THE STRUTS | INTERVIEW
Ahead of their date in Cardiff University’s Great Hall on Thurs 17 Oct, Buzz spoke to Gethin Davies – an Aberystwyth boy in a Derby band, of all things – from loudly-dressed classic rock revivalists The Struts.
The Struts have had a busy summer touring the USA, including a huge sellout NYC show. How has that been for you all? What do you miss the most about the UK when you’re over there?
This year has taken us all over the world. We’ve had the best time touring America, Australia, Brazil, Japan etc. It’s amazing to travel and visit our fans around the world but we all agree that there’s nothing quite like touring in the UK. There’s something about being able to pop down to Boots for a meal deal or into a Wetherspoons for a pint of Carling that we all miss!
As you’ve toured North America quite extensively, what places would you recommend as ‘must-sees’ if anyone was planning a road trip and why?
New Orleans is the first to come to mind. It’s such a vibey place – we spent a lot of time (and money) at a place called Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, which has a little old lady in the back room playing song requests.
Body Talks was the soundtrack to BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing trailer recently – with it being one of the biggest shows on UK TV, did you have many out of the blue messages? Do you think you or any of your bandmates could win the show?
Honestly, we had no idea it was being used and yeah, we all got loads of our friends hitting us up! Of course, we’ve been in America so haven’t seen it on TV ourselves yet, but it’s pretty cool. I think Luke would smash it! Although Jed is the king of the dad dance, so he might be able to win the judges over with his rigid hip thrusts.
Dave Grohl has called you his favourite support band – how did that feel when you first heard it? Did it bring added pressure?
He did! That was a very surreal moment in our career. I wouldn’t say it added any pressure – if anything I’d say that it’s given us an extra confidence that we’re on the right path, and to have rock royalty like Dave as an advocate is just incredible.
The reception to Young & Dangerous has been incredible, what’s your personal favourite off the album?
My favourite has to be Primadonna Like Me. I think it captures the fun and energy of the band from the get-go. We also open our show with it and the energy sets the tone for the rest of the show.
You’ll be coming to Cardiff as part of your UK tour. As a Welshman does it bring out an extra fire in your performance?
The last time we played in Wales was 2015 at a small bar in Swansea. So yeah it’ll be great to come back to my native country! Lots of friends and family will be coming to see us play for the first time too. I’ll be flying the Welsh flag proudly off my drum kit as I’ve been doing the last few years around the world.
What other bands do you listen to on your tour playlist?
I’ve just been listening to the new Liam Gallagher album, which I’m really enjoying. There’s also a band called The Glorious Sons that just released their third album. Then I’ve been downloading a load of Britpop playlists recently, it’s my go to music to get hyped for a show!
What makes watching The Struts live, an experience like no other?
Our sole intention when playing a show is to bring as much energy as we can and just make sure the audience is having the best time, feeling like they’re a part of the show too. We want people to come through the doors, forget about whatever worries they have for two hours and just have fun with us. Our fans have a real sense of community, so it’s just a great atmosphere.
The Struts, Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union, Thurs 17 Oct. Tickets: £19.50. Info 029 2078 1458 / www.cardiffstudents.com
