What's on your rider?

Maximo Park

What's on your rider?Rum, postcards and a good book.

What would be on your fantasy rider?An exotic, rare instrument for each gig.

What's your pre-gig routine?Put on a suit and hat, stretch my legs, warm up my voice, clear my throat.

How do you get to the gig?I walk from our tour bus.

What's the best gig you've been to?Leonard Cohen in Manchester. It was a spiritual experience.

And the worst?There were countless local bands that played in Middlesbrough Arena, who were all as bad as each other.

Ecologically speaking, are you closer to Radiohead or Motörhead?Radiohead.

Who is the most famous person to have shown up at one of your gigs?Mel C from The Spice Girls.

Most embarrassing on-stage moment?I fell over in front of millions of French TV viewers in a New Year's Eve special in Paris. I hadn't even opened my mouth.

What's your crowd-pleasing number?Apply Some Pressure.

Chatting between songs – good or bad?Good. I want to communicate with the audience and help them understand the emotions behind the songs. We're not too cool for school!

Groupies – would you?Ask our bass player.

How many roadies does it take to change your lightbulbs?Six hardcore members, but for a big tour, we have caterers, drivers, PA people, lighting guys.

Have you a special stage wardrobe?Yeah, I have a Christian Dior hat and a tailor-made suit based on post-war tailoring, as seen in Italian neo-realist films. I have to wear trainers because of all the jumping around.

Do you like to meet and greet fans after the gig?If someone takes the time to wait for us then I don't mind sharing some of my time with them.

Any useful stage tips?Express yourself.

Who's invited to your aftershow party?Friends and family. No hangers-on, please.

** In conversation with TONY CLAYTON-LEA. Maxïmo Park play in Dublin on Monday