Interview: Alex Rosamilia of The Gaslight Anthem – Spotlight Report

As The Gaslight Anthem gears up for their highly anticipated Australian tour as part of Good Things Festival 2024, we had thechance of catching up with guitarist Alex Rosamilia.

In this interview, Alex opens up about collaborating with music icon Bruce Springsteen on their latest album History Books, shares a hilarious story about a fan’s unusual autograph request, and reflects on the band’s influences.

SR: After your hiatus and then coming back with History Books, how do you feel your music has evolved? Do you think the time away gave you a fresh perspective or new influences?

AR: I would say yes to both of those things, actually. Being on hiatus and stepping away from the band that we had put all our time and energy into experimenting with other types of music. Personally, I spent some of that time teaching and giving lessons. Doing that kind of brought me back to what I call the more “boring” side of music—things like theory and structure. I wouldn’t necessarily describe it that way myself, but it’s the academic side of music.

That experience definitely had an impact. There’s a lot on History Books that I probably wouldn’t have incorporated without reaching that level of, let’s call it, “musical nerdom.” Beyond new influences, I also rediscovered some older ones, which I think played a big role too.

SR: Do you still give lessons?

AR: I haven’t in a while, but I’m still open to it now and then. I just need to find a good lull in our touring schedule to make it work. I tried doing it while we were back on the road, but it was too hectic. I’d need to figure out a better way to balance it. Teaching was really fun, though. It’s so cool to watch kids—and even some older students—have those lightbulb moments, where they realize, “Oh, that’s why this works!” Everyone should learn to play music; it’s just so much fun.

SR: Working with Bruce Springsteen on History Books was huge! How did that collaboration come about, and what did he bring to the track that made it special for you?

AR: This is really a question for Brian because it came together through him. I think Brian might have jokingly—or maybe not-so-jokingly—suggested doing a duet on the record, and Bruce was like, “Alright, sure—write a song!” Instead of purposely writing a duet, we just worked on the record as a whole and then figured out which song would be the best fit. It ended up being the title track.

Bruce was actually on tour in Europe while we were in the studio. He recorded his vocal part in Dublin, Ireland, and with the magic of the internet, we put it together with what we’d done. Hearing it for the first time was surreal. Even after all the discussions, there was still this sense of disbelief, like, “Wow, this is actually happening. This is amazing.”

SR: What are you most excited about joining the lineup for the Good Things Festival? Any Aussie bands or musicians you’re hoping to connect with or watch live?

AR: I haven’t done my due diligence yet and looked at the full lineup, but I love a lot of Australian bands. I still remember where I was the first time I saw King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard and thought, “Okay, kids are playing music again! This is great!” I also love The Chats—they’re fantastic.

Australia has such a unique music scene. I think being somewhat geographically isolated gives your bands a distinct sound. Even if an Australian band is influenced by something global, you can still tell—at least I can—that it’s Australian.

“…where I was the first time I saw King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard and thought, “Okay, kids are playing music again!”…”

SR: Early on, you had clear punk and rock influences. Do you find any newer music or artists influencing your sound or approach now?

AR: Maybe not as much with bands, but more on a production level. It’s new music, but not necessarily new artists. For example, the new The Cure record—holy mackerel! I’ve probably listened to it a hundred times already. I could do an entire interview just about what I think of the new Cure album.

SR: What’s the funniest or strangest thing a fan has asked you to sign?

AR: One time in Germany, someone asked us to sign their car. That was wild. We were like, “Are you sure you want us to do this?” But they were totally serious.

SR: Do you have any funny tour stories you’d like to share?

AR: We have a lot of downtime on the road, which leads to some goofy shenanigans. We’re not a mischievous band; we mostly keep to ourselves. But one time, we had an issue on the bus. There’s a sleeping area and a front lounge area, and the door between them jammed. People got stuck in the lounge, so I had to use my Leatherman to unscrew the doorknob from one side, pass it under the door, and have Brian undo the other side. We had to completely remove the doorknob to get everyone out.

SR: A fun guitar question: You’re stuck on a desert island with your guitar, and you had an opportunity to take one pedal with you. Which one would it be?

AR: Easiest question you’ve asked! It’s the Walrus Audio Slöer pedal. It’s a stereo ambient reverb pedal with these little sliders, and it’s become the foundation of my whole guitar sound. It’s beautiful!

The Gaslight Anthem Headline Shows:

Monday 2 December – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Tuesday 3 December – Liberty Hall, Sydney

Wednesday 4 December – Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne Sold Out

Good Things Festival Line Up: