Joan as Police Woman
What's on your rider?Fresh fruit, dark chocolate, leafy greens, smoked salmon: brain drugs for the 2009 human.
What would be on your fantasy rider?Shiatsu masseuse, sushi chef, inspirational speaker.
What's your pre-gig ritual/ routine?I try and hit some seriously high and low notes to make sure the voice is working, and some harmony singing with the band.
How do you get to the gig – limo, taxi, walking?I have gotten to the gig in all of these ways. It depends what the situation is. When arriving with Prince, a heliport is necessary.
What's the best gig you've been to, and why?Nina Simone at NYC's Beacon Theatre – she was so in the moment always.
Who is the most famous person to have shown up at one of your gigs?Chrissie Hynde is the most famous to me because she is one of my favourite ever music makers.
But famous?Elton John? Lou Reed?
Most embarrassing on-stage moment?Completely forgetting how to play songs. Like, completely.
What's your crowd-pleasing number?Eternal Flame, Christobel, The Ride.
Chatting between songs: good or bad?I chat. I like to get some rapport going with the people who have left their houses to see me play.
How many roadies does it take to change your lightbulbs?I usually travel with two people, a sound person and a road manager. Anyone I tour with is a hero to me because of the workload and the rigorous schedule.
Have you a special stage wardrobe?It's a show and I dress for the stage. Sometimes I look back and I'm like, "what the fuck was I wearing?"
Do you like to meet and greet fans after the gig?For me, it's important to meet the people who help me survive as an artist.
Any useful stage tips?Wear shoes you can walk in! And when you make a mistake, just roll with it. People don't attend shows to witness a robot.
What's the worst thing ever thrown at you?When I was opening for Morrissey, I had a tampon thrown at me.
Who's invited to your aftershow party?Anyone who won't throw the TV out the window. That shit is old hat.
- In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea. Joan as Police Woman plays Crawdaddy, Dublin on Tuesday
