There are plenty of drummers around who retain an innate suspicion of technology. The ultimate drummer's nightmare is still the fear of being replaced by a machine. However, such a scenario holds no fear for Fuzz, drummer with Midlands noise terrorists Pop Will Eat Itself. Indeed, he recently flew in the face of progress when The Poppies phased out their drum machine in favour of a living, breathing, interactive alternative.

"It had to come eventually," Fuzz opines, having obviously given the matter some thought. "Drummers just had to be patient through the 80s. I think people have realised that the live sound is better. It's better visually on stage, and it's better in the studio. It has to be better to have your own live drummer, because you have your own individual sound tailor-made for that band. Even if it's down to making loops and effects, because even they have a stamp of personality and style with them that belongs to the band."

So is that the reason PWEI opted to bring in a drummer?

"Pretty much. They decided they wanted the power of live drums behind their new material. And they found that on stage it went better with their older material as well. I got the gig in the best tradition. I was in the pub one Wednesday night, and Richard came up to me and told me they were looking for a drummer, and was I up for it? I knew of the band, obviously, and they'd heard of me and knew that I'd played along with clicks and computers for years, so I guess I fitted the bill."

Sounds simple enough, but you might get to wondering why The Pops didn't just get Fuzz to prepare programs, and use those in lieu of his undisputed abilities? Does that sound like an offensive question?

"Programming to replace a live drummer is such a time-consuming exercise, it's just easier to have a drummer there at the time." replies Fuzz, with a cheerfulness that implies his musical sensibilities remain intact.

"Even if you're going to use programming, no-one programs drums better than a drummer anyway. We do still use programmes from time to time, and I do those as well."

So you're pretty computer literate then?

"Pretty much, yeah. I can work my way around the S1100s and S1000s, and I still work on material with other people when commitments allow. I'm sure the band knew what I was able to do from a musical point of view, it was just a question of whether I could drink as much beer!

"I think technology is there to be used. It should be used to add to what you do, not try to replace it. I think if a program or a trigger gives you a better result than playing a sequence live, then you should go with that, for the good of the end result, which is what matters. There's not a machine in existence that hasn't been made to be used. I used to use triggers a lot on stage, but I don't now, I just have a basic four shell kit with an extra snare, that works for me.

"I prefer using a small kit, because what I need to do on stage with The Poppies is more about creating a groove than anything else. It's not about smashing my way round ten toms or anything like that, so this is ideal for me."

Anyone who has witnessed the pure aural assault that is a Pop Will Eat Itself gig will know that Fuzz is not one of the shy and retiring brigade, so is there much of a chance to step out of the groove and just let rip?

"There is, but as with any live performance, you have to be aware of the people on stage with you, and not faze them by going too far from the plan of attack. A ten minute drum solo in the middle of a three minute disco track could be interesting... but it could be the last thing I ever do in the band as well!"

What's the state of play on the Poppies' recording situation?

"Well, we've not long finished the album we're touring with at the moment and we have the proverbial world tour lined up to take us up to Spring '95. Then, I suppose we'll start working on ideas for the next album. I don't tend to think too much about the next project. I'm not someone who sits in the hotel doodling with a portable set for hours, partly because I haven't got one. I suppose in the fullness of time it'll be an idea to have one. I contribute bass and guitar ideas, even complete songs, everyone does and we go with the strongest ideas. But it's true that everyone has the idea for that killer song on the way back from the pub, and thinks they must write it down in the morning, just before they pass out, headed for amnesiaville."

So what if (double gulp) Pop Will Eat Itself decided to revert back to its previous system and phase Fuzz in favour of a (deep breath) machine?

"I don't think it's likely now," Fuzz says. "I'm perhaps conceited enough to think that they wouldn't be able to do it, but if they did, I'd just look around for something else. I have and still do work with other musicians, so I'd just move on to something else. I like to think I'm fairly adaptable. I can do most things except country and western. So if it's George Clinton, no problem; if it's Garth Brooks - no chance!"