Dave Myers |
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Dave Myers was born and bred in Barrow-in-Furness and his versatile skills have taken him to some unusual places. He worked as a furnaceman in a steelworks to finance his Master’s degree in fine arts before joining the BBC as a make-up artist, specialising in prosthetics. He has worked on many feature films and television series, including The Life and Loves of a She-Devil and the BBC One hit, Spooks.
Dave is one half of The Hairy Bikers (alongside Si King) and has published two recipe books with Penguin, The Hairy Bikers' Cookbook and The Hairy Bikers Ride Again.
How did you get into working in make-up?
I finished art School I had a degree in Fine Art and a postgraduate diploma in Art History. Being poor and working as a car park attendant I applied for any job that required an art degree. One job that came up was for a trainee Make up Artist at the BBC. Three thousand applied and they took nine people on. I was one of the lucky ones. In those days you could find yourself working on Top of the Pops one week, or the next week making a monster on Doctor Who.
Where was the most interesting place you visited on your trip?
Palenque in Mexico. It was the Capitol of the Mayan world. You sit on the Pyramid and you suddenly can understand the ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures. This place was there a thousand years before Columbus set foot. It is so beautiful. It was particularly important to us as it was our last stop after fifteen months on the road.
Is there anything you won’t cook?
I won’t cook tripe. I have bad childhood memories about it watching my Dad devour it raw with just a dressing of malt vinegar. And it smells of wee. Yuk.
Why bikes?
We love bikes, you feel the miles and see so much more, you miss nothing the smells and the scenery you are in it, not stuck behind a sheet of glass, and barriers are broken down, people are interested in the bikes and will start to talk to you. Especially old people. “Hello what is the bike?” “Do you want to come in for a warm and some dinner?” Bingo bliss.
Any places on your travels that you’d rather not visit again?
The Museum for victims of Communist oppression, in Sighet, in Romania. Lots of people suffered and died there. You feel the walls could tell you stories.
How do you feel about being recognised since being on TV?
It’s quite odd being recognised but so far people have only wanted to say nice things and honestly it’s a great compliment that people are interested enough to recognise you. A bit worrying after doing the near naked mud bath though!
Will the printed word endure?
Very much so. There is nothing like putting your head into a book, letting your imagination take the lead, and going where you want. The screen will never replace the immediacy of the printed word.
Which newspaper do you read?
Times, and Sunday Times and Observer.
Who is your biggest influence?
Friends
What books are you reading at the moment?
The man called Cash, Biography of Johnny Cash by Steve Turner.
Writing at the Kitchen Table. Biography of Elizabeth David by Artemis Cooper.
What books did you read as a child?
Biggles and Just William
Which literary character would you most like to meet?
Jack Aubrey from the Patrick O’Brian books. (Master and Commander)
Which authors do you most admire?
Carl Hiaasen, Paul Theroux.
Where do you do most of your writing?
At my old desk in my home in Roa Island.
What’s your favourite word/book?
Gibran, The Prophets.
Have you ever had any other jobs apart from writing?
Yes, mostly film and TV make up.
Who or what always puts a smile on your face?
Morecombe and Wise and good food
What’s your earliest memory?
Getting a birthday cake in the shape of the number 5 from the local Co-Op on my birthday
What is your greatest fear?
Getting burnt
How would you like to be remembered?
Ooh he was alright.
Have you even done something you’ve really regretted?
Yes wasting too much time worrying. It must be a Virgo thing. I know it accomplishes nothing but it’s hard to stop.
How do you spoil yourself?
Buying more and more motorbikes.
Who do you turn to in a crisis?
Si King and my other best mate Dr David Easton.
What makes you angry?
Salesmen who cold call on the telephone. You have to end up being rude to them just to be left alone. That’s against my nature.
Are you in love?
No not at the moment, but open to the event.
What’s your worst vice?
Eating too much.
What are you proudest of?
Learning to fly, doing my first solo. It’s about as self reliant as you can get.
Where’s your favourite city?
Dublin
When was the last time you cried?
1998 when my Fiancée died.
One wish; what would it be?
Peace and calm for all. It could be possible.
Did you enjoy school?
No
What's your worst habit?
Worrying, and pinching from other people’s plates.
What makes you mad!
Injustice in the world.
Have you ever broken the law?
Just Speed limits
What quality would you most like to have?
Patience, humour and good looks!! (Can I have three?)
If you could swap a physical attribute with someone else, what would it be and who would you swap it with?
Brad Pitts body….maybe his head as well?
Have you got a party trick?
Yes. Crap Karaoke. My Crackling Rose is a window rattler.
Do you have any nicknames?
No just Dave or Myers.
Do you have any unfulfilled ambitions?
Yes loads. But I’m lucky enough to be ticking them off the list quite quickly.
