Published in the CR Mag 72

Friday 17th January 2003

American-based, UK-born children's music minister CAPTAIN BILL, otherwise known as Bill Mason, answered the questions.

1. When the Bill Mason Band and Ishmael United pioneered Christian punk rock in the UK did you have any inkling that 20 years on you and Ish would both be doing children's ministry?

I have always connected with young people of all ages, big kid really! Besides doing worship for young kids, I also lead worship for teenagers. That's my next challenge, to write songs for them to worship to!

2. What do you most miss about England?

Saturday football results, Liverpool FC and steak and kidney pie and chips!

3. What's the hardest - working with a bunch of exuberant kids or working with a bunch of pogoing punks?

Working with young kids is much easier. They are very forgiving and have no agenda. They are free and without inhibitions. When you say raise your hands they stand on a chair and raise their hands! Teenagers have too many hang ups, but when they connect with God they go all out and you feel that you have achieved something amazing!

4. Are you surprised at the comeback punk rock has made today?

Its a valid form of exciting and frantic music, it will always have a place and identity in musical genres. (Don't ask me what that means!)

5. Who's better - Superman or Batman?

Aragorn from Lord Of The Rings!

6. Do the kids actually call you Captain?

Everyone does, even my wife!

7. Why are so many Christian children's albums so cheesy?

Because they are written by adults for children, who think they know what kids like. But kids are much more sophisticated in their musical taste than we realize! The proof for me is when I play new songs for them and ask them what they think. If they don't like a song, it's gone! They are the most important critics

8. Do you think ageing Bill Mason Band nostalgists would find something to enjoy in 'Run To The Lord'?

I would hope that the people who bought 'No Sham' 22 years ago would buy the 'Run To The Lord' CD and enjoy a completely different kids worship album! There are a few links to the BMB songs, if you listen hard! But most of all give it to your kids or grandkids!

9. When was the last time you were back in the UK?

I was back there in 2000 for my brother's wedding in Liverpool. Two weeks of sun and searching for old Enid Blyton books!

10. Do you like Tele Tubbies?

Who? No, but I love Wallace and Gromit!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Reader Comments

Posted by Holly M in erie @ 22:33 on Aug 10 2008

I CAPT. BILL ITS ME HOLLY FROM CHURCH! HI!!!!!

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Posted by bob & kathleen in laredo, texas @ 22:48 on Apr 30 2008

Hey Bill,

Hey mate, we're working in missions in Mexico, El Salvador and Cuba. Leaving for China during May 2008 to work in the mountains near the Tibetan border with indigenous church leaders. Jesus Rocks!

Bob & Kathleen Gabelman -
e-mail => ioulove@att.net

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Posted by Bill Mason in Erie, PA @ 17:15 on Apr 25 2008

For those interested and on FACEBOOK, there is a Bill Mason Band FaceBook Page. Check it out and sign up to be a "fan!" A lot of pictures and information is on there and will hopefully get more as time goes on.

Check Bill Mason Band out and join in!

Bill

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Posted by Bill Mason in Erie, PA @ 22:04 on Feb 17 2008

Well, hello to you Bob and Kathleen! A blast from the past! How are you all doing? Please e mail me with all your news! I remember that song "the last resort," those nights watching the sunset and playing those tunes, sharing the Lord, wasn't it your guitar that I used? Ah brilliant times!
God Bless

Bill

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Posted by bob g. in somewhere on the border @ 23:00 on Dec 3 2007

hey captain,

i remember a bloke named bill mason in key west around 1979 - 80 asking a question in a song - "what are we doing here at the last resort watching the sun set in the west?" I guess we all figured it out.

still serving, still searching for lost souls.

bob & kathleen

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Posted by Stevemunster in Fulham, London @ 01:26 on Dec 2 2007

Bill,

When are you getting the BMB website up an runnin'?

Steve

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Reply by Bill Mason in Erie, PA @ 18:01 on May 13 2008

Steve: If you are on Face Book, there is a Bill Mason Band entry with many pictures and info. Its closest to bmb website we got so far.

Seeya
Bill

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Reply by Bill Mason in Erie, PA @ 21:11 on Feb 14 2008

Steve the website is closer than the last time, the biggest problem being TIME! I have two daughters one who works on website set up, but she is so busy with her job and church related websites that to get her to break away is tough. But you encourage me and I will try and get this thing set up this year! Stay tuned!

Bill (in the meantime check out myspace.com/captainbillmusic)

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Posted by Stephanie Stamatiou in North wales @ 19:29 on Oct 21 2007

Hiya Bill(y),
How are you? You sang at Newcastle University around 1979, and I was your number one teenage fan in and around Liverpool-Val and Eddie Boyes' niece(you won't remember!) You lived on Queens Drive, my grandma lived in Bootle....I hope you are well. What happened to Phil? Stephanie.

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Reply by Bill Mason in Erie, PA @ 18:49 on Nov 8 2007

Hey Stephanie, your right I don't remember you, sorry! Thanks for the e mail, I have been in touch with Eddie Boyes over the last few years from the Crossbeats website. If you can give me any firm dates that you saw the BMB and where for an upcoming Bill Mason Band website that would be great! Meanwhile who is "phil" that you asked about?
Check out www.myspace.com/captainbillmusic for a taste of what I have been doing the last 10 years besides leading worship music in our church.
God Bless! Say hello to Eddie for me.

Bill Mason

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Posted by stevemunster in fulham, london @ 23:35 on Oct 3 2006

they made a great noise back in 1979, i saw them four times in south manchester. always wondered what the meaning behind 'no sham' was. as a kid i liked sham 69 amonst other new wave bands and i always thought it was a dig. anyone know, please let me know

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Reply by Bill Mason in Erie, PA USA @ 15:05 on Nov 17 2006

Steve, NO Sham mean't "No pretense" "No messing about!" It was linked to our staright forward proclamation of our faith! We always went straight for the truth. In fact some youth leader took his kids out at a concert in Scotland, the organiser took him aside, and said "you may not like the music, but this band always tells the truth about Jesus in a way kids can understand. No Sham!"
Thanks for your comment. Bill Mason

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The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Captain Bill: 10 Questions answered by the USA-based children's worker

American-based, UK-born children's music minister CAPTAIN BILL, otherwise known as Bill Mason, answered the questions.

Reader Comments

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