By Eileen Tilson
Taylor Swift might be the bubble-gum queen of the country world, but she sure does have great taste in music. Right before the kick off of her sold out arena tour this year, she had her manager call up the boys in NEEDTOBREATHE, asking whether they would like to join her on tour – she is a huge fan. Not too shabby for a band who went from playing to rooms with a few hundred people to over 50,000. Be on the lookout for their latest album being released this fall. We chatted with Joe, the drummer of NEEDTOBREATHE, as he was wandering around Hartford, Conn., before a big show that night.
What is the most outrageous gift you’ve ever received from a fan?
We once had a fan bring us an urn containing her dog’s ashes that she wanted us to sign… that was pretty weird. We also had a girl who wanted us to sign her scar from her gallbladder surgery.
How do you take your coffee?
Cream and sugar, but Splenda when I’m feeling health conscious.
If you could collaborate with any musician who would it be?
Oh, John Bonham for sure, he is the greatest rock drummer of all time.
Who is your celebrity crush?
I’m married now, so I don’t have a celebrity crush, but back in the day, probably Mandy Moore, I like the wholesome, young girl.
Can you play the ukulele?
I can play, but it probably wouldn’t make any sense… nothing that you would be able to actually decipher as music!
What was your first concert?
Van Halen, when I was 13… my older brother got me tickets; it was the last tour that Sammy Hagar was on.
How do you feel about tequila?
Ha! Not a big fan of tequila…
If you were a racehorse in the Kentucky Derby, what would your name be?
OB1 Bon Jovi.
If you were the star of your own reality TV show, what would the name be?
“Don’t You Have Something Better To Do?”
Can you dance?
Ha, this is kinda like the answer to the ukulele question. I can dance, but it probably isn’t anything anyone would recognize as dancing.
What’s your favorite thing to do on your day off?
Oh, watch movies!!
What are you working on now? Anything you are excited about?
Well we are all really excited about the new record produced by Atlanta producer, Rick Beato. We are touring with Taylor until Thanksgiving, but are looking to headline our own town next spring. I am also excited about the secret shows we are doing on off days in between this tour… perhaps Atlanta!
NEEDTOBREATHE is opening for Taylor Swift at Philips Arena July 9 & 10.
