TONY CLAYTON-LEAasks Rick McMurray, drummer for Ash...
What's on your rider?Crates of quality beer, the finest wines known to humanity, vodka, smoothies, and more Weetabix than I've ever seen in my life.
What would be on your fantasy rider?All of the above, but with more Weetabix.
What's your pre-gig ritual/ routine?I used to drive the rest of the band mad by attacking a practise pad for an hour before the show. I've cut down since I'm doing backing vocals now. I warm up with Tim for 30 minutes. If I don't get to eat three hours before the show I get pretty stressed.
How do you get to the gig – limo, taxi, walking?These days it's usually a big pink bus.
What's the best gig you've been to?Probably The Cramps in Lisbon. I've never seen such an amazingly depraved performance. Anyone who finishes a show by smashing a hole in the stage and dropping through it is alright by me.
And the worst?Ash in Vancouver, November 1995. I was so drunk I fell off my drum stool. Three times. I haven't drunk before a gig since.
Who is the most famous person to show up at one of your gigs?Take That came to one of our Manchester shows when we had just started. But I reckon George Lucas takes the biscuit. We did the wrap party for Episode I.
Chatting between songs – good or bad?Good if you're good at it. I leave it to Tim because I just get facetious. It can get a bit much, though. When we played with Robbie Williams, his set had 12 songs on it, but it lasted three hours because of the talking.
Groupies. Would you?Would I what? This question is disconcertingly vague. As is the answer.
How many roadies does it take to change your lightbulbs (ie, how big is your entourage)?It's not how big it is. It's what you do with it that counts.
Have you a special stage wardrobe?No. I dress like a rock star at all times.
Any useful stage tips?Put the bass player in a cage.
Who's invited to your aftershow party?I don't mind who turns up. Just buy me a drink.
Ash play Button Factory, Dublin on Wednesday, and Spring Airbrake, Belfast on Thursda
