Gary Curran of The Japanese Popstars shares his Liverpool-infused Football Firsts.
Gary Curran of The Japanese Popstars shares his Liverpool-infused Football Firsts
Things could have been very different for Gary Curran of electronic indie trio The Japanese Popstars had he gone down the football road instead of following his musical roots. The Northern Irishman grew up playing the Beautiful Game but stopped short of making it his career of choice.
Instead, Curran has been touring the UK and America on the back of the band's latest album
Controlling Your Allegiance - an appropriate title for a devout Liverpool fan who was scouted by Manchester United in his youth.
Skysports.com caught up with the Derry-born musician to discuss his love for the Reds and playing at the United school of excellence in Belfast.
First team
I grew up supporting Liverpool. At school there were a few Manchester United fans and they were the main two teams where I'm from. Although a couple of random people at school started supporting Blackburn. I've got two brothers who support Manchester United, but my big brother is a big Liverpool fan as well. We actually went to see the last match of the season a few years ago at Anfield. I still follow them, I just don't get to see them as often as I could.
First memory
One of my best memories is recently when my brother and I did the Anfield tour. I think it was in 2008 or 2009. Another was when I went to Anfield when they beat Galatasaray 3-1 in the Champions League. I've also done a tour of the Nou Camp in Barcelona, which was great. Just seeing the pitch brought back all the memories of wanting to be a footballer.
First match
It was probably when my father was a goalkeeper for a team in Derry and he used to take me to all of his games. I just remember me and my big brother playing football at the back of the net while he was in goal. My first real match was at the Brandywell watching Derry City but I can't remember the exact match. I know Derry were reinstated in the League of Ireland in 1985 so around then.
First hero
There were local Derry City heroes like Liam Coyle. If I don't mention Liam Coyle I'm a dead man. He scored amazing goals and if it wasn't for his knees he would have been playing across in England. He just couldn't hit the level of fitness because of injuries. More recently a hero at the Brandywell would be Paddy McCourt, now playing for Celtic, for scoring all those wonder goals. I know he played for Manchester United, but I liked Lee Sharpe because he was a left winger and so was I.
First villain
It was Vinnie Jones. He was in that Wimbledon team that beat Liverpool. (Looking back) I can understand some of the aggression required to play at that level, but he just happened to be one of the most aggressive. You'd rather have him on your team than play against him.
First junior club
It was called Oxford United, and it's still there to this day in Derry. I grew up playing football and I was actually scouted for Manchester United when I was young. I ended up going to Belfast to play for their school of excellence. I played three matches and scored four goals, maybe more. If I'd have made it and cut the grade I probably would have been taken across the water. The highest level of football I played over here was reserve football for (Northern Irish side) Institute.
First kit
It would have been the 1984 or 85 Derry City shirt. I think I had Dunlop football boots too, if I recall. I got it on straight away and went out to play football. I've got a few Liverpool shirts but I keep them good.
First album
It was The Prodidgy's Experience. I remember buying that one while I was on holiday in Blackpool. The rest of the time I spent my money on vinyls because I had a set of decks. I've still got them - they're sitting on my landing taking up a lot of room.
The Japanese Popstars' second album Controlling Your Allegiance is available now. Find out more at their official website.
