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Since first hitting it big with Scandal’s “Goodbye To You” in 1982, Patty Smyth has steadily kept busy with high-profile projects. After Scandal disbanded in 1985, she was offered the lead singer spot in Van Halen – before Sammy Hagar – but instead embarked on a solo career. Patty had a few hits on 1987’s Never Enough, and 1992’s self-titled album delivered the worldwide smash duet with Don Henley, “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough.” Her 1994 contribution to the film Junior, “Look What Love Has Done,” was nominated for both a Grammy and an Academy Award. Another high-profile soundtrack contribution came with 1998’s “Wish I Were You” for Armageddon.
Although Patty never stopped touring, Come On December – a Christmas album – is her first studio effort since 1999. A mix of holiday standards and new compositions, Come On December was crowdfunded through PledgeMusic with proceeds going to the Headstrong Project. For those seeking new songs that can be played during the other 10 1/2 months of the year, Patty is currently working on a new Scandal album for a 2016 release.
Patty – who performed last week at The Beacon Theater with Cyndi Lauper – spoke with Downtown about Come On December and plenty more. Still living in Manhattan all these years later, it is not common to see her performing live in New York alongside husband John McEnroe, a great guitarist in his own right. To find out when the next Patty show in the area will be, you can point your browser over to www.pattysmythandscandal.com.
Your first new release in over 15 years is a Christmas release. Where did the idea for a holiday album come from?
Patty Smyth: I love Christmas. I have been talking about it for years and decided it was way overdue. Still we rushed to release it. Go figure.
There are a handful of originals on Come On December, but how did you decide which standards to record for the album?
P: We decided the songs by trial and error. Trying to make them unique and interesting to ourselves, also by which songs were my favorites. “Do You Hear What I Hear?” was a last-minute addition I sang a few times within our last studio moments.
The new album passes along proceeds to the Headstrong Project. How did you get involved with that organization?
P: When I was in school, I remember seeing the [Vietnam] war on TV and how badly our veterans were not only neglected but abused. I never forgot it. Never forgot what it did to one of my uncles. My friend is one of the first doctors that got involved with Headstrong, she told me how these guys get immediate free health care. It’s an amazing organization started by veterans.
When writing new music, how do you decide whether it’s for a solo release, for Scandal, or a special one-off project?
P: I’m always just trying to write the best songs I can. This time I tried to write holiday songs. I will continue to because it’s challenging and rewarding when you get it right.
Might there be a proper Scandal album anytime in the future?
P: I’m hoping for a new Patty Smyth and Scandal record next year.
Will there ever be a collaborative album between you and your husband John?
P: My husband always does a tune with me live if we are in New York or Los Angeles. Sure, he can play guitar on a song or two, maybe sample his big ass voice.
I recall that you were in the band when John had a talk show on CNBC. Did you enjoy the experience of learning new songs and performing in the same place every day?
P: I didn’t do the show every day. I now wish I had, but I still had little kids at home. I loved it when I was there.
As the story goes, Jon Bon Jovi was briefly in Scandal as a rhythm guitarist, and Scandal took off years before Bon Jovi did. Is that something that you’ve discussed with him in the years since?
P: Jon Bon Jovi was never in Scandal, just an early scandal video because we were short a guitar player. I see him around, he’s a great guy.
And while on the topic of name-dropping, have you ever met Patti Smith?
P: I think we met, but it was an awkward moment for some reason.
When you’re not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?
P: Traveling and reading, working out…
Finally, Patty, any last words for the kids?
P: Stay in school, don’t do drugs, play your music loud and sing at the top of your lungs.
-by Darren Paltrowitz