the band warmed up, both musically and personally, and once we felt the songs were really coming together, we headed into the studio.

Lost In The Middle typifies the essence of the band - infectious, hook laden and energetic that bears multiple plays. It absolutely scorches! Give us some background of that song.

HP: I wrote “Lost in the Middle” during the pandemic, though the song actually had a beginning around the time I was writing for “Moving Target.” Back then, I was in the Canary Islands, and I liked the idea of writing a song with a Spanish flavor. I think there’s partly the influence of Love, who I was listening to at the time, but also songs like “Jezebel” by Frankie Laine. In the first demo I recorded, the song was very slow and bare, similar to the current part in the middle with claps. When I brought it to the rehearsal room and played it for the others, we tried different styles and tempos until we landed on what’s on the album. The lyrics talk about a sick love, something I was experiencing at the time.

How would you best describe your music?

HP: Oh! This is always a tough one! If I had to describe it in one word, I’d say soulish-punk, although in the end, it’s simply our vision of rock ‘n’ roll.

I love The Hellacopters! You had a chance to tour with them; what was that like?

HP: It was amazing! We love the Hellacopters, and it was great to spend time with them on a personal level too. The news that we’d be touring with them came out of the blue, and the fact that it was so unexpected made it all the more special.

What are the plans for The Peawees for the next 6 months?

HP: We have quite a packed concert schedule. We’ll be touring in Spain, and as soon as we’re back, we’ll do a series of dates in Italy. In the first half of 2025, we have shows planned in the UK, Northern Europe, and the USA.

What was the first moment where you thought that people dug what you had to play and say?

HP: I think “Dead End City” is the album that defined our identity in some way, and I think it’s from that point on that people started to see us differently.

When did you first discover your voice?

HP: I think when I was around 15. I’d just started playing guitar, and I remember recording “A Day in the Life” by The Beatles on a cassette player, and I remember thinking: “oh! I don’t suck that much!”

First album, cassette, or CD purchased? Where? When?

HP: Growing up with an older brother, I got exposed to all the new wave/pop of the ’80s, so he was the one bringing music home. But the first cassette I got my mom to buy for me from a stand in La Spezia, my hometown, was “Einzelhaft” by Falco because I liked the song “Der Kommissar,” which I still like!

Dream band to open for?

HP: I consider myself very lucky because we’ve shared the stage with some of our favorite dream bands, like The Sonics, back when the lineup still included Jerry Roslie, Larry Parypa, and Rob Lind. That was almost a dreamlike moment for me and the others, and it happened twice! Obviously, sharing the stage or going on tour with bands like The Detroit Cobras, Hellacopters, Bad Religion, Damned, Radio Birdman was incredible. I would have loved to open for Mick Jones a few years back when he was still performing regularly, but it didn’t happen.

New or recent bands you’re most excited about?

HP: To be honest, I mostly listen to old music (laughs), but off the top of my head, a few current bands I enjoy are Shannon and the Clams, JD McPherson, and C.W. Stoneking… there are certainly others, but they’re not coming to mind right now. Generally, anything played with the right attitude and a garage, bluesy, or soulish vibe catches my attention.

Best stereo system you’ve ever had?

HP:  I don't know, but I love listening to music in my car!

First concert attended? (who, when, who)

HP: I don’t clearly remember my very first concert, maybe a local band when I was a kid at a summer festival in my neighborhood. But the first concert I went to with friends, in 1991 in La Spezia, was Ramones + Litfiba. The strange thing is that the Ramones opened for this Italian band, and looking back now, it seems surreal. I also have to admit that at the time, I only knew “Blitzkrieg Bop” and “Pet Sematary,” which had a music video going around then.

Most unforgettable concert attended?

HP: Joe Strummer with the Mescaleros. Not for the concert itself, but for the fact that I got to see my hero. I started listening to The Clash when I was 12, again thanks to my brother, and seeing Joe Strummer in the flesh after years of watching pirated Clash concert videos was like seeing an unreachable entity for me—a near-religious experience.

Top 5 albums?

HP:  The Clash - London Calling

     Sam Cooke - Live at Harlem Square

     The Sonics - Here Are the Sonics

     Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited

     Misfits - Walk Among Us

Where can listeners grab your music?

HP: Our records and CDs are available in the USA through Spaghetty Town Records, in Spain through Folc Records, and across Europe via Wild Honey Records.

Thank you for joining us and taking time out of your busy schedule. Your creativity is amazing, and we look forward to seeing you perform live! 

HP: Thanks, David!