Photo Credit: Ki Price
Before hitting the main stage with their punchy punk rock, we caught up with Bob Vylan at Bearded Theory to chat about their tour, Jools Holland and the responsibility of an artist.
Hi guys, welcome to Bearded Theory! You’re a lot less muddy than the rest of us, how have you been avoiding it?
Bobby: We haven’t. [laughs] No, the mud is inevitable. I’ve been in it.
Bobbie: Yeah, you doubled the mud for me.
Bobby: I did yeah. I carried him over that massive swampy puddle [next to the artist area].
Bobbie: That’s true love there.
You’ve just announced dates for the Humble As The Sun tour! For anybody that’s never been to a Bob Vylan show, what are they like?
Bobbie: Energetic, a lot of different goings on, other than that it’s pretty hard to say, you’ll have to come and see.
Bobby: Yeah, lots of energy.
Do you have a song you’re most looking forward to performing on tour?
Bobby: I really like doing Wicked and Bad.
Bobbie: Yeah, Wicked and Bad. And Dream Big is always like a favourite. It really depends on the place.
You’ve also just been on Jools Holland to perform Hunger Games from Humble As The Sun. What was that like?
Bobby: Wicked.
Bobbie: He’s a quality guy actually, yeah. It’s a pretty big thing to do. We get there, it’s super nice and everyone on the show is super cool. It was really organised which is more unusual than you’d expect from the BBC.
Bobby: Yeah, definitely.
Using your platform to spread your messaging has been something that’s been important to you both, and something that’s been talked a lot about online in discussions you’ve had. Do you think it’s an artist’s responsibility to use their platform in that way?
Bobby: I don’t think it’s an artist’s responsibility. And I don’t think all artists should, you know. But for us, it’s who we are. It’s what we care about, so it’s always going to be a part of what we’re doing, and the music that we want to make. It’s our experiences and our lives, and people should be making music that they want to create. But, no, I definitely don’t think it’s an artist’s responsibility but obviously if you know better, do better.
That’s a very good answer. A slightly silly one now, if Bob Vylan was a flavour what would it be?
Bobbie: Definitely marmite.
Bobby: Oh yeah, definitely.
And any final tips, tricks and advice for festivalgoers this festival season?
Bobby: Drink water.
Bobbie: Look after each other.
Bobby: Oh, and the mud is inevitable.
Interview by: Izzy Morris
Bob Vylan‘s new album Humble As The Sun is out now, available to stream or purchase HERE.
See Bob Vylan live at one of the following dates:
October 2024
Tue 22nd – BRIGHTON – Chalk
Wed 23rd – PORTSMOUTH – Guildhall
Fri 25th – BRISTOL – Marble Factory
Sat 26th – PLYMOUTH – University
Sun 27th – CARDIFF – Great Hall
Tue 29th – NEWCASTLE – NX
Wed 30th – GLASGOW – SWG3 Galvanizers
Thu 31st – SHEFFIELD – Leadmill
November 2024
Sat 2nd – MANCHESTER – Academy
Sun 3rd – BIRMINGHAM – O2 Institute
Tue 5th – NOTTINGHAM – Rock City
Thu 7th – LONDON – Electric Brixton
