TOUR DU JOUR
Spotlighting an upcoming road trip This month:
GRANT NICHOLAS OF FEEDER
How have you been preparing for the tour? We had a quick rehearsal day last December, to see how much work was needed, then rehearsals at the end of January, into February. I’ll be listening to the new songs while running, to get them into my system. Do you have any pre-/postshow routines? In the old days, a large shot of brandy and a few screams. Nowadays, I take more care of myself. I like a quiet place to do quick vocal warms-ups and a bit of acoustic guitar. Then I go through the set-list in my head, then into the band dressing room to see the guys and to get the vibe. Will you be playing any songs that you rarely perform? A new album tour is the one time that you get to play new material. Will the set-list change over the tour?
I’m always tweaking it, alternating songs. Set-lists are a challenge, but when you get it right, it makes such a difference to the overall live experience.
Are there any venues that you’re particularly looking forward to? Glasgow Barrowlands, Nottingham Rock City, Manchester Albert Hall, and London Camden Roundhouse, my old stomping ground. Will you check out your tour supports? We were inundated with support acts, so we’re trying to pick from a growing list. It’s difficult, as there are so many good bands out there, and friends and agency acts want to play. We’re trying to get a good mix, to give as many bands a chance as we can. Extra stress for our tour manager, but he understands!
Will there be any unusual merchandise on sale?
I personally spend hours working on designs with my daughter, Hana.
Will you be recording any shows for CD or DVD?
We haven’t released a live album, but it’s something we’d like to do. We may record some shows on the Black/red tour and are looking into logistics, where it might be possible. I’ve always been a bit sceptical about live albums, as it’s impossible to get the atmosphere of being in a venue with a loud PA, hearing a band connect and rock out. But with new technology, I’m slowly coming round to the idea.
Have any shows stood out of late?
Blur at Wembley Stadium were really good and, sonically, much heavier than you’d expect.
Do you have an amusing road story?
When we supported The Rolling Stones, we were told not to eat the Shepherd’s Pie in backstage catering till Keith Richards had eaten some. We were told that he likes to break the crust first. ROCK AND ROLL!
Feeder play in March at (2) Cambridge Junction (3) Bexhill De La Warr Pavilion (5) Portsmouth Guildhall (6) Torquay Foundry
(8) Bristol O2 Academy (9)
Cardiff Great Hall (11) Oxford O2 Academy (14) Lincoln
Engine Shed (16) Birmingham O2 Institute (17) Liverpool O2 Academy (19) York Barbican
(20) Manchester Albert Hall
(22) Newcastle Boiler Shop
(23) Glasgow Barrowlands (25) Nottingham Rock City (26) Sheffield Leadmill (28) London Camden Roundhouse.