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Robert Rankin, the world's Master of Far Fetched Fiction, takes us on a roller coaster ride in his brand-new bestseller, which focuses on the biggest conspiracy theory in the world, ever. Here, in the Da-Da-Di-Da-Da Code, you will find the music of the angels - and the music of the devil. Aliens, flying saucers from hell, the Multiverse, the Illuminati: every wacky, way-out conspiracy theory you've ever heard: they're all here, wrapped into a plot that will leave Dan Brown fans breathless, Michael Shea readers stupified, Raymond Khoury lovers incredulous . . .Robert Rankin: the original and the best
Robert Rankin chats with David Devereux Eccentric geniuses and dandies about town Robert Rankin and David Devereux met up for a chat about beer, books, music and making cats pee. Although always immaculately attired, this particular meeting took place at Robert's recent wedding!. DD: Robert, I know this is a question you've been asked before and I hope you'll forgive me for asking it again. Would you like a drink? RR: Yes indeed, David, as we are here in the exclusive Brentford nite spot, Perdurabu's, I'll have a Golden Bough and heavy on the ether.
DD: Your books show a real flavour of life inside a pub, which I recognise from my own time as a barman. Is this the result of time inside the licensed trade, or does it showcase the great benefits that can come when you really make an effort on research – especially when that research can be successfully accomplished with the aid of a pint? RR: It's an old chestnut, I suppose 'write about what you know'. So I write about sex and drugs and drinking beer, and magic too. I write in pubs in exercise books: thirty exercise books equals one novel. It started that way because I had nowhere to sit and write at home, but it stayed that way because of the relaxed atmosphere and because there is nothing to distract me, no ringing phone, no knock at the door, no wife or girlfriend endlessly demanding sex, you know how it is.
RR: I noticed that you managed to give Captain Beefheart a namecheck in The Da-Da-De-Da-Da Code, since you're a fan, but given Robert Johnson's place in the tale, are you a fan of his as well? What sort of music do you listen to? RR: If you read The Da-Da-De-Da-Da Code (and everyone should, as it is probably the single most important novel to be published this year) you will understand about the significance of Robert Johnson in almost all forms of present-day popular music. He is Ground Zero, as it were. As to what I am currently listening to: the bands that feature on the free giveaway CD in the back of my latest book, Dark Society, Dry Rise and Lady Raygun. Check them out.
DD: Keeping with the subject of tastes for a moment, who've you been reading lately, and who are your favourite writers? RR: Johnny Quinn, Mavis Cheese and Rose Carburundum. No surprises there then, I'm afraid.
DD: You're something of a dandy, and I can't help admiring a number of the ensembles you appear in when we're at events. Do you have a tailor or do you just keep getting lucky finds while out shopping? RR: No surprises here either. I know that the debate rages on regarding my apparel – 'Does he have either a Chinese tailor living in his cellar, or a trained monkey living in his attic?' Well, neither, I'm just the same as everyone else: I open the door to the wardrobe each day and put on whatever the wardrobe elves have made for me the previous night. Sorry it couldn't be more exciting.
DD: You mention Dimac in (I think) every one of your books, and the notorious Count Danté. What sparked your interest in him, and have you yourself studied the deadliest art known to man? RR: I met Count Danté (real name John Keenan, an Irish hairdresser) back in the sixties, at Woodstock, would you believe, and trained under him for almost a year. He could concentrate his mind upon a sleeping cat and make it pee itself. Very strange man, very violent man too. Type his name into Google and you'll find that a movie is currently being made about him, and I'm in it. There's an interview on the website.
DD: Finally I have to ask about Penge. I've not been there either, but I too have heard that it's very nice. Have you ever been? RR: Oh God, you had to bring up Penge! Why must I always be tormented by Penge? When will this madness end? Think of the children!!! &tc!!!! My round, is it?