Stephen Perkins: This could be a really good turn of a show. [Norton declines, however]

Are you using a double bass pedal?

Perkins: A technical question...yes, I am.

With all these wonderful artists from all over the world Here at WOMAD, how have they influenced your playing?

Perkins: Well I'm having a great time absorbing all the flavors and smells and sounds. As far as the music, the rhythms are constantly in my head. I'm grabbing everything I hear. So it's been a wonderful day and I can't wait to get from here [points down to the stage and then extends arm out] and go check out what's going on over there. Ask me in a few hours.

How did you and Norton meet?

Perkins: Norton Wisdom was brought to my attention by a guitar player named Nels Cline. [Audience applauds] Yes, we love Nels. Nels introduced me to him and I have a group called Banyan and Nels plays guitar with Banyan. Norton started coming out and painting with Banyan, and after one time I said that we would never do a show without Norton. That was about three years ago. We plan on playing together for a long time.

Do you always play barefoot?

Perkins: Yes, I always play drums barefoot--no gloves, no shoes or socks. I think it all started when I was 13 or 14. I'd come home from school and take my shoes and socks off and play drums all night. When I started playing in bands, I found that I couldn't do the little tricks on the bass drum with a pair of shoes on. With the shoes off that I'm a lot faster...lightning speed.

What did you have for breakfast?

Perkins: We all got the free buffet at the Doubletree. Cornflakes and tea.

Can you tell us a bit more about your other projects?

Perkins: Hellride is a group that I play in, with Mike Watt on bass and Peter DiStefano from Porno for Pyros on guitar. I also play with a group called Jane's Addiction. We haven't broken up yet--we're still playing, and we are going to be touring this fall in late September, early October, and a little bit in November. So come out and see Jane's Addiction while you're at it.

And yeah, we wanna play the Gorge [Ampitheater]. That's the best place in America, besides Red Rocks.

What are you studying right now?

Perkins: I like to study my wife Cindy. Right now we're getting along and we've been examining each other.

Are there any musicians you want to play with?

Perkins: Peter Gabriel. If you see him, tell him that I would love to play with him. If you need a drummer, I'm busy.