Premature Release

Rumours of his retirement, incarceration, hospitalisation and even death have, it seems been "greatly exaggerated". Ziggy Osmington, far from being any of the former has emerged from a period of "re-evaluation" to release a new single: "Boned to Death". Here, in an exclusive and frank interview, the increasingly reclusive singer-songwriter and veteran front-man of the Boners reveals all to our contemporary music correspondent and man with his finger of on the pop pulse Heitor Miss.

Ziggy and the Boners in their late prime [3rd revival, c1986)]. ZIggy 2nd from right was already "receding ", whilst the other Boners were also showing signs of wear and tear. The figure second from left was guesting with the group at the time and can no longer be definitively identified. [Photo © HORNIMINT RECORDS]

HM: So Ziggy after premature rumours of your retirement, incarceration, hospitalisation and even death, you have emerged from a period of "re-evaluation" to release a new single: "Boned to Death". How did that come about?

ZO: We - that's me and the band - decided that because of the premature rumours of our retirement, incarceration, hospitalisation and even death we should emerge from a period of "re-evaluation" and release a new single: it's called "Boned to Death".

HM. Interesting. Have you any idea how premature rumours of your retirement, incarceration, hospitalisation and even death came about?

ZO: No f****g idea mate.

HM: The new single is called "Boned to Death". Some seem to think that's a - perhaps ironic and counter-cultural - reference to your former wild lifestyle and the toll it may have taken on you and fellow Boners in an age in which the youth of today are rethinking some of the norms and sexual mores which dominated the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Others have said its merely a clever play on the idea of being "Stoned to Death" which - given its double meaning - might in your case have been an equally apposite title?

ZO: No f*****g clue what your f*****g talking about mate.

Premature release of Ziggy and the Boners' "Boned to Death" has taken media watchers by surprise, though the metaphorical "Nothing new to hear here" sIgn has already gone up. Fears that the single may presage a new album appear groundless whilst last year's promise to cease touring will, tour manager Bob "Heavy" Waits says, be honoured.

HM: Let me rephrase: What's the true meaning of the title of your latest single and should we read anything into it. Can we assume, for example that it's perhaps figurative, allusive, allegorical, ironic or possibly prescient?

ZO: You can do what you f****g like mate.

HM: Brilliant. Moving on... Does the latest release signal a change in style and attitude? After a period of "re-evaluation" have you emerged a better or even different song writer - perhaps one more in tune with, and able to comment on, the categorical fluidities, social ennui and relativistic non-synergies of an increasingly atomistic, complex and non-binary post-post-modern society?

ZO: Whatever. [You got a spare ciggy mate?].

HM: That's fascinating and super helpful. Thank you. Is there anything else?

ZO: Got any condoms mate? I can't f****g remember where I left mine - oh and the Jack Daniels - I think its under the duvet.