The Maccabees Speak Michael Jackson and Glastonbury Stage Fright

Gigwise caught up with Maccabees’ frontman Orlando Weeks and guitarist Hugo White during the mayhem of Glastonbury to talk about Jacko, stage-fright and their top tips for the weekend.

“We were pretty scared, and then we messed up a bit. And it took all the pressure off really – then we were fine,” Orlando told Gigwise backstage in the Orange Chill n Charge area after their set on the Other Stage on Friday.

He went on: “It was really intense, there was so much concentration going into it. Even after the gig it took about twenty minutes for me to even be able to think about it – it was the biggest crowd we’ve ever played to. It’s amazing though – there’s such a good atmosphere!”

The Maccabees played again to the recharging masses in the Orange tent on Saturday night, but they still had plenty of time to catch their favourite acts. “We managed to see Animal Collective last night as well – it was so amazing, I was so, so happy!” said Orlando.

“We’re also going to go and see Bon Iver and Roots Manuva tomorrow – and of course Blur. I think Damon Albarn has consistently proved that he’s worth it with everything that he’s done, and you’ve got to admire someone like that.”

As for the demise of the King Of Pop, the band didn’t seem to think it worthy of comment. “I don’t really know enough about Michael Jackson to pass comment on his death, to be honest,” Orlando said.

“He was a large presence in all of our childhoods, but for me he doesn’t really exist outside of that nostalgia, so it didn’t seem appropriate to mention him. I think it’s best left alone really.”

Maccabees will be touring the festivals this summer, followed by an arena tour off the back of the success of their sophomore album, ‘Wall Of Arms’, in the autumn.