Rocker admits screen debut may spell the end for his movie career

Sep 28 2008 Edited By Billy Sloan And Mickey Mcmonagle

Exclusive: Carl's Movie Debut As Rocker Vincent

DIRTY Pretty Things singer Carl Barat has told how his movie debut might also spell the end of his big-screen career.

He stars as rocker Gene Vincent in Telstar - the biopic of 60s maverick producer Joe Meek - which premieres at the London Film Festival next month.

But Carl says he did not take the role seriously enough - and is terrified of going to the screening in case he is rotten.

He said: "I'd like to do more acting, although there is a bit more to it than I thought.

"It was surprising how difficult it was - it was all over very quickly. One minute I heard 'action', the next it was finished.

"Telstar was a good experience but I would really like to prove to myself that I could do it a little bit better. I'm not happy with it - or with what I remember of it at least.

"I'm scared to go to the premiere in case I'm diabolical.

It will be a very scary night."

Retro singer Duffy has recorded a cover of Meek's Please Stay for the film while the rest of the soundtrack is made up of the original hits.

Carl - who plays the ABC in Glasgow on Saturday - has already been offered more movie roles.

But he wants to step away from his comfort zone by playing parts from outside the music world.

He said: "I have something coming up. It's a very different direction - a part you really would not expect me to play which makes it very exciting.

"And I'll be playing a scientist in a new British film which will be weird but cool."

Carl was recently forced to quit drinking for three months after suffering from pancreatitis and says giving up booze could be the best thing that ever happened to him.

He said: "Being off booze has really helped in terms of creativity.

"Things are distorted with the booze haze and you don't know what's good for you. I plan to stay away from it and have replaced it with a new vice - writing. I only used to write when I had to. Now I'm doing it in a good way which is amazing.

"This could all turn out to be a huge landmark in my life as I am throwing myself into music again.

"My life had become all about booze and now it isn't any more."

Carl's resolve will be tested when he and bandmate Didz Hammond DJ at Bunker on Saturday at the after-party for their ABC show.

He said: "We'll just play whatever we fancy. It's a way of opening up the after-show party to the fans. It's a bit of fun and we will enjoy it too."

Telstar has its world premiere at the London Film Festival on October 25. Get tickets at www.bfi.org.uk/lff or call 0207 928 3232.