Foals frontman Yannis Philippakis has given short shrift to those in bands who complain about the rigours of touring, saying they should see it as a ‘blessing’ to be up onstage.
There’s been a seemingly growing number of stories from a seemingly growing number of artists rejecting the challenges of life on the road, but Philippakis believes anybody entertaining such thoughts would do well to remember the privileged position they hold.
“You need to understand that if you’re musician and you go out on tour, it takes its toll on you – quite right too,” he’s told The Line Of Best Fit. “I love that we get to go and experience the oblivion of the road.”
“It’s psychologically taxing but don’t you want it to be? I want it to be. If it was easy there would be nothing in it. People destroy themselves for their art, for their calling.”
“I don’t want to come back spick and span and soaped up and well-rested after a tour. If you can’t hack, don’t do it.”
Philippakis and his Foals bandmates have good reason to hit the road with vigour thanks to the continuing evolution of new album ‘What Went Down‘, which may well go to number one in the UK tomorrow.