Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson revealed in a recent interview with The Guardian that Shane MacGowan once ate an apple from his band’s rider that he had been using to smoke crack. Wilson recounted the amusing incident as part of the Flashback series, where they recreate a photo of their younger self and reflect on how their lives have changed. The photo Wilson recreated was from New Year’s Eve 2001 and showed him covered in streamers from a party popper.
Wilson also discussed how he used to rely heavily on alcohol to cope with stage fright and how it became a habit that almost hindered his performances. However, he revealed that he has since stopped consuming alcohol before shows and instead blasts out songs with dance routines in the lyrics to get him and his bandmates pumped up before going on stage.
In addition, Wilson recently recalled the past insults he has received from the likes of Mark E. Smith and Oasis. In his interview, he correctly guessed that Smith once said “the Kaiser Chiefs and Arctic Monkeys should open a chain of chip shops in North Yorkshire.” In response, Wilson stated that he respects and admires Smith and would respect him a lot less if he respected him, before adding that Mark E. never suggested opening a tent company called Marquee Smiths.
Despite the lighthearted anecdotes, Wilson also highlighted the dangers of relying too heavily on pre-show superstitions or habits, stating that it can be dangerous and inhibit a performer’s ability to give their best performance. Despite the challenges, Wilson and the Kaiser Chiefs continue to rock audiences around the world, having established themselves as one of the UK’s most beloved indie rock acts
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