Bitches with Wolves (aka James O'Neill)
What's on your rider?A litre of vodka, a tub of manuka honey, some beers and water. Lots and lots of water.
What would be on your fantasy rider?A marble table supported by resting lions, a petting stable of unicorns, an iPod filled with whopper tunes and a gimp to bark orders at. One day . . .
What's your pre-gig ritual/ routine?For someone who talks a lot, I go eerily quiet about an hour before I go on stage. I usually get my outfits in order, lash one on and then start stretching and doing vocal warm-ups. Then comes the manuka honey. I take a few mouthfuls of it right before the show, retching like a teenager after one too many dolly mixtures before Wesley. My poor crew can't cope and usually leave me to it.
What's the best gig you've been to?Goldfrapp during the Supernature tour was mind-meltingly incredible. It was just so electric, raw and sexual that I couldn't contain myself.
And the worst?Britney Spears' Circus Tour. Oh, dear Jesus. I grew up with her and was drawn in during her breakdown, especially after she came out with Blackout, a fascinating dark pop odyssey. So I had high hopes for the show, but she mimed even the spoken bits and looked turbo mad out of it throughout.
Most embarrassing on-stage moment?Take your pick! I once accidentally kicked a girl in the stomach mid-dance move; that was mortifying. I've had my leather shorts burst open too. I'd like to think that's because I'm so well-endowed, but whether or not that's true is another matter.
Have you a special stage wardrobe?Have we met?! Yes I do, in fact I have rails and wardrobes dedicated to my stage gear. I adoreclothes, and a large part in what I'm trying to create is escapism. For me it's important that performers have a fantasy edge, and luckily my wardrobe has just that.
Any useful stage tips?I reckon you should always pace yourself and, if changing, don't wear cumbersome shoes.
If you could be in any other band, which one?None – I'm too controlling.
Who's invited to your aftershow party?Like my bed, it's an open policy.
- In conversation with TONY CLAYTON-LEA. Bitches With Wolves play Whelan's, Dublin on Thursday
