James Yorkston talks to TONY CLAYTON-LEA
What's on your rider?Not much. I like to travel light. I used to ask for a particular type of whisky, but it never turned up – all I got was the local cooking whisky, which no one really wants, do they?
What would be on your fantasy rider?Jack Lemmon and Harold Lloyd.
What's your pre-gig routine?I turn up and soundcheck, then I eat and drink, then I play. A Shaman-esque ritual mysteriously practised by most musicians.
How do you get to the gig?Jet plane, train and taxi. Occasionally I'll get a lift from an anxious record company bod and once – just once – I rode on the back of a tandem.
What's the best gig you've been to?Cocteau Twins in Glasgow Barrowlands, Dog Faced Hermans in Edinburgh, Blood Music in Stockholm. Any show that moves you to cry/laugh/dance is a good gig. Although it could be argued my dancing shouldn't be encouraged.
And the worst?I hesitate to mention their name, but I saw some Folk Rock legends in Edinburgh a few years ago when my friend was supporting them. They played the tamest, most soulless music imaginable and my bass player Doogie got so upset he started hurling abuse at them. We left very shortly afterwards.
Ecologically speaking, are you closer to Radiohead Or Motörhead?I have no idea. Musically I'm closer to Lemmy, but hair wise I'd say the drummer from Radiohead.
Who is the most famous person to have shown up at one of your gigs?Trevor McDonald came along once with his posse, which was odd. What made it odder, was Ronnie Corbett was also there, chauffeur and minder in tow – which led to a celebrity Mexican stand-off.
Most embarrassing on-stage moment?Waking up. Don't ask.
Chatting between songs – good or bad?Pretty good, I reckon. I tend to do a fair bit of it, certainly, unless I'm in Sweden, where they want their rock stars strong and silent.
Have you a special stage wardrobe?Yes. In fact, my stage wardrobe is so special I wear it each and everyday.
Who's invited to your aftershow party?Jack Lemmon, Harold Lloyd, Trevor McDonald and Ronnie Corbett.
- James Yorkston plays Cyprus Avenue, Cork on Sunday