Interview: Fun Lovin' Criminals

Excited to be one of the headline acts playing in a mystery location anywhere in the country Máire Rowland had a chat with Fun Lovin' Criminals' drummer Frank Benbini about the bands plans, his thoughts on the black stuff, dodging missiles thrown by U2 and his love of soda bread...

So what have the Fun Lovin’ Criminals been up to?
Frank: We’ve spent most of this summer playing festivals and doing a lot of one off shows as well. Last year we put out a live album and we’ve just been playing something like a greatest hits at all the festivals to celebrate that triple album.

Are you excited about playing Arthur’s Day? You obviously know where you are playing…
Frank: I do, but I’ve forgotten to be honest! I know where it is, but I’ve forgotten the name of the bar but I’m not allowed to tell you anyway! We had to sign something, so if I tell you I won’t get paid, unless I can tell you and then you can give me my fee! I am excited. I love all of Ireland. I’ve been coming here even when I don’t have to work. I’ve got family and stuff scattered around so it is somewhere where I’ve vacated.

What is your favourite place in Ireland?
Frank: Kenmare bay is my favourite place. Right, right at the bottom of Ireland

Have you any memories of any gigs in Ireland?
Frank: No, can’t remember any gig I’ve ever played in Ireland (jokes) (laughs) That’s not true , of course I do! I remember playing at the Olympia one year and all of U2 turned up in the balcony and they were throwing sweets down at us and all kinds of different things and then going on to party all night with them, we’ve been friends with them for years.

Are you a fan of Guinness?
Frank: I think it is an acquired taste, isn’t it? Whenever I’ll come I’ll have one but then I feel like having a sleep, it’s like having a Sunday roast having a pint of that stuff! I am a fan of their branding, I love their tv adverts over the years, they’re quality.

Have you visited the Guinness Storehouse?
Frank: Yes I have. I’ve been there twice actually. It is really interesting, it’s steeped in history isn’t it? It is probably your greatest export, apart from U2.

What is your favourite thing about Ireland?
Frank: Soda bread! When I stayed in Kenmare Bay I lived next to this lovely old woman and she baked a loaf and gave it to me every day. Just some cheddar cheese, a slice of tomato and some real butter on soda bread, to me it’s like you bite into it and I’m just really happy. So I’d say soda bread, and then I’ll say the people, maybe I should swap those around… The people, then the soda bread.

What about the people that make the soda bread?
Frank: Well they are just gods! They're generally women. The women ain’t bad and all!