I caught up with Dave Mcabe singer with The Zutons to find out what they have been up to lately and what is planned for the forth coming year.
The Zutons who are internationally recognized for their individual sound and of course that hit ‘Valerie' which was covered, by miss Amy Winehouse and Marc Ronson played the Whitehaven Civic Hall on the 25th April.
So Dave, is this gig part of a tour? ‘No it's a one off and our first gig since last year and we are all really, really nervous about tonight, we haven't played since a Christmas Charity gig we did so just want everything to go right'.
Now you would not have thought so if you had heard them sound checking, the sound was fantastic and the band where as tight as you would expect.
The fact that this is the first gig of 08 for The Zutons is something, but to have them kicking the year of here is something special.
What are the plans for this year? ‘We are starting a Forrest tour in a couple of months so that will keep us busy plus we are playing loads and loads of festivals including T in the Park and The Isle of white.
How long have you been together now? ‘It's been about seven years but doesn't feel like a long time at all, it's just flew in like'
You have a new guitarist on board Paul Malloy where did you find him?
‘I've known Paul for years; he used to be in Liverpool bands The Skylarks and The Stands,'
Where is he from? ‘He's a fellow scouser from Tuebrook; we are all from Liverpool, West Derby- Knowsely and now Tuebrook'
What and when is your new Album coming out? ‘You can Do Anything, which is the name of the Album is due out on the 2nd June through Deltasonic. ‘Always right Behind You' will be our first single released from the Album.
When is the release date?
‘The single will be released on May 26th'
Where was the new Album recorded? ‘We recorded at sunset sound in La which was great, and we got to work with producer George Drakoulias he's worked with loads of top bands such as The Black Crowes, Primal Scream and Tom Petty.
What is your favourite Track from the new Album? ‘Harder and Harder is definitely my favourite because it really Kicks ass'
What are your highlights over the last seven years? ‘It's all been one big highlight mate, the low lights were we fall out are memorable as well, but that's all part of being in a band, you have your ups and downs but we have more ups'
To find out more about The Zutons go to www.thezutons.com
I was also fortunate to catch up with The Zutons Tour Manager Mark Dempsey and find out what it is like to look after World-class bands and Artists.
Mark who is from Leeds has been a Tour Manager since 1989.
Who was the first band you looked after? ‘The first band were a Leeds Band called The Hollowmen who where signed to Arista Records at the time.'
Who else have you worked with over the years? ‘I've looked after the likes of Richard Hawley and was the Tour Manager on The Verve's first album; I have also worked with Supergrass since 1994. Also Joe Strummer and have looked after The Zutons for the last 4 years'
Who was the hardest band that you had to look after? ‘Joe Strummer, well it wasn't Joe I had a problem with, he was a gent it was the hangers on who where a nightmare to deal with'
What are the biggest problems you face being a tour manager? ‘The logistics are getting harder and harder. For instance, summer festivals, every band wants to work on the festivals, as there is so much money involved. The problem lies in the fact that you have to book busses- ferries - flights- hotels and with so many more European and American bands coming over as well as there are loads more bands in general well there are only so many Tour busses available to hire.
South by South west in Texas is a good example, its murder, the festival has totally outgrown itself and there are only so many Hotels and trying to get your band sorted out
Can cause you a massive headache.'
Where and how do you find work? ‘ I'm freelance as most Tour Managers are and most of the work comes through recommendations, you can be on a retainer with one band but it's not ideal as you can be called to do a one off gig whereas you could have the chance to be on tour for a few months with another band and have to turn it down.'
How did you become a Tour Manager and Why Tour Manager? ‘I didn't want to work in a Factory so I spent 5 years studying Production and went from there really'
Who is your favourite band that you have worked with? ‘I love Supergrass and have worked with them since 1994'
Would you recommend Tour Management as a career? ‘Yes, but it all depends on what sort of character you are. You have to really want to do it.'
What are your plans for the year? ‘I am working with The Pigeon detectives in May but this time I will be the Production Manager.'
If you could work with any band in particular, who would you like to work with?
‘ The Bees, I love they're music, its quite Jazzy similar to The Zutons'
Up to date what is the biggest gig you have worked on? ‘Supergrass, they played a few Stadium Tours in South America and in Brazil they played in front 120,000 people.
How have you found Whitehaven and the Civic Hall? ‘Well I actually sail as a hobby, in fact I'm off to pick up my boat from Scotland tomorrow and may call in on the way back.
I managed to have a wonder around the harbour which is lovely but I couldn't find a chandlers though. Regarding The Whitehaven Civic Hall, it's a great venue and we have been well looked after.
Finally, whom are you listening to now? ‘The new Supergrass Album, it's absolutely brilliant'.
