Music Q&A:
Bruce Watson

The Big Country guitarist is touring with his son and fellow Scots The Skids. They play Manchester's O2 Ritz, 2 June and Leeds O2 Academy, 3 June

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What informs your music and songwriting?
I only write music for Big Country and never wrote lyrics apart from a few lines. When my son Jamie and I did our album I wrote lyrics for that but I am at my happiest standing stage left playing my guitar.

How has the band evolved over the years?
I am not sure if evolved is the right word for Big Country. Our singer Stuart passed away many years ago and we never played for a few years after that. Mark, our drummer, and I now play with Jamie, Simon and Scott, who make up the rest of the band. We play summer festivals and do dates and tours celebrating albums from our back catalogue.

What are you up to at the moment artistically?
At the moment Jamie and I are touring and recording a new album with The Skids, along with original members Bill, Richard and Mike.

What’s it like to operate in the music industry today?
Completely different from before. Basically most bands I know are like cottage industries – you look after your own affairs and have more control. Also due to social media projects can often be fan driven, which is great.

What’s on your rider?
We have a rider that stretches back to Victorian times. British Rail sandwiches, week-old fruit and, if we are lucky, we sometimes get a walnut each.

Tell us your most embarrassing or surreal experience.
I was on tour in Ireland and was staying at a hotel. I woke up in the middle of night to go to the loo. I always keep my eyes closed as I can’t get back to sleep. I opened what I thought was the toilet door and closed it behind me. I found myself naked in the hotel corridor and had to go downstairs to the lobby to get the night porter to get me back in. And yes, the bar was packed – it was the busiest hotel I have ever been in.

What’s your worst lyric?
The woman who loved me farted too much.

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Bruce Watson

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