Ab Fab

The Prairie Dogg finds the dirt on Slash, FABBA and the Pieta with Drew’s beau, drummer Fab Moretti of the Strokes.

What is it about New York City that could cultivate the Strokes in a way that Wichita or Sheboygan couldn’t?

I’m not saying anything bad about Wichita or Sheboygan, but there is an intensity and a pulse to the city. It’s in the air you breathe.

What’s the best thing about being a Stroke?

Free parking.

What’s the worst thing?

Free parking. Just kidding, I don’t even know what that means. How about being called a Stroke?

Do you enjoy the anonymity of being the drummer?

You’re damn right I do.

So you don’t want to start a side project as lead singer of the Fabulous Morettis?

(Laughs) No, but I like the name. I’m going to start an ABBA cover band and call it FABBA.

Can you get used to seeing yourself on MTV or on the cover of Rolling Stone?

I’ll never get used to that. It’s always a trip. But that’s good, because if you start to get used to that, you’re no longer grounded. “Oh, I’m on MTV? Well, that’s where I belong!” (evil laugh)

Is it harder to stomach The National Enquirer speculating about your relationship [with Drew Barrymore]?

It’s actually a gag. I never take that shit seriously.

You’ve studied sculpture. If you were going to pose for a sculpture, would you be the Thinker, David or “The Kiss”?

Oh shit, those are good sculptures. I’d probably be the Pieta. Just kidding. I don’t know. After 30 seconds of standing in the same spot, I think I’d go crazy, break out of the mold and go make my own fucking sculpture.

Have a favorite sculptor?

The art world is so complex and diverse, it’s impossible to pick one.

Here’s an easier one: Slash or Axl?

Slash, no question.

It’s the hair, right?

(Laughs) No … yes … no. I had the pleasure of meeting Slash, and he’s such a grounded guy, and he’s so fucking good at what he does.

Say you’re on death row. What’s your last meal?

Oh, man. I probably wouldn’t be able to eat anything, or at least hold anything down. Maybe pizza.

What’s the first word that comes to mind when I say “Kansas City”?

Shit …

We get that a lot.

No, no, no … that’s not it … blues?
The Strokes play Wednesday, April 28, at the Uptown Theater.