Capdown - Interview

Are you looking forward to playing this afternoon?
Yes, it’s all good. It’s our fifth time playing Reading and it’s always been amazing. This is the second year we have played in the Radio One tent. I love playing Punk Rock on that sort of stage and the best thing is when the tent is completely rammed. We last played this stage in 2003 and it was excellent.

Are you sticking around Reading tonight?
No not tonight, we’re off to Leeds tomorrow and are going to try and catch some of the scene bands there. I prefer Leeds, to me it just makes sense to have a festival in a green place. I think it’s better because it’s a bit smaller, a bit more chilled.

Have you got any surprises in store for the fans tonight?
We’re just going to play a bit of all our three albums, the best bits. This will be our last time playing at Reading and Leeds, we’ve got the Warped Tour in October then we’ve decided we’re finally doing something different.

Is there any reason these will be your last UK gigs?
It just feels like the right time to do it. We didn’t want to drag it out and finish with everyone not liking us, it’s best to go out on a bang.

How long have you been in Capdown?
For ten years, it’s the first and only band I’ve ever been in.

What would you say are the bands influences?
Probably Nirvana, I grew up on Nirvana. Ten years on you can still hear elements of the band in our music. But there are so many different bands around now, it’s not just Punk Rock bands.

Do you do any thing special to prepare before playing?
I just chill out, have a hot drink. I just spend time relaxing in my cabin really, I’m an old man now!

What is the best performance you’ve ever seen at Reading or Leeds?
I would have to say Sick of it All. Musically, they are not my favourite band, but in terms of knowing how to destroy a crowd they could teach any one a lesson, they are amazing to watch. I saw Muse last year as well – they just sounded so much better than anyone else.

What is the most starstruck you have ever been at Reading or Leeds?Probably when I met Dave Grohl.

What are the three things you can’t live without on tour?That’s easy - my backstage pass, catering ticket and free beer!

What would your ideal Reading/Leeds line up be?
I would like to see the Arctic Monkeys headline, Jamie T, the Foo Fighters, there’s so many!

Have you got any key tips for festival – goers?The biggest one would be – buy beer outside the festival!

Interview by Claire Carter