Demob Happy talk their worst festival experience: “I lost my cool fanny pack at Leeds Festival”

Later today, Demob Happy will be taking to the stage as part of this year’s Live at Leeds and it’s going to get undoubtedly rowdy. Having released their debut album ‘Dream Soda’ last year, the Brighton-via-Newcastle quartet have spent the past twelve months ripping through performances and winning over new audiences with their scuzzed-up noise.

Today, the band will be playing on DIY’s own stage, at The Brudenell Social Club, so we figured, what better way to prepare for the first festival of the season than by quizzing the band’s frontman Matt Marcantonio on all things fest-related. From losing his fanny pack on his first trip to Leeds Festival, to always winning something at the local village fête - which could be considered cheating since, you know, his Grandma organised it - here’s his quick fire festival quiz.

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Hello! Which is your favourite festival to play (and why)?
Mexefest in Lisbon because we ordered steak and chips from the room service for a reasonable £8.

What was the one festival you’d go to growing up regularly (if any)?
My Grandma organised the summer village fête so I went there every year and always won something on the tombola.

Has there been one particular set you saw at a festival that was life-changing (or just, like, particularly memorable for whatever reason)?
I saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2008 and never listened to them again, which changed my life until last week when I played ‘Californication’ and decided to forgive them.

What’s the best thing about playing to a festival crowd?
Feeling smug about my access to clean toilets.

What’s the worst thing to have happened to you at a festival – either as gig-goer or artist (with info!)?
I lost my cool fanny pack the first time I went to Leeds Festival in 2007. Anyone find it?

And… you’re gonna have practised this one, right? Your #1 top festival tip.
Figure out which tinned food is good eaten cold and take a lot of it. Buy our album with the money you save.