It’s 11 years since ‘Asleep In The Back’ and it really doesn’t feel that long. Already a year has passed since the release of their Mercury nominated ‘Build a Rocket Boys’ album which is the latest of their now five offerings. Ivor Novello awards, Mercury award and many more, Elbow deserve the accolades that seem to be building year on year.
Electric Picnic 2012 have Elbow over again to play, following up on their appearance here 4 years ago for the 2008 installment of the festival, of course 2008 was the release of ‘Seldom Seen Kid’ which was probably their most successful and acknowledged album to date. So four years on, a new album under their belts, Elbow surely are a must see act of the Electric Picnic weekend.
So we thought, what better than to put our festival interlude questions to their lovely drummer Richard Jupp. Here’s what Richard had to say.
What is your favorite song to play at a festival and why?
My favourite song to play at a festival is “Grounds for Divorce” as it’s the rockiest tune we have and it’s great to see the crowd going mental!. It gives us a chance to rock out a bit. Either that or “Lippy Kids”.
If you could duet with any act at Electric Picnic festival, who would it be?
If we could duet with any act then it would have to be Sigur Ros.
If you could have anything, even outrageous, what is the strangest thing you would have on a rider?
I would probably have my own wave machine that could produce nice 6/8 ft glassy, right to left barrel with a light onshore breeze so I could practice surfing while my gear is being set up. If not, then our rider pretty much covers it.
If you could pick 4 headliners for a dream festival who would they be and why?
AC/DC, Soundgarden, LCD Soundsystem, Radiohead. Just because they pretty much cover the reasons why we got into music.
Have you ever been starstruck backstage at a festival or gig?
Absolutely!!!, the worst one was when we supported U2 at Wembley stadium and met them after our set, I just completely froze when Larry Mullen Jnr let onto me. I had all these images of me keeping cool and us chatting away but no, it was my biggest fail so far. The lads still take the piss.
Most embarrassing festival moment?
There has never really been an embarrassing moment at a festival because you kind of expect it, we call it Fezzy Rules, anything can happen! Also we have the luxury of having a great front man who can pretty much get us out of any mishap or technical malfunctions. Although I have nearly fallen backwards off my riser a few times!!!
How quickly can you pitch a tent?
Really quick, I am a ninja of tent pitching.
Food wise do you have any must have festival foods?
We are pretty healthy eaters but you can’t beat a Pie Minister. At Glastonbury a couple of years ago I over did it with the cider on our show day and the only thing that sorted me out was pie, mash and peas. Either that or a late night, soggy burger.
If you could never be in a band, what job do you think you would be doing now?
I would be a drum tech.
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Elbow play the Sunday of Electric Picnic on the main stage.