The Beards

Fri 3rd Sep, 2010 in Features

World Beard Day is celebrated annually on an international level with people from every nation and continent gathering together with their Beards. It is characterised by the happiness of all people being with their Beards and with each other. The next international celebration is in Adelaide, Australia for World Beard Day 2010 on the 4 September 2010 at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel. Johan Beardraven (singer/saxophone player) from The Beards talks more about World Beard Day.

What does World Beard Day mean to you? “World Beard Day is the most important day on the bearded calendar. It’s a time for people to come together and celebrate all things bearded, and a chance for the wider community to recognise how important beards really are.”

Is there some sort of counselling for those non-bearded to convert to beards? “We would like to think that attending one of our gigs would be counselling enough. But we’re always happy to talk to people one-on-one about beard growing. Occasionally we even let people stroke our beards for inspiration.”

What do you think, apart from the obvious, that bearded have over the non-bearded? “You get respect, admiration, and the knowledge that you are a complete and true human being. You also get people yelling out “Hey Jesus” or “Hey it’s that guy from the hangover!” It’s great.”

How will you inspire the non-bearded? “We’ve just written a song that mentions the word ‘beard’ 37 times! If that doesn’t inspire you to get on board the beard train, I don’t know what will.”

Is a beard a substitute for credibility – it seems like most musician types do it when they want/need to be taken seriously? “Certainly not – a beard GIVES credibility. And yes, more and more musicians (and people as a whole) seem to be growing beards. No doubt that it’s all thanks to us.”

What can punters expect from your set? “Plenty of songs about beards. If people are expecting the occasional non beard-related song, they’re going to be disappointing. I should also mention that our set will have some very special guest musicians – with beards!”

What’s next for the Beards? “We’re all planning on shaving off our beards. Ha, just kidding. Our beards are going to continue to get longer and stronger. Nothing can stop our beards! NOTHING!!!”