By Eileen Tilson
Did you know that the guys from Deertick consider themselves, “metal heads?” I love these Rhode Island boys, who have been wooing the hipsters and non-hipsters, alike since 2004. Even though they have been compared to the likes of Bright Eyes and Modest Mouse, Deer Tick have always remained a little punk rock in my eyes. Fortunately for me, I received an early copy of their new album Divine Providence (which comes out next week, Oct. 25) and let me tell you, it is awesome! Also make sure to be on the lookout for the SUPERGROUP, Diamond Rugs, featuring members of Deer Tick, The Black Lips, Dead Confederate and Los Lobos to creep out into the world the beginning of next year! We sat and chatted with Robbie, before their show this Friday at The Buckhead Theatre.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Haha, um actually my first concert was Slayer. I saw them in Halifax when I was about 21 or 22. I am a huge metal head….actually, most of the guys in the band are. Most people are surprised when they hear that.
What is the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The first time I saw Neil Young was pretty incredible. He was just flawless, he melted my mind.
What is the best gig you’ve ever played/performed at?
Well for me, our Letterman performance was pretty spectacular, but that was because it was the first time we ever had a horn section. Bonnaroo was obviously amazing, but I think our show this year at Deervana at SXSW was probably one of my all-time faces. The venue was way over capacity, we were all getting a little buzzed, and people started crowd surfing. It was epic.
What gig would you most like to play? (festival or event or a location or a venue)
Well we have been really lucky to have played the big U.S. festivals, so Glastonbury would be pretty awesome. We love playing in tiny little clubs though. One of our favorite clubs, is this hole in the wall in Germany. It is a really punk-like atmosphere, and by the end of the show, there is always a ton of broken glass.
What would the line-up be at your dream gig? Who would you play with?
Oh I got this one. First we would be playing in some shitty little club. And the lineup would be: Deer Tick opening, then J. Roddy Walston & the Business, and The Replacements would headline. That show would be so bad ass.
Deer Tick play The Buckhead Theatre Friday, October 21.
