Gregory Alan Isakov - Finger On The Buzzer Q&A: "I accidentally kicked Lyle Lovett in the back of the heel by mistake – I think I hit him super hard..."

Where are you now and what are you doing?
I’m in Colorado at the farm, taking a break.

First record to send a shiver up your spine?
The charity single ‘We Are The World’, recorded by the supergroup USA For Africa. I think I was six.

First gig you attended?
I went to see Kenny G when I was a little kid with my mom, as I played saxophone at school. The show rocked.

First gig you played?
It was in my first band when we were 11. We were called Dry Water Fish. Very clever name. I was the drummer, and Danny, my current steel player, was the guitarist.

Most memorable gig?
My first time playing with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

What has been the most ‘pinch me’ moment of your career so far?
When Snoop Dogg was staying at the hotel we were playing and gave us some of his weed.

Snoop Dogg @3 Arena 26-03-23. Credit: Peter O'Hanlon

Most embarrassing thing you’ve done either drunk or sober?
When I accidentally kicked Lyle Lovett in the back of the heel by mistake – I think I hit him super hard. I was definitely sober, I just wasn’t looking where I was going. He was such a gentleman too. I apologised, then he took his hat off and said, “My apologies, Gregory.” Like, he knew my name. What a hero.

What shite jobs have you had in the past?
Ya know those little plugs of sod you see in lawns in the spring? I used to run that machine in office building landscapes. It was mind-numbingly lonely work.

Last record you bought, borrowed, or blagged?
Blagged!? Love that. I think it’s a Willis Alan Ramsey record. It’s still on the record player, actually.

Who’d be in your dream band line-up?
I know this sounds like a cop-out, but I think I’m playing with my dream band at the moment. But maybe we could add Dirk Powell on banjo once in a while.

Sexiest musician on the planet?
Weird Al, definitely.

• Gregory Alan Isakov plays the National Stadium, Dublin on November 22.