Jake Burns of Stiff little Fingers in conversation with
TONY CLAYTON-LEA
What's on your rider?The usual stuff, nothing extravagant. Although, it being Ireland, I'm sure there'll be specific requests for Tayto crisps rather than generic supermarket brands!
What would be on your fantasy rider?Tayto available worldwide!
What's your pre-gig ritual/ routine?After soundcheck, everyone disappears to the hotel to pack gig-bags, grab a quick sandwich and, usually, phone home. Then, meet up in a quiet pub for a quick pint before the show. Takes the edge off the nerves. (Well, that's what I've been telling myself for the last 30-odd years!)
What's the best gig you've been to?Brian Wilson in Newcastle City Hall. How did one (very) young man write all those astonishing melodies? Knowing his personal history and to hear him sing those songs so perfectly was heartbreaking – in a good way.
What are your favourite venues?Glasgow Barrowland is always a favourite. But it's always difficult to beat coming home to Ireland. Belfast's Ulster Hall is always nerve- wracking, but in a good way. And Dublin was the first place outside of Belfast to really embrace the band, so we've always felt a great warmth playing there.
Most embarrassing on-stage moment?Once ran to the front of the stage to "throw a rock-star pose" and hit the opening note of a guitar solo, only for my guitar lead to sail over my head from the amplifier. Cue total silence and dejected walk back to the amp. I never struck said "pose" again.
Chatting between songs – good or bad?Most of the time good. The whole point of a live gig is a connection with the audience and vice versa. I don't see the point in being a human CD player and just rattling through your songs without adding some "colour" to them.
Groupies. Would you?The state of me these days, it's more a case of "would they?" Seriously, no. I've been happily married for some time now to the wonderful Shirley.
Any useful stage tips?Always check where the stage ends! You wouldn't be the first one to go arse over tit into the orchestra pit; take it from one who learned the hard way.
What's your best tour story?I'd better consult with the lawyers before answering that one.
* Stiff Little Fingers play Dublin tonight and Belfast tomorrow
