Peter Broderick
What's on your rider?Fruit, vegetables, bread, cheese, hummus, usually some kind of alcohol.
What would be on your fantasy rider?Nothing too fancy. I'm fine with some light snacks and something to drink.
What's the best gig you've been to?One that really sticks in my head is Dirty Three, at Green Man Festival 2009. I've loved their music for years, but it was my first time seeing them live, and they just blew my mind. Not only the music, But Warren Ellis's stage talk as well – so powerful.
What are your favourite and least favourite venues?I really love Treibhaus in Lucerne, Switzerland; Union Chapel in London; Grünewald Church in Berlin; STUK in Leuven, Belgium; and Paradiso in Amsterdam. Those are really great ones, and I know there are so many more that I'm forgetting. For my solo shows I tend to prefer more intimate, quiet spaces, like churches and theatres. And I tend to not do so well in bars where everyone is there to drink and talk to their friends rather than listen to music.
Most embarrassing on-stage moment?One time I was walking around the stage swinging a whirly tube in Utrecht, and I accidentally hit an audience member on the head with it! I felt so terrible, and it was right at the climax of my set. But actually he took it very well. I said I was so, so sorry, everyone laughed about it, and I told him to come back to the merchandise table after the show for a free CD!
What's your crowd-pleasing number?That's for the crowd to decide! I think it changes from night to night.
Any useful stage tips?Relax. Just think about viewing yourself from outer space. You're so tiny. Don't stress about things or take anything too seriously. I think it's always great if you can get the audience to laugh a little bit.
If you could be in any other band, which one?I would love to play with Wildbirds Peacedrums or Buke and Gass. I think they are so powerful with just those two people, so they probably don't need anything more.
Who's invited to your aftershow party?Usually just my pillow and blanket.
In conversation with TONY CLAYTON-LEA.Peter Broderick plays the Pavilion, Cork on Wednesday and the Workman's Club, Dublin on Thursday
