Skysports.com chats with Feeder frontman Grant Nicholas on all things World Cup, football and music.
Skysports.com chats with Feeder frontman Grant Nicholas on all things World Cup, football and music
Unless you have been living under a rock for almost 10 years, you will have at some point heard the tune of 'Buck Rogers' by Feeder over the public address system of a football stadium or played across a highlights montage.
Although it seems like only yesterday that the popular rock band first burst onto the scene, they are preparing to release their seventh studio album, 'Renegades', on 5th July through their own new label, Big Teeth Music.
The 11-track album explores Feeder's heavier, energetic side, while single, 'Call Out', is already available to buy and a busy summer of festival headline appearances is planned.
October will then see the band return to the road for their first tour since 2008, so with a hectic schedule on the horizon,
skysports.com jumped at the chance to have a chat with frontman and lead guitarist Grant Nicholas on all things football and music.
What are the World Cup moments that stand out for you?
Well, most of my memories are from when I was younger, before I became involved in music. My earliest memory is from when Argentina won in 1986, that was a really exciting time for football and there were some amazing players around.
Growing up in South Wales I used to play a lot of rugby when I was younger, but there was a real buzz around that time. I remember buying the shirts and going around to a different mate's house for each game. I seem to recall it being a pretty good summer as well; we played a lot of football outside.
I remember watching the game between Argentina and England and when Diego Maradona did the 'Hand of God' and no-one could really tell what had happened. The TV coverage wasn't like it is today, it just happened so quick.
The World Cup is so exciting though, even people I know that don't really follow football get excited about the World Cup.
So are you and the rest of the band big football fans?
We'll stop to watch a match or take time out if a big game is on. We've been on Soccer AM a couple of times and we had a really good time on there. Our music gets used a lot around the grounds and on big games and we've had some great moments with that. Music and sport go together really well and I think it's an important part of the TV build-up and hype.
The new single, 'Call Out', could be popular on the terraces?
The new album is more of a return to our earlier heavier stuff, 'Call Out', is one of the more poppy tracks on there. But people who have seen us on our Renegades tour have said it's a lot more like our first album, 'Swim'. It's a lot more of a stripped back sound, with big guitars and stuff. 'Call Out', although it's still a rock track, it's probably still one of the more accessible tracks on there.
There's a song we've done called, 'Renegades', as well, that could be quite a good one because it's chanty, and chanting is always good for sport. I've got a good feeling about, 'Renegades', but who knows? We've made a rock album and that's what we wanted to do, we didn't want to dilute the album to keep people happy.
Have you ever thought about doing an England World Cup song?
I would do it, or I would certainly give it a go but whether people would like it or not is another thing! For me, a World Cup song has to be a really good one to sing, and catchy. I'd like to think that something a little bit cooler would come along, something that people could sing and one that captures the whole atmosphere. I don't think anyone has done a really good rock one, but it's quite a brave thing to attempt.
Getting back to football, are you a Wales fan? Or are there split allegiances?
Well, I'm actually Welsh but in the World Cup I would support both teams. I live in London and come from Wales so I have to support both really. But if England are playing Wales, then obviously I'd be true to where I was born.
Some Welsh people might disagree with that, but I'd still like to see England win the World Cup and I've always supported Arsenal even though I'm from Wales, I'll probably get shot down for this!
Taka (Feeder's bassist) is a Chelsea supporter and he was born in Japan. He supports England as well, unless England are playing Japan!
Prediction time. Who do you think will win the 2010 World Cup?
I'm not sure, it's a difficult one. The Spanish are good, but Brazil are still a good team. Everyone seems to be forgetting about them at this World Cup, but they still have that magic, you can never write them off, they could sneak it for me.
Which footballer do you think best symbolises the World Cup?
It'd have to be Maradona wouldn't it? I remember being a kid and everyone was in awe of him. In his prime he was just an absolutely amazing player. You hated him at the same time because he was unbelievable on the field, but he's the one that stands out for me. I'll probably get spat at in the street for saying that!
Do you think David Beckham will be missed at the World Cup as a player?
I think for morale he will, I think he has a real presence about him. He's a team player and such an icon now that when he is there he gives a vibe to the team. They all respect him, what he's been through to get to where he is now. Of course he's getting older now, but he's still got that great skill and he will be missed.
Who will be the Dark Horses of this World Cup?
I think the Americans, I've got a feeling about it. The USA could be quite good, they have got a really good team. I'm not saying they are going to win it, but I think they could surprise a few people. That's just my opinion.
For more information and all the latest news on the band, visit www.Feederweb.com
