SEVEN DEADLY SINS

© NICK COLLINS

“It’s the most fun you can have with your pants on”

In our regular Q&A with visiting and local performers, The Right Reverend Michael Alabama Jackson of Oh My God It’s The Church – the mischievous live musical comedy act – chats about his wicked ways ahead of the band’s gig at Exeter Phoenix on 1 May

LUST: Who or what do you find yourself lusting after today, and why? In our Church we worship a man called Sexy Jesus – and he wants everyone to feel sexy and feel good about themselves. But for me, as a typical )merican, 1 still find the beautiful, classy British ladies the most alluring – we’re talking Helen Mirren, Keira Knightley, Elizabeth Hurley-Wurly, Stacy from Eastenders. Ah Stacy. Why don’t you return my calls no more?!

GREED: What should you be cutting down on (non-food and drink!), and why? I spend a lot of money on looking good. First rule of Preaching: Look better than any of your ÆocS. 1’m talSing fineassed designer suits. Silk shirts. Great hat, and most importantly kick-ass shoes. Sometimes I feel pangs of guilt about taking money from the ‘Church Roof Fund’ to supplement my clothing allowance but then I’m like, hell, people ain’t gonna be worrying about a hole in the goddamn roof when their preacher looks this good! I mean damn, they probably think they already died and went to heaven! Amen.

GLUTTONY: What one thing could you happily eat or drink until you burst, and why? Best thing I’ve had since I’ve been over here. British gravy. Mmm! Back home, gravy is kinda like the gravy you get from KFC, indecipherable, bland, and a brand new colour between grey and brown. But here, goddamn! Your gravy is like sweet, biblical nectar, I have it on everything: fries, bacon, pancaSes, cornÆaSes. 8ass me the gravy boat coz I’m going sailing.

SLOTH: What should you be really putting your back into right now, and why? <o celebrate the release of our first record, my band, Oh My God! It’s The Church, are winding up to head out on a huge tour of the UK. We’re hitting up as many places as we can, to party with our parishioners, and convert some brand new missionaries. If you ain’t been before, come along and prepare yourself for the most fun you can have with your pants on. WRATH: What/who makes you angry, and why? England soccer coach Gareth Southgate – nothing to do with his coaching style. But when he started parading himself around in his waistcoats, claiming to be some kind of waistcoat warrior king – I was like ‘hell no Southgate’. There ain’t been no waistcoat wearing contest and if there is then I want in. Coz I’d take him down town, to Waistcoatville Tennessee, which is where I keep my extensive waistcoat collection. Til then pipe down Southgate. Pipe down.

ENVY: Who are you jealous of, and why? My keyboard player in the band – Morgan the Organ. He’s a strange little dude who lives in his own little world. No worries or cares, except where his next sandwich is coming from, and enjoying the simple pleasures in life, like eating his sandwiches and playing with his organ. Sometimes I’ll admit, I’m jealous of that weird little idiot.

PRIDE: What’s your proudest achievement? I’m so proud of the crazy church we’ve created and the wild band we’ve put together. The fact we can travel halfway across the world and you guys go nuts for what we’re doing is the biggest thrill there is. And despite the insanity and profanity and occasional illegality of what we do, I’m proud of our overall messages of hope, humour and togetherness resonates deeply with the people of this great country. See y’all in church this spring! n

For more: www.exeterphoenix.org.uk

It’s all about joy with crazy band