© Sven Benz
Catching Maxïmo Park's Paul Smith straight off stage at this year's Fête de la Musique in Dudelange, our boys Charlie Stone and Antoine Meyer grabbed a few moments with the frontman to reflect on the band's performance and their longstanding relationship with Luxembourg.
"Tonight, I thought we were very good", Smith said with a grin. "But that's my job, to be good. Otherwise, people won't book us anymore but ultimately, it's the audience who get to make that judgement."
It is not the first time Maxïmo Park have played in the Grand Duchy, but this visit gave Smith a chance to explore beyond the capital. "I spent the day in Dudelange, went to a photography exhibition near the music school and even did a little drawing of the Wassertuerm, the water tower. It's lovely here. We've played Luxembourg City a few times before, but it's nice to see another side of the country."
Their appearance at the festival gave them a chance to dive into fan favourites. "It's kind of like doing a greatest hits set outdoors, which can be just as special as a headline show", Smith said.
As for what' next, Smith dropped a few hints that something is brewing. "It's our twentieth anniversary this year, which not many bands get to celebrate. We’re not exactly a pop band, more alternative rock, but we always think of our songs as pop at heart. So yes, we’ll be celebrating. I won’t say how... but let's just say you might see a reissue and some touring. Don't tell anyone."
We won't, Paul, we promise.
