Music

What's on your rider? Sweet Jane's Danda Paxton

What’s on your rider? We usually just ask for beers, but it depends on where you’re playing – sometimes you’re lucky if you …

Fri Sep 28 2012 - 01:00

What's on your rider?We usually just ask for beers, but it depends on where you're playing – sometimes you're lucky if you get water! So it makes it extra special if you get some beers thrown your way and maybe a bottle of Jägermeister; that helps with the vocals!

What would be on your fantasy rider?I could tell you but you wouldn't print it! To be honest, we would be happy with the beers and Jäger.

What's your pre-gig ritual/ routine?Usually just hanging out in the dressing room listening to some tunes and singing along, warming up the voice. Actually, maybe stick a stereo on that fantasy rider.

How do you get to the gig – limo, taxi, walking?We usually all meet up at our rehearsal spot and load up the van, so I guess we take a van. Limo? Are you serious? We couldn't fit our amps in one!

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What's the best gig you've been to?That's a tough one. We were playing SXSW in Austin. Texas, not too long ago and I saw Damien Jurado play – just him and his guitar. It blew me away. Also saw War on Drugs play Whelan's, which was amazing. I'm still holding out to see Neil Young and Crazy Horse; I reckon that will take the title.

And the worst?Hmm, that's also hard. Actually, it's not: I saw Lady Gaga at a festival. She was muck, awful.

What are your favourite venues?I had the privilege of playing the Roundhouse London before, and that was the best venue I have ever played in – it's so full of history. All the greats have played there, The Doors, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix.

Who is the most famous person to have shown up at one of your gigs?We played Tower Records and Mike Scott from The Waterboys was there. Steve Lilleywhite was also in the audience recently.

Groupies. Would you?I have.

How many roadies does it take to change your lightbulbs (ie, how big is your entourage)?Roadies? What are they? I am my own roadie. We all do our own lifting and setting up.

Who's invited to your aftershow party?Anyone who wants to go and have a good time!

What's your best tour story?I'll tell you when we get back off the road after touring our new album – I promise.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea. Sweet Jane play The Mercantile, Dublin tonight