Lancashire Hotpots to play at 53 Degrees

The Lancashire Hotpots will play a show at 53 Degrees on December 12.

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The show has become tradition for the band and a sure sign that Christmas is soon to come.

We caught up with Bernard Thresher ahead of the show to discuss the sort of things that you don’t really get to ask when interviewing your average musician.

The Lancashire Hotpots, who have made a career from hilarious parody tracks, are certainly anything but average.

Why are Preston shows special for you?

Preston has for the longest time now been our last show of the year, so it makes it extra special for that reason.

We initially started making it our last show of the year due to the fantastic crowd and support we get from the people of Preston and the surrounding areas. In fact many Potters now travel from as far as Darwin to experience the unique atmosphere of these final shows.

Surely it counts as your home more than St Helens by this point?

Well I’ve lived in Coventry for 10 years so that probably counts as my home now.

Preston definitely does now hold a special place in our little drunken hearts.

Is it nice to be back doing the traditional Christmas show in the city?

Can’t wait to be back because as I’ve mentioned it means it’s the last show and if we were all honest we’ve just about had enough of each other by then.

However by the time the end of January comes round we are desperate to get back together and do a bit more Hotpotting.

Do you miss 53 Degrees operating as a full venue?

The big room in the 53 was a monumental venue, from the facilities to the P.A. and lighting and not to forget the staff who after so many years have become good friends who we see around the country at different festivals etc.

No matter what room we’re playing in, it’ll still be a great night that is a guarantee (this is not a guarantee).

How were the festival shows this year?

BANG ON! We love a fezzy crowd and I’d like to think the festival crowds love us.

At festivals we provide that welcome break from the serious acts touting their hard rehearsed credible heartfelt new album with our unrehearsed tipsy stumbling through the  chords C, F and G.

We are hoping to increase the amount of festivals we do next year because we love them so much.

How do crowds take you in different parts of the country?

You would not believe how many Northern ex-pats there are knocking about the country.

It doesn’t matter where we go, the numbers might vary from county to county but there’s always a flat cap and a neckerchief in the audience and a chorus of Lancashire na na nar!

Have you eve had a show where the crowd just didn’t get it at all?

Not really. Part of understanding the job you are doing is not putting yourself in a situation where that would happen.

We’ve done a couple of corporate events where people are not necessarily listening a great deal but I think from our very first gig nearly 9 years ago we’ve been welcome by all comers.

How do you get inspiration for the tracks that you write?

Every day in this Great Britain provides us with more than enough material for another 9 years’ worth of albums.

I mean look at the news last week : Man cuts his ears off to look like parrot – instant classic.

Which of your albums so far is your favourite?

Currently it’s ‘What Green Feels Like’ by Eaves. A really mature album from some young chaps in Leeds…

Oh wait you mean my favourite album of ours?!…I’m probably going to go with Golden Crates : The Best Of The Lancashire Hotpots.

Hit after smash.

Do you prefer a chippy tea or watching PNE?

Next question. That was ridiculous. Hang your head in shame.

Does Thom Yorke really need to cheer up?

Allow me to answer that question not with my words but the words of Thom Yorke himself: “My son really loves wildlife. And every time he draws a polar bear I want to tell him there probably won’t any by the time… he’s my age. That’s kinda hard to deal with.”

Now you tell me!

What about Noel Gallagher? He’s moody too?

Yep you’re right, but don’t take my word for it, hear it direct from the man himself : “There’s not enough good things in the world”.

He’s clearly never been to Alton Towers.

What’s your message to Preston ahead of your show at 53 Degrees?

Put us a pint behind the bar at The Mad Ferret. Oh and if you could buy some merchandise while you’re at the gig that would really help as I need some new shoes and Dickie’s garage is getting a bit full. The tea towels are very good.