Q and A about Pete Waterman

Please Note: Questions may be edited and please be patient if your question requires a direct answer from Pete Waterman as these will take a little more time.

Q: I read somewhere that Pete owns the rights to all of Arthur Askey's old films, it this true?

A: Yes and no. Pete did license some of Mr Askey's films a few years back and even issued some on his PWL video label, however those rights have now lapsed.

Q: "What is Pete's favourite Arthur Askey film?"

A: "Crikey, I was just thinking of watching an Arthur Askey film; and then you come up with that question - spooky! It would have to be 'Ghost Train' cos it's such a classic..."

Q: Who designed the famous PWL diamond logo?

A: Although many would have thought David Howells designed the black logo (seeing that he designed all of PWL's early record sleeves), I'm reliably informed that Pete himself came up with the simple, but highly effective, design.

Q: When and where was Pete born?

A: Tut tut tut - you've obviously not read Pete's official biography yet then! He was born in Stoke Heath, Coventry, on January 15th 1947.

Q: Can Pete give me some career advice?

A: As you will appreciate, Pete Waterman is a world-famous record producer and hence has very little time to answer personal emails such as these. Individual circumstances require individual consideration and hence it is not possible to give them the attention that they require. Pete is one of the first men to admit that he has been a very lucky to get where he is today, and the old adage 'if you want it hard enough, you will get it' seems to ring true every time. PWL wishes each and every person who contacts them with requests such as these the best of luck. We are also flattered that you took the time to write in. Sadly we are unable to offer any other advice.

Q: "What does Pete feel about the producers today who try and copy the PWL formula?"

A: "You know, many people said that what I did as part of Stock Aitken Waterman was easy; however if it was so easy how come nobody has yet managed to re-create our success? We were very disciplined; all three of us had a total respect, love and understanding of over 40 years of songwriting...we didn't just love one particular style or try to write in one particular genre. The only way you'll get a new Stock Aitken Waterman song today is to go to Stock and Aitken, or myself, and get us to write it (laugh)!"

Q: "For as long as I can remember, I've always had a total respect for Pete's candidness and his honesty; however has he ever said anything in the Press that he has regretted later on?"

A: "No!" (Yes, there is yet another example of Pete's honesty!) "Of course some of the things have gotten me into a LOT of trouble in the past - but I don't regret anything because I only say what I think is right. That's one thing I enjoyed when I was writing my book! Sadly some lawyers seem to think otherwise!"

Q: "I've just recently read the official Pete Waterman biography that appears on your website. It says that Pete has worked with the Backstreet Boys - is this true?"

A: It does seem that the Backstreet Boys DID record a track at PWL back in 1998. According to Pete Waterman's official discography, the track was called 'Rumours'. A collaboration between BSB and PWL's Work In Progress team was also lined up and then put on hold due to problems remixing the required track.

Q: "Is that Pete on 'Dance Of The Fat Slags'?"

A: Pete does indeed provide the vocals for the line 'Oh Lordy - It's the Fat Slags' during the 'Dance of the Fat Slags' track. (PWL243; 'B' Side to 'Summer Holiday'). He probably doesn't like to be reminded of this fact though!

Q: "Has Pete Waterman written a biography?"

A: indeed he has! Details of Pete's very busy life were published by Virgin Books under the title 'I Wish I Was Me'.

Q: "Who provides the spoken vocals on the 12" remix for Divine's 'You Think You're A Man' - is it Pete Waterman?"

A: Yes, it certainly is Pete talking on the 12" remix; although it wasn't the first time that Mr Waterman had appeared on vinyl - check out his work under the name of 1418 for a full Pete Waterman vocal treat! (You may need to look pretty hard for this material - it originally surfaced in the late 1970s)

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