Here we go again… Last year we covered every band on the Hobgoblin New Blood and Jagermeister stages in the run-up to Bloodstock 2015. This year, we’re going one better and aim to have interviews from all the bands on those two stages as well as all of those on the SOPHIE stage prior to the event kicking off on August 11th. That’s almost 100 interviews to get online for you lucky people over the course of the next couple of weeks. I bloody love this job, but you lot owe me a beer at Catton Hall, right?
Thanks to all the bands who’ve taken the time to respond!
XII Boar – SOPHIE Stage, Friday
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
The mean streets of Aldershot, Hampshire.
How did you meet?
When you live in a small middle class area like we do, there’s only so many other dudes with long hair, black t-shirts and beards around. You pretty much naturally gravitate towards each other.
How long have you been playing together as a band?
It’s about 6 years now.
Where does the name of the band come from?
Our band name is both a curse and a blessing. The name itself is actually a play on words in reference to a 12 bore shotgun, I think a lot of people miss that and end up calling us ‘zee boar’, ‘seven boar’, ‘ex eleven boar’ or ’zi boar’…
Do kids these days not learn about Roman numerals at school?! Obviously not.
What are your influences – individually or as a band?
MOTÖRHEAD.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Imagine all the best bits of all your favourite bands played by three mega handsome dudes from down south. That’s XII Boar.
I think what really makes us unique is our sense of fun. We’re sick of all the boring super serious bands these days, prancing around trying to be all ‘metal’ and elite. We’re just here to lay down some booty-shakin’ grooves and have a good time. We’re not trying to stick to a genre or a tag, we’re just writing songs that we like and hopefully the audience likes.
What’s your live show like – why should the baying hordes troop over to the stage you’re playing on to watch you?
Live is where we really shine. We bring it. When you book XII Boar you can expect a show. We strive to make our live performance as energetic and intense as possible, something that we hope to emulate on record too. We aren’t here to fuck around, we’re only concerned with hitting it out the park with everything we do and Bloodstock will be no exception. We’re going to turn the Sophie tent into one giant party, so bring your best dancing shoes and prepare to sing along.
When/how did you find out you’d been selected to play at Bloodstock?
Earlier this year, just got an email one day!
What sort of setlist can we expect?
Free Bird, Brown Eyed Girl, Sex on Fire, Ace of Spades, Black Night, Summer of ‘69, Mustang Sally.
Which main stage band do you most hope you’re not clashing with so you can see them play?
Corrosion of Conformity – if that happens it’ll be very bad scheduling!
What are you working on at the moment?
We have a new album coming out on 12th August (the very same day we play at Bloodstock!) entitled ‘Beyond The Valley of The Triclops’. We recorded it at the end of last year with the magnificent Chris Fielding (Conan, Electric Wizard, Winterfylleth) at Skyhammer Studio and it sounds KILLER! Honestly, we’re really cranked it up this time around, expect all your favourite XII Boar trademarks but pushed to the max. You can PRE-ORDER it now at http://xiiboar.bigcartel.com.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done on tour?
If you ever come to see us play, ask Tommy after the show.
What advice would you give to a young band just starting out today?
Don’t jump the gun. Hone your craft and practise, practise, practise! Once you think you’ve found your sound and can play it flawlessly, then you can dive in headfirst. There’s nothing worse than seeing a band who isn’t ready to play live. This industry is hard and the only way you’re going to make it is to be the best you can be.
If you could be part of any 3-band line-up who else would you have on the bill? One band above you and one below – a chance to plug a smaller, unsigned act!
ZZ Top to headline, us in the middle, Ten Foot Wizard to open.
What stage / time are you playing at Bloodstock (if you have your slot yet!)
Friday, not sure what time yet but make sure you’re there!