Alex James: 'Planning festival is much harder than Blur gig'
Bass player is staging Big Feastival with Jamie Oliver this weekend (Sept 1-2)
by David Renshaw | Photos by WENN.com
Tags: Blur
Blur bassist Alex James has said that planning and executing a succesful festival is far harder than headlining a huge gig as part of Blur.
James, who played throughout the Summer with Damon Albarn, Graham Coxon and Dave Rowntree including a huge gig at London's Hyde Park, will host The Big Feastival on his farm in Oxfordshire this weekend (September 1-2).
Speaking to the Daily Star about the differences in organising a festival and headlining one, James is certain which is harder work:
“Although I hadn’t done it for a while, I know what to do in Blur." he says. "Playing the bass in a rock and roll band is a straightforward activity – you just have to stand still."
Adding: “But planning a festival with bands, Peppa Pig and the best chefs in the world involves a lot of detail.”
The Big Feastival is a joint venture between Alex James and chef Jamie Oliver. Performers over the weekend include Razorlight and Paloma Faith as well as Alex and Jamie's band, Farm Lovin’ Criminals at the Feastival.
Chatting about his culinary buddy, Alex said: “A lot of festivals have been cancelled lately. You’ve got to have a niche. I don’t think anyone can combine food and music as well as me and Jamie.”
Photos: Blur live in London's Hyde Park 2012
