BAND BASICS

1. What’s your name and what do you play in The Resignators?

Francis Harrison: Vocalist, Visual art, Manager, Founding member.

​

2.   How long have you been with the band?


Over 20 years

​

3.    How did you first get involved with The Resignators?

After the demise of 2 Melbourne bands, Addiction 64 and Eulogy, myself and trombone player, Ellen Morabito, went on a hunt for like minded musicians and formed The Resignators (named after a RX Bandits album, The Resignation. The Resignators were originally known as International Rescue and Radio Rescue before settling on The Resignators)

​

MUSICAL INFLUENCES & FAVORITES

4. What was the first album you ever bought?
The first album I purchased with my own money was ‘The very best of Men at Work’ which I purchased with a gift voucher I received for Christmas. Until this time I precured my music collection by ‘borrowing’ my parents records which included records from The Shadows, The Seekers, Elvis Presley, Lu Lu and John Farnham.

 

5. Who are your top three musical influences?
Initially I was drawn to Aussie rock with a love of Spy V Spy, Dear Enemy, Cattletruck, Lime Spiders and anything that was raw and loud. When I moved to Melbourne in 1991 I spent my time around the punk scene and was drawn to the energy  of pop punk bands and later to ska-punk bands and ska in general.
 

6. What’s your favourite Resignators song to play live and why?
Here’n’there was always a favourite, so much energy, more recently either Rage or See You In Hell.

 

7. If you could collaborate with any artist (living or dead), who would it be? 

Elvis Costello would be amazing. Joe Gittleman from the Bosstones / Kilograms, Bill Stevenson or maybe just some friends bands.

​

ON TOUR
8. What’s the best gig you’ve ever played?
Performing at Push Over with Addiction 64 was pretty cool, it was filmed for Fly TV on the ABC and the crowd went off. Victoria Ska Fest at Market Square in Victoria BC 2011 with The Planet Smashers was insane, everything just clicked and crowd were wild.
9. Funniest or weirdest thing that’s happened on tour?
Getting pulled over by the Police in the Czech Republic after a festival. I was the only sober one of the touring party however at the festival the stage manager wouldn’t let you play unless you had a shot. I don’t really drink but he insisted so I had a shot. On the way back to the accommodation we were pulled over and there were still traces of alcohol in my blood. Fortunately, and mainly due to language differences, they gave me 10 minutes by which time I was ok to drive.

10. What’s your go-to snack or drink on the road?
Quebec poutine. Everywhere else jerky and cheese. I do appreciate energy drinks, particularly no sugar MONSTER, on the rider. Gatorade is also appreciated.

11. Any pre-show rituals or superstitions?
Not really. Always keep an eye on where the drummer in. Drummers tend to go missing just before we are about the start.

PERSONAL VIBES
12. When you’re not making music, what are you into?
I’m involved in various sporting clubs. Basketball is my game of choice and I’ve coached some high quality junior teams. I also referee basketball at a state level. I love watching Australian Rules Football and will often disappear after a gig to check on scores. If I’m not making music though I’m probably promoting or booking bands . I also drive a taxi to support my music habit.

13. What's a fun fact about you that fans might not know?
I once appeared on a TV game show called ‘Blind Date’ where 3 contestants are asked questions by a prospective suitor. Very Mall Rats lol. Needless to say I was not chosen.  However, the show did ask me back because of my antics. I declined.

14. If you weren’t in a band, what would you be doing?
I really don’t know.

15. Describe your perfect day off.
Living my best life with my partner in crime.

FAN CONNECTION
16. What’s one message you want to give to Resignators fans?
That you are everything! We don’t exist without you. I’ve met the best people worldwide through The Resignators. You’re all ace.

17. What’s been the most memorable fan interaction you’ve had?
Just meeting and hanging out with my favourite people.

JUST FOR FUN
18. Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?
Why not?

19. Zombie apocalypse – who in the band survives the longest and why?
Probably Simon. I’m sure he’d prefer to stay and fight but he can run.
20. If The Resignators had a theme song (other than your own), what would it be?
Greensleeves played on bells like they play on ice cream trucks…. Oh wait a minute…