Natural Born Rocker

At the tender age of fourteen she won legal emancipation from her parents, dropped high school, and by sixteen was arrested for being under age in a nightclub.

By eighteen she was nominated for an Oscar, and in her late teens embarked on a four-year relationship with Brad Pitt, before attending a rehab centre at twenty-two to kick a drug addiction.

In 1999 she married skateboarding champion Steve Berra, then divorced him in 2003.

Now in her thirties Juliette Lewis, despite the influences of Scientology, has no plans to settle down- especially since her band “The Licks” are touring the UK promoting their new album “Four on the Floor.”

Faye Lewis caught up with the former Hollywood wild child to ask her about life on the road.

“All I want to talk about is Brad Pitt, Scientology, Drugs and rehab!” yells Juliette returning from her sound check and throwing herself down next to me. Juliette Lewis looks very unspectacular and very non-Hollywood. Wearing a lived in t-shirt that hangs from her petite frame, the 33 year old appears as she describes herself “A mess.” To be honest it’s a relief, and means I can ask her about more important matters without intimidation, like how the tour has been so far.

“So far the tour has been pretty good…”

“My god this one time Brad and I went sky diving” interrupts lead guitarist Todd “ It was totally amazing, he wore totally short shorts and I think I saw one of his balls in them…”

Juliette is not impressed, and is quick to distance herself from Brad Pitt at all, informing Todd “You look blind when you do that!”

She continues, “It’s been two months and it’s been pretty incredible because we’ve played a number of sold out venues which, is very exciting for the band. We toured last year, but this is our longest, headlining tour. And for this record Four on the Floor we’re all really excited to play it live!”

How’s Europe compared to the US? “Hmm I find similarities, like when you go to Switzerland it’s like Indianapolis, I can’t generalize all of Europe, because it’s so different everywhere you go. The best gig so far was Hyde Park, but it was intimidating because Dave Grohl was seeing us live and Motorhead.”

Did you talk to Lemmy?

“Yeah I did, I think he’s wonderful he’s the sweetest thing ever.”

You really think Lemmy’s sweet?! What did you think about the handlebar moustache?

“He is sweet! As for the handlebar moustache, I’m a big supporter; I think we all are in this band, massive supporters of the handlebar moustache.”

Well they are the way forward.

“(Laughs) The way forward definitely! Actually Todd has a little facial hair. It’s more the old bearded man look don’t you think? I’m just kidding it’s the sexy thirty something look.”

Here’s the paradox with Juliette Lewis she goes from Brad Pitt to modestly discussing the lesser qualities of her band, and despite being an American is articulate and quick witted. As if more proof were needed of Juliette Lewis’ tenacity, she engages into a lengthy discussion about how good it is not discuss her films, which I’m told “Are completely separate from her band,” which she begrudges discussing with journalists under the guise of her music. Instead she’s happier sitting backstage, eating crisps and talking about mustaches. Rock.