Blossoms have spoken to NME to reveal their favorite famous figures named Gary, and talked about their upcoming shows with Inhaler. Watch our interview below.
The band caught up with NME on the red carpet of the MTV EMAs on Sunday (November 10), with the ceremony held in Manchester near their native Stockport.
Asked what they loved most about Manchester, drummer Joe Donovan replied: “The best thing for me personally is the people. Everyone knows how to have a good laugh. They're friendly people.”
Guitarist Josh Dewhurst paid tribute to “the people, the pubs, the bars, the weather – the terrible weather”, while bassist Charlie Salt noted how “there's always somewhere open.”
Asked to pick their favorite anthems by Manchester artists, the band selected their own single 'Charlamagne' alongside Oasis' classic 'Whatever', Happy Mondays' 'Hallelujah', Joy Division's iconic 'Love Will Tell Us Apart' and Courteeners' 'Are You In Love With A Notion?'.
Seeing as their recent fifth album is entitled 'Gary', we also pushed them for their favorite famous folk of that name – with Lineker, Neville, Numan, and Oldman coming out on top. “You've got to put Barlow in there too I suppose,” added Donovan. “Gary Barlow's son is now in there. He's up there somewhere.”
Last month saw the band cover Charli XCX with their live collaborator and pop icon Richard Astley for the BBC Radio One Live Lounge. But has she been in touch with the seal of approval for their rendition of '360'?
“Charli XCX hasn't been in touch, which is a shame but she's very, very busy,” replied Donovan. “Myles [Kellock, keys] and Tom [Ogden, frontman] have had the biggest 'Brat' summer going, though.”
Ogden added: “Calling your album 'Gary' is quite brat…”
Meanwhile, the band recently announced a run of shows across the UK and Europe next summer with Inhaler – a band said they had a “really good relationship with”.
“We've had them on [the bill] since the early days, so it's good to see them going from strength to strength,” said Ogden.
Donovan added: “Inhalers are really good to party with backstage. They're good friends, very nice people, and they're a band we can all relate to through actually all being friends.
“We're all pretty much over 30 now, so they can definitely party harder. They can bounce back and go for longer.”
'Gary' by Blossoms is out now. The band kick off at 'Five Nights In Manchester' residency next week, before some huge outdoor UK shows with Inhaler next summer. Visit here for tickets and more information.
