Allen Toussaint
What's on your rider?Instrument requirements, bottled sparkling water, sodas and tea.
What would be on your fantasy rider?Not much more than what is on my rider as is.
What's your pre-gig ritual/ routine?I draw up a set list, get with the band, if there be one, and talk or think about the songs and the audience.
How do you get to the gig – limo, taxi, walking?Usually by limo or town car.
What's the best gig you've been to?Every gig is the best gig because every audience and performance offers something different in the way the music and I am accepted.
And the worst?I haven't experienced it yet, but I would think if someone left unhappy or in the middle of the set, that would be the worst.
What are your favourite and least favourite venues?
I appreciate everywhere I am.
Who is the most famous person to have shown up at one of your gigs?Madonna, perhaps. It has been many years but that was certainly a surprise to have her in the audience at the Vanguard.
What's your crowd-pleasing number?Hard to say. I think people enjoy Southern Nights, Mother-in-Lawand Yes We Can Can.
Chatting between songs – good or bad?Chatting between songs is a very new experience, so I'm not sure if it is going good or bad yet. I'm getting more comfortable with it.
How many roadies does it take to change your light bulbs? (ie, how big is your entourage?)A party of one.
Have you a special stage wardrobe?Yes, to a degree.
Do you like to meet and greet fans after the gig?
Yes, very much so.
Any useful stage tips?
Be prepared.
What's the worst thing ever thrown at you?I haven't had anything thrown at me, I'm happy to say.
- In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea. Allen Toussaint plays the National Concert Hall, Dublin, on Tuesday
