News Reading & Leeds 2011: Sharks

Sharks arrive for their Lock-Up Stage appearances at Reading and Leeds (Saturday and Sunday respectively) from a summer of international touring: Summer Sonic in Japan, Warped Tour in north America - and before returning Stateside for the Alternative Press tour in October and November. Answering our Reading and Leeds themed questions is vocalist James Mattock.

Have you played the festival before?

No

Have you ever been as a fan?

Yes, twice, but only once for the whole weekend. I’m not much of a festival/camper type. But Reading is definitely the one when I think of festivals. Last time I was there I saw Rage Against The Machine and thought I was going to die.

Reading and Leeds is known as a ‘rock’ festival. What’s the least rock ‘n roll thing you’ve ever done?

I had to leave during the Rage set I was talking about, like I said I thought I was going to die. Now I think, what a pussy.

What’s the best thing about playing festivals?

Being able to catch loads of bands, for sure. I plan on making the most of my free entrance.

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?

Most certainly not, we’re a punk band. We encourage rain and mud and chaos. I’ll play in my underwear before I wear wellington boots.

Which artists are you hoping to catch live at Reading and/or Leeds?

Well, out of the bands playing on our day: The Strokes, Pulp, The National, The Bronx/Mariachi El Bronx, Yuck, Street Dogs, Title Fight, Teenage Bottlerocket, Smith Westerns.