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A. Yup, they're first cousins.
2. How do you feel about trading on this list?
A. Trading, selling and buying of Catherine Wheel items is great; just remember that this is a _friendly, respectful_ forum--if you're going to play hardball, do your thing on alt.music.alternative If you can't follow Netiquette, you're outta here. It's sad that I even have to mention it, but I do. If you aren't interested in trading with someone, at least take the time out to say thanks but no thanks.
3. What exactly is a Catherine Wheel, anyway?
A. These days, a catherine wheel is a firework. These fireworks can be hand-held, or they can be the kind that light up the sky (hold one of those in your hands and light it and you won't have any hands left). A catherine wheel is circular in shape and spins very rapidly before burning out. A catherine wheel firework was named as such because once upon a time. . .
The woman who is now known as St. Catherine of Alexandria (died 322 A.D.) was to have been tortured on one for converting Greeks to Christianity. Apparently she was damned good at her trade, because she was able to convert large crowds en masse. The emperor wasn't thrilled with this party trick, and ordered her to be tortured on a spiked wheel. The victim would be strapped to the wheel hand and foot, and then spun very rapidly. When Catherine touched this wheel, it fell apart. She was then beheaded. Unfortunately, her touch didn't have the same effect on the sword. The name Catherine became hugely popular, as it represented Christian piety and goodness.
Now, whether or not the band Catherine Wheel took their name from the instrument of torture, the firework, the David Byrne/Twyla Tharp musical or the pub in London remains to be seen. :-) We'll have to find out and post it to the list.
(Note: one of our fine list members wrote to the band and asked them this question. The reply was that the band is named after the firework, "but the instrument of torture may have been more appropriate." So there we have it, from the horse's (er, bassist Dave Hawes') mouth.)
4. When's the next album and tour?
A. Good question! The new album is supposedly due out in February, (single or EP due out before then) meaning the band should wind up living over here for several months like they have in for the past two albums. No word yet as to its title, track listings, etc. Stay tuned for more information as it breaks!
-Patty
Here's the supremely exhaustive Catherine Wheel discography .