Currently out in the USA on the Summer Slaughter tour, it’s an exciting time for metalcore pioneers The Agony Scene who return with their comeback album Tormentor, their first material in over a decade. We caught up the quartet to hear their top tips and awesome stories from the road.
Favourite thing about touring:
Personally, my favorite thing is getting to see places I’d never get to see otherwise. I never thought I’d ever be fortunate enough to see the world and I’m so grateful for it. Getting to eat food from all over the world is also pretty high on the list.
Least favourite thing about touring:
My least favorite part of touring is having a day off that is completely occupied by driving. Sometimes a tour’s routing requires 10+ hour drives between shows that take away from quality rest and catching up on laundry.
Five essentials for the road:
- Baby wipes. There’s never a guarantee of being able to shower on any given night so carrying these around is definitely a must.
- Headphones. Nothing is worse than not being able to sleep when you are either in a hotel or vehicle with five or six other guys performing a symphony of snores.
- Netflix. Although touring life is quite eventful, there is also a bit of downtime here and there as well as very long drives where you need something to cure your boredom. Having Netflix is a very good fix for that.
- Battery packs. A must-have item if you’re not near a power outlet and need to charge your phone on the go.
- Body spray or cologne. It’s no surprise that touring can lead to some exceptionally funky body odors. You have to make sure you carry something to cover that up.
Your favourite way to pass the time:
Probably listening to music or catching up on TV shows on Netflix. It’s my escape from the crazy world of touring when I need it.
“The Most”
Memorable moment:
Touring in Europe for the first time. Everything about the experience was just incredible; amazing shows and food. And the cherry on top.. it was supporting Lamb of God.
Embarrassing moment:
There are a few that come to mind but one that sticks out was when we were playing at the State Theater in St. Petersburg, FL and Chris walked off the front of the stage mid-song. I looked over during the song and didn’t see him and was extremely confused and then realised he was between the stage and the barricade.
Outrageous moment:
This one is not a happy moment in the band. We had a show in NYC that we had to cancel because a former band member got way too intoxicated and passed out as doors for the show were opening. It couldn’t have come at a worse time since we were between record labels and there were going to be label representatives at the show.
Drunken moment:
One night, we had a day off in Amsterdam and decided to live it up and get hammered and walk around the city. It was our first time there and I wasn’t aware of bicycle lanes and to be watchful of cyclists passing by. I drunkenly stumbled into the lane, just at the worst moment when someone was riding by. I accidentally hit him with my elbow and the guy crashed into a bicycle rack and flew off his bike.
Rewarding moment:
To me, the most rewarding moment is hearing stories of how listening to our music has helped people through difficult times. There’s nothing more gratifying that knowing we’ve helped others in some capacity.
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