I'm a rockstar on hiatus - Ask Me (Almost) Anything

[SweetnSaltyPopcornPlease]

I'm a semi-successful musician in a rock band. It's my only occupation, has been for some years. I've been a lot of places, seen a lot of stuff and met a lot of people. Ask me anything. I can't answer everything for various reasons but let's see how it goes...

I have a question, have u ever meet Dave Grohl ? If so what was he like?

@macaroniandpizza

Did you ever get to play t in the park either at strathclyde park or balado?

Yes! Scotland is amazing to play! The crowds are incredible, so lively and enthusiastic.

If you could see one gig from a band or artist no longer alive / touring who would it be ?

Have you played Tim's Listening Party? Mercury Rev on now.

Who is the best and worst person you have met, who are famous, and why?

There's a few new questions that I've already answered. You might have to do a bit of scrolling...

How old are you ?

How did you find the first part of lockdown? Did you bother to put clean jeans on everyday?

@DoolittlePixie

I'm loving this thread. My husband is a walking music encyclopaedia and this the first time I've got him to read MN as a result of this.

My question - what were the last 3 gigs you went to? (Not where you were on the same bill / same festival - I mean, you went independently to see a band you like?)

Ha, nice. Ok, Ibibio Sound Machine, Imogen Heap and KT Tunstall. All guest list, all were fantastic.

Do you know Jarvis?

Out of interest if someone guessed you or your band would you say yes it was you ?

I don't think I know you, as the job stuff doesn't fit the semi successful rock banders I know. Seems a lifetime ago I was briefly part of that seen late 90s. I loved it but then real life took over.

OP must’ve played 2007 Benicassim based on her Amy Winehouse story... line up list for anyone willing to play detective:

www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/fib/2007/lineup.shtml

Problem is music students get no proper guidance on what to do when they hit the real world

I disagree, my DS studied at BIMM Bristol, all the tutors are currently active in the music industry.. with small group masterclasses from the likes of Jeff Beck, Brian May and Josh Homme.. past BIMM students include George Ezra, Tom Odell, The Kooks, Izzy Bizu, and James Bay to name but a few.

That is a great line up, love Anthony and the Johnson’s and nouvelle vague, so many !!!

Lol, a friend from high school manages the Hives.

I think I know and I follow you on Twitter. I suspect my SIL went to uni with the wife of one of your band mates.
Could be completely wrong!

Anyway, welcome to MN whoever you are!

I used to work for the NME back in the 2000's. Racks brain for the indie rock bands that were getting the hype from back then.

A woman I knew in the Jewish Society at uni - she wasn't a mate, we had mutual friends though - ended up becoming a journalist for Q (RIP) and then deputy editor at the NME. Eve Barlow, her name was. Small world.

Do you have tinnitus

@myowndevices

What was it like? I thought about being a music journalist. I am involved in music films (usually small, indie ones).

Ah sorry to disappoint - I wasn't editorial, I was advertising and sponsorship but got to go to lots of gigs and awards shows, was a really fun time to see bands like the Arctic Monkeys and The Killers when they were just starting out in small venues. I now work for a hedge fund in NYC - how times change!

I personally think that is the best time to see bands - their early shows in small intimate venues. I would love to have seen The Strokes in a downtown NYC club. Instead, I saw them at Reading and I don't think they are a festival band.

@rorapet

Do you have tinnitus

Great question. I don't, but I know musicians who do. You can't take your hearing for granted. It's 110-120db on stage. That is unbelievably LOUD. We were hanging out with a well known musician from an 80's rock band and he was saying it's not rock and roll to wear earplugs. (!!!!!) His hearing is shot. I wont go on stage without mine. They filter sound without muting it, and also reduce the volume slightly.

We were hanging out with a well known musician from an 80's rock band and he was saying it's not rock and roll to wear earplugs

Kevin Shields? I went to see My Bloody Valentine in 2008 and we were given earplugs on the way into the venue, which were certainly needed. Apparently Shields has lost something like 80% of his hearing.