Jake Burns from Stiff Little Fingers
What's on your rider?
Pretty much the same as most people’s. The usual sandwiches, beer, soft drinks, llamas, circus animals, Chinese masseuse, Beluga caviar, champagne . . . oh, and crisps.
What would be on your fantasy rider?Guaranteed European qualification for Newcastle United. Or at least, Premiership survival. But then, you did say this was a fantasy . . . right ?
What's your pre-gig routine?Watch The Simpsons. Pack gig-bag with stage clothes, etc. Meet band in pub somewhere. Have a couple of beers. Head to venue. (I'm serious!)
How do you get to the gig?Depends how far the gig is from the hotel. Usually tour van but if it's close enough we'll walk.
What's the best gig youve been to?Tom Waits. Dominion Theatre, London. He's so outside of what most people do. The whole thing transcends "gig" and becomes a bizarre theatrical performance with music played on the most ridiculous things. (Pots, bedsprings, wardrobes, etc.) Yet, at the same time he can move you in a way very few musicians can.
And the worst?Too many to mention. Also, I don't want to name them as I tend to feel a respect for even the worst musician for at least having the guts to get up there.
Ecologically speaking, are you closer to Radiohead or Motörhead?Sadly, Motörhead. Although, who's to say Lemmy doesn't recycle ? I'm sure I've heard Ace of Spadesin at least three of their songs. (Joke!)
Who is the most famous person to have shown up at one of your gigs?Usually us. Occasionally, Stuart Pearce (who's more of a mate than a fan, though.) Sinéad O'Connor has been to see us. And once at UCD Belfield, the Social Secretary evicted Bob Geldof from the side of the stage.
Most embarrassing on-stage moment?Forgetting the opening number at a festival in front of about 35,000 Hell's Angels. The subsequent lower intestinal fear almost led to the second most embarrassing on-stage moment.
What's your crowd-pleasing number?Undoubtedly Alternative Ulster. And to think we almost gave it away as a flexi-disc! (Ask your parents. Or maybe grandparents!)
- In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea. Stiff Little Fingers play The Academy Dublin tonight
