Liverpudlian rock group the Lightning Seeds are all set to perform at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on May 12, joined by The Farm and Toploader. Frontman Ian Broudie, 59, who formed the act in 1989, talked to tabloid! about the bands he wishes he could have been in, and penning Three Lions, England’s unlikely football anthem.
First things first, what do you have planned for your set here in Dubai?
I won’t be showcasing new material, so it will be a set full of songs everyone knows. It should be great.
What’s your current favourite song to perform live, and why?
The songs tend to vary from gig to gig, and so depending on the vibe in the audience different songs can be great at certain gigs.
One of your most enduring hits has of course been Three Lions. How do you feel about that song now that it’s taken on a life of its own?
I regard that song as something apart from my career and my other songs, for better or worse.
As someone who’s been a part of the UK music scene for decades, what are your thoughts on it today? How much have things changed for Britpop since you were starting out?
Well, I don’t believe we ever felt we were really a part of Britpop. To me, music seems to change constantly but in a very cyclical way.
Liverpool in particular has produced some incredible indie and commercial music. Is there something about the city that lends itself to this kind of creativity?
Yes, I believe Liverpool is a very musical town from the Kop to the groups — everyone loves to play music.
If you could sit down across from Ian Broudie from the early years, what would be your advice to him, knowing what you know now?
Have more belief and have more fun.
You’ve produced songs and albums for several bands, from The Subways to Echo & the Bunnymen — what is it about an act or artist that makes you want to work with them?
I think if I wish I was in the band, then it’s a good sign.
There was a ten year gap between releasing Tilt in ’99 and Four Winds in ’09. Do you think you might release another album now, or is that not in the cards?
I don’t really regard 4 Winds as a Lightning Seeds album, although Universal released it as one. I am working [on] a new album which I’m very excited about and hope to release in a few months.
What’s life like outside of the Lightning Seeds? How do you like to spend any downtime you might have?
I produced a lot of bands in between albums, although I don’t do that anymore. I guess I spend a lot of time reading and seeing bands.
Last but not least, what’s next for the Lightning Seeds?
Dubai!
Don’t miss it
Tickets to see the Lightning Seeds, The Farm and Toploader are Dh175-Dh195.
