“˜Whatever happened to the heroes?’ sang Hugh Cornwell in a sneering tone on one of The Stranglers‘ most memorable tracks. Well for those of us who consider Cornwell a musical hero, he has been up to much since he sang those words 35 years ago.

Leaving British punk rock icons The Stranglers in 1990, after over 13 years of writing the band’s staples like “Golden Brown,” “Peaches,” and of course “No More Heroes,” Cornwell has been forging ahead with a succession of successful tours and a run of solo albums. His latest effort, Totem and Taboo, lays out his characteristic loose-hipped guitar licks and Cornwell’s trademark laid-back Cockney drawl and stinging lyrics.

While gearing up for his latest tour of the UK, Cornwell and I discussed his latest music, dealing with criticism, and preferring a toilet to Madonna. It’s all here in black & white…

Geeks of Doom: Your new album, Totem and Taboo, was funded through a Pledge music campaign.

Hugh Cornwell: That’s right, we formed sort of a relationship with them to fund the record. It was very successful.

Geeks of Doom: Were you surprised at the reaction you got because you’re well over your total now, aren’t you?