News Reading & Leeds 2011: Fighting Fiction

Fighting Fiction open the Lock Up Stage on Friday at Leeds and on Sunday at Reading, before heading out on a UK tour alongside As We Sink! and Language. Answering on behalf of the band is Jacob Glew.

Have you played Reading and Leeds before?
We’ve never played Reading and Leeds before, this is our first year and we are very excited. We’ve played the Isle of Wight festival a few times before because that is where Andy is from, and this year we played and attended 2000 Trees festival in Cheltenham, and it was great. Personally l loved being able to play at that festival because the live bit is my favourite part of being in a band anyway. Plus we got to see what else exciting that is going on at an underground level in the UK and further afield right now - as well as some great big names like The King Blues and Dan Le Sac vs Scroobius Pip. It was a really great weekend.

Have you ever been as a fan?
Yes! I think we have all been at least once, and generally we all spent the most of our time at the Lock Up Stage seeing bands we love, that this year we will sharing the stage with. We are so excited about playing the festival - especially being on the Lock Up.

Reading and Leeds is known as a ‘rock’ festival. What’s the least rock ‘n roll thing you’ve ever done?
On a free day on tour this April with our friends Still Bust, instead of having a crazy night out somewhere we drove to the bottom of a mountain in the Lake District, had a barbecue and commented politely on the beautiful scenery to each other. That was pretty un-rock ‘n roll but really enjoyable.

Do you prepare for a festival appearance any differently from a regular gig?
Not really apart from packing a tent along with our gear. We practise hard for whatever show or town we are playing. To us it matters that we sound and play to the best of our ability no matter how many people are there or how iconic (or otherwise) the venue.

A few rainy festivals this summer have seen artists going on stage in their wellington boots. Is this something you’ve done or would consider?
Maybe, If I didn’t think to take them off? I don’t think I’d put too much thought into it. I’m clumsy enough on my feet wearing normal trainers. On our last tour I got a little bit too into our last song in Plymouth, ran across the stage tripping over cables and drinks and ended flat on my face much to the amusement of the Still Bust boys.

Which artists are you hoping to catch live at Reading and Leeds?
Spycatcher, Jimmy Eat World, Frank Turner, The Mezingers, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Bedouin Soundclash, Flogging Molly, The Bronx, Capdown, Hot Water Music and loads more!

What’s the secret to festival success?
Guinness. It’s much easier to drink with a hangover than lager or cider.