Eric Grothe Junior burst onto the scene as a young, strong winger for the Parramatta Eels. Sharing the name of his famous dad Grothe has been in the spotlight since an early age and having played Origin for NSW 3 times and representing his nation it’s fair to say Eric has embraced it.
Since retiring from footy, Eric appeared on Channel 9’s The Footy Show showing off his skills both on guitar and lyrically. Now fronting the Australian Rock Band Shinobi Grothe had a quick chat with LeagueFreak.com guest writer Daniel Nichols about the upcoming State of Origin, the similarities between first grade footy and playing on stage and being the front man of an up and coming rock band.
1: Do you miss playing in the NRL? Around Origin time do you ever get the urge to strap the boots back on?
EG: I’m actually really happy to be doing what I’m doing to be honest. However, I do miss certain aspects and elements of NRL.
2: You played 3 times for the Blues, how do you see them going this season? Who will fill the wing spots?
EG: I played 3 origin games. All in 2006. I think Jarryd Hayne and Akuila Uate. Both powerhouse runners and I think defensively sound when it comes to contact. Akuila has been caught out positionally at times, but I think he’s aware of this and has rectified. Few can be as devastating with the ball.
3: Since retiring from league you’ve made a name for yourself as the lead singer of Shinobi. How does the rush playing in front of a crowd compare to running out in front of 20,000 fans?
EG: In actual fact, it is such a similar feeling. Often, it’s harder to play in front of smaller crowds rather than large ones. Footy and music are similar in regards to being a team effort and that good practice makes it easier on “game day!”
4: Some may remember you from playing on the Footy Show, but Shinobi has been around for years now, any highlights?
EG: We’ve only been really serious and had a proper go at it in the last 18 months. Before then, we would only practice once every few months and rarely play gigs. It’s nice to have my weekends free these days so we can gig more!
Highlight would be randomly hearing our songs on some major radio stations and TV programs Australia wide. Enormous buzz and a kick in the ass to keep going!
5: For those who don’t know, one of Australia’s most iconic Rock venues the Annandale Hotel has been placed into receivership placing the future of the venue into question. What does the Annandale mean to The Rock scene and any plans to play there in the future?
EG: The Annandale typifies what Australian rock music is all about. We are lucky to be a part of that history and to be able to play there again on the 11th of May. Unfortunately it looks like it’ll be our last gig there as from all reports, they’re struggling to keep it afloat. Fingers crossed a miracle occurs. Love the place.
6: This may just be me here but the Annandale had to fight legal battles against those who live close and submitted noise complaints. The Hotel is hardly a new venture and residents surely knew of the venue when they bought, surely this is something they would have considered when buying?
EG: Well, you’d bloody think so! Unfortunately not. Absolutely ridiculous scenario and the way the council has handled the whole situation has been nothing short of disgusting. Basically just brushed their shoulders with it. Those mongrels!!
7: For those who don’t know the band, any songs you’d recommend? Against the brave has been used on Channel 9 and One HD and is probably the most known Shinobi song, is that a true representation of your sound?
EG: That’s a fair statement. I think we have a fair few songs that are brothers and sisters to AGAINST THE BRAVE. In saying that, we have some “second cousins” of that song also. Songs that are a little different dynamically and are more groove orientated. Across the board, I think you can tell when it’s us.
8: You followed your famous dad into football and now you play in a band with your brother Daniel, needless to say you have a pretty close and very talented family?
EG: Thanks for the kind words mate. We were very fortunate to grow up around music. Dad was forever playing instruments and it taught us how to see music from a ‘makers’ perspective opposed to just listening. We’ve loved it for as long as my memory serves me. We’re all best mates and if we’re together, we’re either talking, making or listening to music.
9: You still keep an eye on the NRL yes? Who’s going to take out the title this season?
EG: Yes. Parramatta….ahem.
10: What’s the plan for Shinobi? Any tours upcoming, a new album perhaps? Any last message for the fans out there?
Yes, we are doing lots of gigs Australia wide this year and next. In March 2014, we’re doing a small tour of the USA. Cannot wait!
Thanks to all who take the time to listen to our noise? We love playing and to those who give us their time, we are genuinely extremely thankful.
Once again thanks to Eric for his time. For those who haven’t heard Shinobi, I definitely recommend hitting YouTube and searching Against The Brave. For more about Eric and Shinobi follow Eric Grother on twitter @EricGrotheJnr
