And So I Watch You From Afar (Tony Wright)
What's on your rider?Nothing too fancy – the usual really. Beers, water, wine, fruit juices, occasionally a bottle of whiskey. Half a kilo of Colombia's finest. Coffee, that is.
What's your pre-gig ritual/ routine?We feel it's a good idea to turn up to the venue, soundcheck then wait to play. It's a little leftfield but it's how we've always done it. Other than that, I make sure my pockets are empty as I'm terrified of my lighter exploding onstage. Not for love of my leg, but for the love and preservation of the lighter. Every day thousands explode all over the world. They have suffered enough. Together we can save them.
What's the best gig you've been to?There's a few. Neil Young with Pearl Jam in Dublin when I was 13 was pretty amazing. Deftones in the Limelight, Belfast in 1997 blew my tiny mind. Adebisi Shank in the Pavilion, Belfast, at Halloween a few years back was pretty special. I think it was so special because we finally realised we had some other hyper, ADD-suffering, whackjob musicians we could relate to.
And the worst?Adebisi Shank in the Pavilion in Belfast at Halloween a few years back was just hilariously awful. Lar bust his head open, the idiot. (See what I did!?) Probably the worst gig I've ever been to. It was over way too fast.
Who is the most famous person to have shown up at one of your gigs?TV's Jonny Black ( LaFaro). Without doubt. Also-rans include Richard Ayoade, Alex Turner and Al Murray.
Most embarrassing onstage moment?At our first Italian gig (I should take this moment to point out that I'm of Italian descent) in Milan, I told the crowd how happy we were to be there; especially me because of my Italian heritage. Cue huge applause, to which I thank them by saying "gracias". Which is Spanish.
Chatting between songs – good or bad?Audience-wise, great if you're in a rock band, bad if you're a singer- songwriter. Artist-wise, I think there's a time and a place. Personally, I like to talk with the crowd a little.
Groupies. Would you?What have you heard? I was very young and naive . . .
How many roadies does it take to change your lightbulbs (ie, how big is your entourage)?Small and highly efficient. They are all legends and we couldn't function without them.
Have you a special stage wardrobe?A wardrobe would just get in the way on stage. Silly!
Do you like to meet and greet fans after the gig?We always try to get out and say hello, it's the very least we can do. Guns N' Roses we ain't – they're loaded!
Any useful stage tips?Make sure the standby is off on your amp, and don't eat at least two hours before stage time.
What's the worst thing ever thrown at you?The book.
And So I Watch You from Afar plays Galway on Thursday
