Our Little Secrets' Rob Cunningham In conversation with
TONY CLAYTON-LEA
What's on your rider?Knight Rider humming Riders on the Storm, and chickpeas.
What would be on your fantasy rider?Winona Ryder humming Paperback Writer, and hummus.
What's the best gig you've been to?Elliott Smith in Temple Bar Music Centre with Quasi as his backing band, a little bit of history in the making. My Morning Jacket in the same venue was epic. Also Nina Simone in the Point Depot.
And the worst?Laura Marling played a nightmare gig at Electric Picnic, string breaking, guitar swapping, poor sound, 'twas quite listless. After seeing her play a mesmeric show in Whelan's, it was an eye opener to see how bad a gig can go.
Who is the most famous person to have shown up at one of your gigs?When I supported John Martyn in Thomastown, John Martyn was there.
Most embarrassing on-stage moment?Breaking three strings supporting Pugwash a couple of years back, two on my guitar. Then I borrowed theirs and lasted one song. Darned metal fingernails. Mortified!
Chatting between songs – good or bad?It depends on the venue. If there's an intimacy, chatting is lovely, but if it's a boisterous bunch, ye might as well just play the songs.
Groupies. Would you?I would totally be a groupie.
Have you a special stage wardrobe?Recently I borrowed my brother's lovely blue jacket, and last week he said I could keep it. ALRIGHTAH!
Do you like to meet and greet fans after the gig?It depends on how it went, but there's never harm in sharing a wink, wha?
Any useful stage tips?Don't walk into the light. This conflicts with near-death experience advice, so best not mix them up.
If you could be in any other band, which one?If I could be in Villagers, I guess I'd get to hear them play a lot more.
Who's invited to your aftershow party?Everyone. That way, when I say it's BYOB and that it's a barbecue, the leftovers will get me through the week.
What's your best tour story?The first rule of Tour Club is you do not speak about Tour Club.
Our Little Secrets play Cork on Tuesday and Dublin on Thursday
