MSN named The Parlotones as on one 10 most memorable performances at Live Earth and likened seeing the Parlotones at this early stage of the career to seeing The Police in the late 70’s.
2008 was a great year with entering the European market. The Parlotones are no stranger in Europe, having played multiple stages. They are at Smith’s Olde Bar this weekend, and joined us before the show.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
The first gig I ever went to was a South African band called The Springbok Nude Girls at a small club called Wings Beat Bar in Johannesburg. I stood right up front, pressed against the stage and was just blown away. From that gig I started going to shows all the time, basically every weekend I was at a concert and saw tons of bands, and that is what convinced me I needed to be in a band! Funnily enough, the guitarist from the Springbok Nude Girls (Theo Crous) has produced and recorded our last 3 albums.
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
It’s hard to say, there’s been so many cool events. Obviously our show at The Coca Cola Dome in Jo’burg was awesome. We were the first and, so far, only local band to headline and fill the venue. It’s normally only filled by touring international bands like The Killers and REM. So that was a proud moment for us. But also the last show we played at Shepherd’s Bush in London was amazing.
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
MuteMath and Manchester Orchestra at De Luna Festival on Pensacola Beach in Florida last year were amazing, I was totally in awe. But without a doubt the best show I have ever seen was Muse, performing at a festival in Jo’burg a few years ago. They just blew away everyone, totally ridiculously amazing!
What is the gig you would most like to play?
Any of the big festivals around the world come to mind, things like Glastonbury or Reading, or Big Day Out in Australia.
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
Wilco. Radiohead. Muse. (And preferably in a small club where you can get up close and personal.)
Catch The Parlotones, Saturday May 26th at Smith’s Olde Bar
