Since their formation in 2005, Scouting for Girls have earned a well-deserved place in the English pop-rock hall of fame, and cemented that status with the release of their latest studio album The Place We Used To Meet in 2023. The trio – Roy Stride on piano and lead guitar/vocals, Greg Churchouse on bass guitar and Peter Ellard on drums – combine irresistibly catchy tunes with boundless energy and a knack for crowd interaction, making their live shows particularly memorable.
Ahead of their upcoming gig at The Weekend Festival, we asked the band to share some insights into their music, touring, and dream gigs.
The Place We Used To Meet has been out for a while now. What does this album mean to you?
I've heard many fans say that it’s their favourite album since the first – and I agree. It’s a collection of songs that look nostalgically back to the years we were kids, first fell in love and formed the band. Our best collection of tunes, too.
What’s your favourite track from the album?
Glow is my favourite – probably the best song I've written in a decade. It’s about meeting my wife when we first toured Japan, and not realising how that first kiss would change our lives forever. Every aspect of that song has been a joy. Writing it at home on a grand piano someone had just lent me; recording the song with one of our best friends in the business; filming the video in Tokyo; and now touring it.
Do you feel that in your newer music you’re freer to experiment than at the start of your career?
Ha, I don’t think we’ve ever been accused of experimenting!!! I just try to write the perfect pop song – something that makes people feel good in their soul.
How do you prepare for your live performances?
Nineteen years of practice and twenty minutes of vocal warm ups.
You're playing The Weekend Festival at the end of September. What are your best memories of Nottingham gigs in the past?
Rock City is one of our favourite venues in the entire world. It’s magic. I have no idea what’s its secret ingredient because the floor is sticky, the stage is small and the dressing rooms are tiny… It has to be the people. I get worried when we play there because I start to think that it can't be as good as the last time… and it never is… it’s always better.
Rock City is one of our favourite venues in the entire world. It’s magic. I have no idea what’s its secret ingredient because the floor is sticky, the stage is small and the dressing rooms are tiny…
Do you prefer playing festivals or your own concerts? What are the pros and cons?
That would be like choosing between my favourite children. We are lucky to do both as then you never get bored of either… or when we do, it’s time to go into the studio and make another record. I do prefer the indoor toilets though.
You're also starting the second leg of your UK tour in September. How are you feeling about it?
Buzzing. This tour has been my favourite we have ever done. We’ve kept the best bits of last year's tour and improved the best. All the big tunes, some fan favourites and some new ones. New setlist and staging too, so if you saw us in 2023 you’ll love ’24 even more!
What's it like being back on a tour bus?
I absolutely love it. It’s like being in a mobile party with your best mates on a submarine – sometimes cramped, sometimes smelly, always fun and liable to go off.
Do you get to do tourist stuff in the places you visit?
I live for it! We try to sneak in some sightseeing between sound checks and naps. I’m like a ninja tourist – in and out before anyone notices. I have the photos to prove it, mainly taken to remind myself of everything we’ve done. The guys joke that I have been to every single ‘brown sign’ tourist attraction in England. I probably have.
What's the favourite gig you have played?
Y Not Festival this year was magic. In the heart of the Peak District with the sun setting behind the stage leaving the 20,000 strong crowd bathed in glorious sunset. They sang every word, jumped as one and we even had a mosh pit. It fulfilled every teenage dream I had of being onstage in a band.
If you could do a gig with any band/artist dead or alive, who would it be?
Freddie Mercury – he’s the king of showmanship, and I’d love to see if we could keep up with his legendary energy! It would also give Pete our drummer an excuse to wear some of his best outfits.
Scouting for Girls are set to headline The Weekend Festival on Nottingham’s Victoria Embankment, which takes place on 21/22 September. They share the bill with Toploader, The Rosadocs, Ryan Arnold and The Mease on Saturday, while Sunday sees Dub FX, The Clause and Dirty Blonde on the line-up, among many others. Tickets and further information about The Weekend Festival can found at theweekendfestival.com
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
