Latitude 2015 Drenge prepare for Latitude: “Maybe some kind of in-flight safety video should run before we come on”

Last time Drenge appeared at Latitude, they were witness to their very first mosh pit. It wasn’t a tame one, either. Flailing limbs all round, it set a precedent for what’s become almost obligatory at the Derbyshire duo’s raucous shows. “That was the biggest one. And it was a real shock,” remembers Eoin Loveless.

Since then, Eoin and brother Rory have stuck to one simple rule when it comes to moshing - don’t be a prat about it. Things weren’t nasty at Latitude, but they’ve had their fair share of hairy experiences since. “We’re pro-mosh but we’re anti-violence,” explains Eoin. “Because you should be able to have fun in a pit, but you shouldn’t get hit.” As festival season gets into full gear, he’s contemplating potential measures to enforce “anti-nobheads” rules. “ Maybe we should have some safety rules at the side of the stage. Or maybe some kind of in-flight safety video to run before we come on.”

So for anyone expecting Drenge to embrace Latitude’s rowdy side, diving headfirst into the lake’s gorgeous waters - think again. Eoin’s excuse isn’t a particularly convincing one, mind you. “I rarely have a towel on me. I usually rely on hotel towels,” he says, getting all A-List on the occasion. “But today, even this morning, I spilled coffee on my t-shirt and had to buy another because we were being filmed. A lot of effort goes into our appearance. And to jump into a lake would ruin that. It would sabotage what we’ve worked so hard to maintain.” If anyone’s embracing the lake this year, says Eoin, it’ll be the one and only Noel Gallagher. “I can imagine Noel in some speedos, complaining about something but still jumping into a lake.”

Friday night headliners and Drenge buddies Alt-J have climbed up the ranks to top bills for fun. Will these two be next? “The take-up for tickets at a music festival with Drenge headlining would be severely lower than the year before,” Eoin says, bluntly. “The lower down the bill, the safer you are, really. You’re not going to upset anyone.” Shy on plans for world domination, Drenge are still one of the must-see bands on this year’s bill, whether you’re a mosher or not.

Drenge will play Latitude (16th - 19th July), where DIY is an official media partner. Tickets are on sale now. Visit diymag.com/presents for more information.