MUSIC: Catch HamsandwicH at the races tomorrow

One of Ireland’s most popular bands, HamsandwicH, are well-known for their incendiary live performances, establishing themselves as one of the top touring acts in the country. They return to play the Leopardstown stage this Thursday, June 22, as part of the Bulmers Live series of gigs.

In advance of this week’s show, we caught up with Podge from HamsandwicH.

1. Best gig you’ve been to in Dublin?  

Tough one. Between Built to Spill/The National in Whelan’s. BTS were Incredible. Guitarist broke his custom painted/doodled Strat and handed me the butchered body of it, signed by all band members. Still have it.

2. Most Memorable moment in Dublin? 

For some reason the day the Marriage Referendum was passed jumps out most. It was a glorious sunny day and I was down at Dublin Castle. There was a crazy sense of overwhelming happiness across Dublin. History made and the glass ceiling very much smashed.

3. Most ‘want to forget’ moment in Dublin?

Any Paddy’s Day around Temple Bar. I’m a fan of zombie movies but not when it gets all too real

4. First and last album you bought?

First album was a cassette of ‘Appetite for Destruction’ by Guns N’ Roses I bought in a market in Newry in County Down. Luckily it was an official one. Last one was the new EL VY record

5. When you’re not playing music, what else do you do? 

Love finding new music, browsing the crap out of adverts.ie for a sweet deal, watching movies and new Netflix series or the odd time I’ll read a book – mainly a biography on someone.

6. Who are your influences? 

Pavement (I’m obsessed), Beck, Bowie, Sparklehorse, Flaming Lips, Fleetwood Mac, Low, Pixies, Velvet Underground, Built to Spill… I’ll stop now.

7. If you weren’t in HamsandwicH, who would make up your ideal band?

I’d have myself and Doug Martsch on backing vocals with Stevie Nicks on lead; David Bowie on sax and in charge of stage set and costume design; Prince on piano; Keith Moon on drums; and Richie Egan on bass.

8. Any tips on life? 

Yep, shop in Musicmaker, buy Sriracha sauce and use it on everything you possibly can. Always pre-heat a sandwich toaster before you put your cheese sambo in it.

9. First person you’d invite to your party? 

Spike Milligan and Mitch Hedburg if they were still around.

10. Last person you’d invite to your party? 

I’d have to say Nigel Farage.