Gavin Rossdale talks about Bush’s breakthrough in 1994, his affinity for radio music festivals and new music on the horizon

In the early ’90s, Gavin Rossdale and his newly-formed English rock band Bush had signed to Disney’s Hollywood Records with hopes of distributing their debut album “Sixteen Stone.”

But following a change in direction from the company’s management, the band’s hopes for commercial success were in flux.

“I had a deal that got dropped,” Rossdale said in a recent phone interview. “I thought I had made a record, and that was it, but I didn’t realize I had to go back to work (my day job). So I went back to work and painted 11 dentist offices.”

A year later in 1994, “Sixteen Stone” was released on Trauma and Interscope Records and quickly peaked on the Billboard charts with two hits, “Comedown” and “Glycerine,” taking over radio and MTV. The band is nearing the 30th anniversary of the album, which came out on Dec. 6, 1994, and is on the bill this weekend for ALT 98.7/FM’s ALTer Ego festival at the Honda Center in Anaheim.

The festival will also feature Fall Out Boy, The 1975, the Black Keys, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Sum 41, Yellowcard, lovelytheband and The Last Dinner Party.

Gavin Rossdale of Bush performs July 16, 2023, at Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio.

(Amy Harris / Associated Press)

“I don’t know that I’ve been thinking about it too much,” said Rossdale when asked about the upcoming anniversary of “Sixteen Stone.” “It’s just one of those things where you’re like, ‘The passage of time is insane.’”

On Nov. 10, the band also released a 21-track compilation album, “Loaded: The Greatest Hits 1994-2023,” that includes hits from the band’s early days to the most recent ones. Rossdale recently spoke about the success of “Sixteen Stone,” his affinity for performing at radio festivals and the new music on the horizon.

The following conversation was edited for space and clarity.

Q: As a musician, you strive to make it to the big time. What does it feel like to have that at such an early point in your career?

A: Well, it was only early on a public level, and I obviously struggled and toiled for many years before that. It was not that I was on Easy Street, but it felt like being where I should be and where I belong. Since I got the opportunity to make music all those years ago, I just really just love my job. It’s a real privilege and honor to make music that people like and want to listen to. I’ve been very lucky to have had such a long career. We’ll never be as successful as we were because that’s impossible, but we have a fantastic life and audience. Playing this tour now is like being in a room full of 10,000 memories. It’s beautiful that with every song, everyone has a different memory. It’s just wild.

Q: The band was associated with grunge, predominantly coming out of the U.S. I know you’ve mentioned Nirvana as an influence, too. How would you say Bush’s music has evolved from that?

A: Well, we’ve (since) had No. 1 records. We are quite consistent in this. For us, it’s not about “Oh, wow, the ‘90s are back.” It’s more of a people have this soundtrack to their lives, and it’s a weird one. It’s interesting balancing (that) even with our top 20 songs on the radio now. People hearing that, to them, it’s a new band. And then they stream us and go, “Oh, my God, these records go back ages.”

It’s just a combination of things. Some people are there because they’ve followed everything you’ve ever done, and some people maybe found you yesterday. Obviously, it’s really exciting to have a young audience come in and get lost in the music, but it’s also felt good that we’ve lived a life of duty well served and have a career where people know us and we’re all connected. People think they know me really well because they do know me. They play my songs in their ears for a long time.

As a songwriter, if people like your band, they will feel like they know you because you’ve spoken to them. I love that. I take it seriously and try to do great music still and shows every night without resting on any laurels. But, of course, it’s great to have come from the ’90s.

Q: You’re also on the lineup of the ALTer Ego fest. What does it feel like playing these radio shows with a mix of bands from Bush’s era, but also newer acts such as The 1975?

A: It’s a very exciting crowd, and I enjoy that. It’s fun and a different place to play. We’ve played stinky rock festivals with people covered in tattoos and mud. I’m thinking a lot about European ones, but that’s the vibe you get in those places. The good thing about festivals is when you try to win people over when there are bands like Paramore and many others that people go and want to see. I like that.

You want to try and nick them, so they’re like, “Yo, that was pretty damn good.” You get a chance to go up against other bands and all that stuff. Every band wants to be the most favorite band on the stage, but you want everyone to have a good time. It’s better when all the bands are good. The better the bands, the better the festival, energy and crowd, so I like it when the standards are high.

Q: Bush’s “Bullet Holes” track was in “John Wick: Chapter 3 — Parabellum.” I’m curious what you think of the movies. Do you think you could go head-to-toe with Mr. Wick?

A: Oh, Jesus Christ. Maybe on bass. I can take him on bass any day. The films are really exciting, but it’s not my thing. I normally like psychological dramas, but wow, the guy was getting beat up the whole time. But I love Keanu Reeves.

Q: You have a cooking show coming out soon. What’s it about and what is your relationship with cooking? How often do you get to cook when you’re on the road?

A: Being on the road is quite hard for cooking, but we have a little stove on the bus. So if push comes to shove, we’re going to make a little pasta or a little egg. I just love cooking. For some reason, I have the ability to be able to put together a plate of food. For the show, I thought it was an interesting thing, basically to like do a podcast, but with a really good meal. It was a simple premise, but it’s been hard to make. It’s such a weird world trying to get non-scripted shows made. It’s a bit of a jungle.

Q: What’s next for the band after your wrap-up touring?

A: We’re putting out a new record, which I’m really excited about. Then, for a couple of months, we’re just going to decompress. We haven’t stopped for many months, so if we could go home and be creative, that is fine with me.

ALTer Ego Festival featuring Fall Out Boy, Bush, The 1975, the Black Keys, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Sum 41, Yellowcard, lovelytheband and The Last Dinner Party

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Where: Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim

Tickets: $130 and up

Online: iheart.com/alter-ego/

Vargas writes for the Southern California News Group.