An Interview with Stevie Riks

Stevie Riks is one of the most talented comedy performers on the planet. He is the genius who brings alive musical legends past and present in a brilliant and uproariously funny way.He has performed on national TV in the UK and is an internet superstar with fans worldwide. But Stevie is a comic genius with a serious side. He recently became one of the first “ambassadors” for just4theplanet. We are so proud to have him on board.

Ian McCoy (Editorial Manager for just4theplanet) interviewed his friend Stevie. They have had some laughs together in the past – but things turned a little more serious and personal. After all it is the future of the planet we were discussing – amongst other things

J4tp: I know you have a keen interest in all things environmental and that you have a special interest in Conservation and animal rights. How did your great love for animals develop?

Stevie: As a child I was never allowed pets – so I found myself “adopting” animals – especially dogs. I look back with some amusement when I think of my mother shouting “Blackie’s (or whatever dog) is at the door”. Other kids had their mates calling for them – so did I – they just happened to be dogs! I was often seen at the local park playing football with my canine friends.

J4tp What about as you got older?

Stevie: When I met Caroline (my wife) she had 18 cats 3 dogs and a hen in her household. So she has a passion for animals as well. When we set up house we acquired 10 cats and a dog. I have always had at least two dogs – they really are mans best friend.

J4tp: what else do you love about dogs in particular?

Stevie: What’s that old saying –“I wish people would love me as much as my dog loves me”. Their love really is unconditional. What’s more I think they have abilities that we don’t really understand. For example we know they can sniff and detect cancer and there is their ability to sense your mood. And how do they know when their owner is coming home? This has been well documented – so fascinating! I know you are a magician and mentalist Ian (and a bloody good one) – can you explain it?

J4tp: Yes it is amazing Steve – I don’t think I can explain it. Dogs do seem to have a much heightened intuition – maybe one day science will understand these. Maybe they will forever be a mystery.
I was wondering what specific animal rights issues you are interested in.

Stevie: I am interested in all animal rights – but if I was to think of some of the heart wrenching things – the clubbing of seals is something that actually makes me cry. What type of heartless bas….d would batter a baby seal to death? It is beyond disgusting. I am getting emotional just talking about it.
Then there are the whales. Why are these beautiful majestic creatures of the ocean killed? To make soap? It is well documented how intelligent whales are – and I know that there have been bans. But people and even countries continually ignore these bans. I think we should be enforcing these international agreements with greater stringency. I know the actor Pierce Brosnin has put much money and effort into helping protect these beautiful giants of the sea and he has my grateful admiration.

J4tp: We did a story recently about the terrible fate of dolphins in Japan – where they are cornered and beaten to death – as part of some ancient tradition.

Steve: It’s disgusting – I’m not against tradition – but if it is a cruel tradition – ban it – and prosecute anyone who continues.

J4tp: There is a move by some marine biologists to reclassify Dolphins as “sentient non humans” which I suppose would put them on a par with us – i.e. an acknowledgement that they have what the philosophers call self awareness and consciousness.

Steve: I have no doubt that all animals have consciousness and that most have feelings. If you are going to class Dolphins as “sentient” – then I think you should add most whales as well. What about apes? Where do we draw the line? We have already talked about the strange and marvellous qualities of our canine friends. My view is that we should treat all animals with the respect they deserve.

J4tp: What about animal testing?

Steve: Totally against it.

J4tp: What about those people who are animal lovers – who say that in some circumstances it is morally defensible to use animals to test certain drugs – or do medical procedures on animals – in order to develop procedures which will benefit humanity?

Steve: What gives us the right to do this? For any experiment! Listen animals have feelings – we must find other ways. Testing disgusts me.

J4tp: Thanks Steve – your love of animals is admirable. What about the more general environmental issues? What is your view about global warming?

Steve: I think it is happening without doubt. What about these crazy summers we’ve been having here in the UK.? And what’s the cause the polar ice caps melting? Climate change is happening – and those who say it is not are acting like ostriches. I just hope it is not too late. I often feel so helpless.

J4tp: Yes sometimes we feel helpless – but we can make a difference

Steve: Yes – I suppose if we all do our little bit and indeed make a difference.

J4tp: That’s right Steve and you being one of our “Ambassadors” is one of those little things that will hopefully heighten awareness. I was wondering Steve – what other little “green” things do you do personally?

Steve: Well I recycle – all the time. I believe you have absolutely got to do this. Also I do the usual energy saving things around the home – goods insulation, environmentally friendly light bulbs etc. I also grow my own vegetables and fruit.

J4tp: Oh wow I didn’t know that Steve. Green fingers as well!?

Steve: Oh yeh – I grow potatoes, carrots, lettuce, apples and even grapes! Also I am about to buy some chickens!

J4tp : That brilliant Steve. You really are doing your bit! I have one last question. You have been in the entertainment business for 20 years – you have appeared on national TV and have a massive fan base – via the internet – around the world. We have done stories about the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Emma Watson and their environmental initiatives. What is your take on the impact of environmental issues on “celebrity” culture?

Steve: My view is that the more celebrities get on board the better. Lots of people out there take a lot of notice when a celebrity takes a stance on an issue. Paul McCartney is very good on green issues – and of course is a big animal lover. ( Steve becomes Paul McCartney: “dooooo oh yes I’m a big supporter of the environment dooooo”) Also Sting has been campaigning for years to save the rainforests – along with his mate with the fancy lip piercing! I know Hollywood tends to produce some progressive thinking (most actors/directors/writers for example backed President Obama). Hopefully more will fly the green flag. The movie Avatar was completely about conservation – so perhaps many in Hollywood at least are batting in our corner.

J4tp: Well thank you so much Steve. This has been a great interview. And to all our readers/viewers out there we recommend you check out Stevie’s hilarious videos at www.stevieriks.com If you live in the Uk you might be lucky enough to see his live show which is absolutely brilliant. There is a big campaign for Steve to get his own national TV show. We at just4theplanet totally endorse this and are proud that Stevie Riks is one of our ambassadors!

Steve – as Ringo “Peace and Love”

Check out the full bio Of Stevie on the Ambassadors Page.

If you want to join in the fun and be the first to view Steve’s new comedy sketches, subscribe to his channel at www.youtube.com/MrSTEVIERIKS. The Channel features up to date Videos and the latest Stevie Riks News, along with the Great Comments people have posted from all over the world.

You can also follow him on Facebook, www.facebook.com

Tweet

 

 

2 Responses to “Stevie Riks”