Dave McCabe, the frontman of The Zutons, has opened up about writing one of the biggest hits of the 2000s, 'Valerie', and his journey to overcome drug and alcohol addiction. Growing up in Knowsley with limited opportunities, McCabe found solace in music, citing influences like Guns N' Roses, Metallica, and Pantera.
Early Life and School Struggles
McCabe, now 45, described his school years as turbulent due to his short attention span. 'I didn't do very well in school because I've got the attention span of a toddler,' he told the ECHO. He changed schools frequently between ages seven and nine, eventually settling at Prescot. He criticized the traditional education system, saying, 'When you send kids into a white room for five to six hours a day, it's a recipe for disaster.'
Path to Music
After school, McCabe worked various jobs in industrial estates while studying at college. A pivotal moment came when his friend Alex Dixon challenged him: 'If you don't start joining a band rather than going to watch them all the time, you're never going to actually be up there doing it.' This pushed McCabe to form Tramp Attack and later The Zutons at age 19 or 20. He credited bandmates Sean Payne, Russ Pritchard, Boyan Chowdhury, and Abi Harding for their talent.
Discovery and First Album
The Zutons were discovered by renowned record label boss Alan Wills, who had previously signed The Coral. Wills urged McCabe to write catchy songs, warning, 'If you don't write some hits, you're getting dropped.' This pressure led to their debut album, Who Killed The Zutons?, which peaked at No. 6 in the UK charts with hits like 'Pressure Point' and 'You Will You Won't.'
Writing 'Valerie'
McCabe recalled writing 'Valerie' in just 10 minutes after a band rehearsal. 'I wrote it in the taxi, then got to my mum's house, ran upstairs, picked up the guitar, and wrote it in 10 minutes tops,' he said. The song became a massive hit, especially after Amy Winehouse's cover, which McCabe said 'immortalised it.'
Struggles with Addiction and Recovery
After The Zutons disbanded in 2009, McCabe struggled with drugs and alcohol for years. He credits his son, Louis, for motivating his recovery. 'Having my son made me realise if I don't get my s**t together, I'm going to be a really bad parent,' he said. He has been sober for nearly six years, noting that stopping drinking also stopped his drug use. 'I wish I'd have got sober quicker. That is my one regret in life,' he added.
