Mercury Prize 2015 - Wolf Alice’s Joel Amey: “It’s always been my dream to be in Slaves”

Wolf Alice have more than one responsibility at tonight’s Mercury Prize. It’s not just about turning up - drummer Joel Amey has to be in two bands.

With Slaves’ Isaac Holman dislocating his shoulder on tour this week, Amey is filling in. He’ll be performing twice tonight - that’s a Mercury Prize first. “I got the call yesterday evening. It’s always been my dream to be in Slaves. I just rehearsed now - twice. They’re very difficult to play. They are,” he insists.

Asked if they fancy their chances for a win, bassist Theo Ellis says: “One of my mates put a stupid amount on us, and he’s asked me to pay him back. 250 quid. Given how much he earns in a month…

“The fashion industry rarely calls on Wolf Alice. Hopefully if we win the prize, we’ll get some fucking blazers.”

First stop if they win? Their beloved local Camden boozer. “I know we’re going to end up at the Hawley Arms eventually. Not sure what time though. On Wednesday, we’ll finally get to the Hawley.”