Front man and lead guitarist Ash Tustain and I met over a mutual love of The Virginmarys. “You should check out my band,” he said – I’m glad I did! Leicester being their main stomping ground is not too far away and I’ve been lucky enough to catch a couple of their high energy sets. I would highly recommend their previous EPs Satisfied and Ladies and Gents. After winning ‘The Original Bands Showcase’ 2015, I can’t wait to hear the new stuff and party at one of their shows again.
I threw our usual Mosh questions at the self proclaimed “balls out rock band” and Ash, Jack Cotterz (drummer) and Atticus Hall-McNair (bass) bounced them back collectively.
Except The Eagles comment. “That’s all Ash that one,” laughs Jack.
Simple things first, where are you guys from?
We come from a load of little villages around Hinkley and Nuneaton, Leicestershire.
How did you meet?
Jack and Ash first met through a mutual friend who was the old bassist. Once he left for University we recruited Atti who Ash knew through an old band they were in as kids.
How long have you been playing as a band?
This current line up has been together 5 years.
Before you get sick of being asked…. where does the band name come from?
From a Nick Cave album and song “Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!” Although we’re more fans of his moustache than his music.
What are your influences?
Anything Dave Grohl, anything Joshua Homme and Jesse Hughes are involved in and Dean Friedman.
Describe your music, what makes you unique?
We’d say our music was a mix of heavy riffs, upbeat choruses and old school rock and roll that you can drink and dance to.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
Ash’s lyrical themes come from the people he’s met and situations he’s been in.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Our live shows are full of dancing, drinking, butt wiggling, flashing lights and girls in tights. We’ve played a hell of a lot of gigs! From festivals and support slots to three hour Kiss tributes.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
We’ve had to stop a show before because one of our friends had too many Red Bulls and tried to fly across the dance floor, but landed on his face.
What kit do use? Guitars do you play?
Orange amps, Epiphone guitars, Gretsch drums and Zildjian cymbals.
What are your plans for 2017?
We’re planning on releasing our new EP Outlaw through Ghoulish Records around Easter, followed by a shit tonne of shows.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and who would you chose to open for you?
If we were second on the bill, we’d like to have Tequila Mockingbyrd on before us; so we can enjoy them sober and have a great party afterwards whilst watching The Eagles. Because y’know, they’re The Eagles!
Photos by Danielle Oatridge Photography. Used with kind permission – thanks!
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