Jane Birkin
What's on your rider?Green tea and quality Earl Grey. A plate of plain pasta with olive oil, a glass of wine.
What's the best gig you've been to?Emotionally, Lou Doillon's first gig last week in Paris! To be at her first ever, for it to be packed. People calling out her name – great voice, great songs, maternal joy!
And the worst?Mine, a few years back, for Milan Fashion Week. I tried to sing with a spotlight on me from far across a crowded room. The spotlight couldn't find me, people didn't care because, quite rightly, it was a party. They were celebrating the end of thrilling fashion week and just wanted to talk and have a drink. I don't think they knew I was on! I wasn't, really!
Who is the most famous person to have shown up at one of your gigs?Catherine Deneuve.
Groupies. Would you?I don't know what that is. Does it mean being in a group? I'd love that.
Have you a special stage wardrobe?Yes: vintage smoking St Laurent jacket and a Charvet man's shirt.
Any useful stage tips?The Japanese go "whaaa" and we push our hands down together. It's a good feeling just before going on. Work, work, work the lyrics. And rehearsals. Then you can't blame yourself for not being as good as you can.
Who's invited to your aftershow party?I don't think any one is.
What's your best tour story?In Australia I had a medical emergency an hour before the show. The good-looking doctor at the hospital said I had to stay the night for tests, but I said no way, I have a show in an hour. "So you want to die on stage?" he asked. I signed the release form and realised for the first time that I loved what I did. I could admit to it – I wanted to be there!
* Jane Birkin plays the NCH, Dubln on Sunday
