Singer, guitarist and songwriter Gary Hector is the main creative force behind Jointpop, a rock 'n' roll band formed in 1996, disbanded briefly in 2004, and reformed in 2005. His music is a distinctive blend of styles, drawing as much on Trinidad’s indigenous music form, calypso, as it does on classic and modern rock, punk, funk and reggae.
He is also a fanatical follower of Trinidad and Tobago's national team and, after watching the final match of their first-ever FIFA World Cup™ adventure end in a gallant, undeserved defeat to Paraguay, he told FIFAworldcup.com of his pride in the Soca Warriors.
How do you feel after the elimination of you team?
I’m absolutely proud of my team, of my country and the people. I’ve absolutely no regrets. The country itself has been very proud of everything. I think we showed the world what we can do as a football team, and also as a people, just by having a good time.
It was a long trip getting back to our hotel after the game. We drove all night. Personally, I wasn’t in any sad mood or anything. I wish the game could have gone better, yes, but you know, I think it was a great effort by the boys. We were outclassed in the end. Everybody was realistic enough.
I wrote a song for the team about five years ago. It was not specifically about this team, about this qualification, but it was just a song about our national football team for all times, with the dream to one day get to the World Cup. And the dream came true.
My only regret is that I didn’t see more of one of our players. Russell Latapy only played last night for 23 minutes, and my only regret is that I didn’t see more of him. He’s my favourite player of all time.
Which game and player did you prefer?
The England game was the one I thought was best all round. It had good tactics, good heart and good spirit. I don’t want to be technical, because this is not a technical thing. But I would like to say that they showed themselves well, and put themselves out there. Sadly, we ended up on one point, but we can still say that they had a great first World Cup.
I just wasn’t sure how the boys were going to be with the whole occasion. Carlos Edwards or Brent Sancho were very special. I know what they can do, but I just wanted to see what they could do on the actual world stage, and I think they both stepped up and really looked the part.
In the first game, I’d say the boys just got by in the first 20 minutes and then they settled down and looked like the team we know they can be. But yesterday, against Paraguay, in the first-half, I think all of that pressure came back to them. All of a sudden it was no longer fun just being here, all of a sudden it had some huge stakes involved, and I thought it affected them in the first-half yesterday. I think the occasion got to some of the players.
And what about the other teams?
I have been looking at some games. I went to see Germany-Poland live, I had tickets for that, and there was quite an atmosphere! It was quite special. I think the competition is going well.
I am sort of surprised by Ecuador’s results. I haven’t seen them play yet, but their results have been surprising. I’m disappointed in Costa Rica: I thought they’d have done better.
I always have a thing for the German team too. I’m happy they’re doing well. I think the Germans are going to get to the final.
I’m not too sure how the draw works, but they’re likely to meet the Argentines, though they can’t meet in the final. So, I guess it would be the Brazilians or the English.
Fan of?
In club football, Manchester United
The first FIFA World Cup you followed? And your first football idol?
1974, West Germany when I was 11. Yeah, and my first idol would be Gerd Muller.
The greatest match you have ever seen ?
That would be West Germany-France in 1986.
The FIFA World Cup match you would most liked to have seen or played in?
West Germany-Argentina in 1990, the Final.
What are your current projects, and do you have a website?
I’m writing a new album, and we’ll be recording that soon. We’ve some live shows coming in August. As for the band’s website, it is www.jointpop.com .