Photo: Press/Lucy Bridger
We've always believed The 1975 were set for big things.
Having built up a dedicated fan base with a string of critically-acclaimed EP releases, they now find themselves on the verge of a huge tour and the release of their debut album.
In the midst of a manic weekend playing two shows at Glastonbury Festival, we caught up with frontman Matt Healy to discuss their whirlwind success, supporting The Rolling Stones, and what fans can expect from their upcoming 'arrogant but audacious' album and 'headfuck' UK tour.
How was Glastonbury for The 1975?
Absolutely amazing. It's been a whirlwind because we got back to the UK from America at six in the morning then rushed straight here without any sleep and went on stage pretty much straight away. We got to the side of the stage about five minutes before we went on so it was a pretty intense day, but the crowd were amazing. There were thousands of people there. I didn't realise how big The Other Stage was - it's like the size of the Reading main stage. I'm just lost at the moment and can't believe that all of this is kicking off.
Is this your first ever Glastonbury as a band?
Yes, it's amazing. I've adored so many of the bands that have been here so to be able to be a part of that whole thing is really inspiring. I've only been here as a punter once so I don't feel like a patron. I went to Leeds Festival every single year, so that'll be amazing to play but Glasto is untouched ground for us.
We caught with Matt Healy from The 1975 backstage at Glastonbury Festival.
Who would play your dream Glastonbury?
Prince and Michael Jackson. I went to see Michael Jackson at Wembley in 1996 and i was incredible, man. I just remember crying my eyes out the whole time. But realistically, I would like to see The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac and Prince.
How do you feel about being handpicked to support the Rolling Stones at their upcoming London shows?
Apparently someone really liked us and that's crazy.
How do you mentally prepare for two shows at Glastonbury with these kinds of opportunities and knowing that you've got that kind of following without having an album out yet?
I know, right? I don't really think about that. We're playing Shepherd's Bush and Brixton Academy and we don't even have an album out. That is a headfuck isn't it? You know what, actually our EPs make up like 16 tracks so there's loads of stuff out there for people to emotionally invest in and that's supposed to be the idea. This album is everything that we are, man. It's the culmination of our lives and what we've always worked towards. It's been over a year coming.
What can fans expect from The 1975's debut album?
It goes everywhere stylistically which is what people have come to expect from our band. There's no coherent style to our music so it's big and quite arrogant and audacious but also quite self-deprecating and romantic. We wanted to write the soundtrack to the John Hughes movie of our lives.
Do you think about where you want the album to take The 1975?
No, I can't man. We never thought about being accepted on this kind of level so we just focus on the whole outfit and our relationships with one another. We find solace in that and just make sure that everything we do is focussed and not compromised by this whole whirlwind of nonsense.
Do you feel distant to the hype around you?
I don't feel distant, but I don't feel like a part of it. The 1975 is so us - it's not an idea that we've forced on people. It's just what we do and it's what people have embraced. I mean, I like being praised so that's good.
Have you received much negative press?
Not really, no. I don't really care. That may sound cliche but it just doesn't bother me.
The 1975's self-titled debut album will be released on 9 September, 2013.
Tickets for their live shows are on sale now and full dates are below. For more information, visit Gigwise Gig Tickets.
September 2013
Sun 15th - Newcastle - University
Mon 16th - Birmingham – Institute
Tues 17th - Glasgow - ABC
Wed 18th - Nottingham - Rock City
Fri 20th - London - Shepherd's Bush Empire (SOLD OUT)
Sat 21st - Manchester - Ritz (SOLD OUT)
Sun 22nd - Stoke - Sugarmill
Mon 23rd - Leeds - Leeds University Stylus.
Tues 24th - Oxford - Academy.
Wed 25th - Norwich - Waterfront.
Thurs 26th - Bristol - Academy
Sat 28th - Brighton - Concorde 2
Mon 30th - Dublin - Academy
Tues 1st - Belfast - Mandela Hall
January 2014
Wed 8th - Manchester - Academy
Sat 11th - London - Brixton Academy
