IT’S the opportunity every unsigned band dreams of. Huddersfield group, The Rag Tags, have been invited to open up for their idols, Mumford and Sons, at tomorrow’s massive Greenhead Park gig.
The university students, who have never played outside of Huddersfield, will launch the day’s music on the Second Stage; which also features American folk rock star Willy Mason, Sheffield’s Slow Club and The Correspondents.
Rag Tags guitarist, Josh Power, said the amazing opportunity had come after he cheekily asked the band to check out their EP.
He explained: “When the event came round I sent emails out to all the organisers as Mumford and Sons are our favourite band.
“I work for the uni’s radio station and we got the chance to interview Winston and Ted at the Lawrence Batley Theatre.
“When I was interviewing them they were asking me what we do.
“So I told them I was in a band and said we’d love to play at your gig.
“I gave them our debut EP and they went away and listened to it and they all liked it.”
A week later the student five-piece were rejoicing when the band’s management invited them to join the line-up.
Josh said they couldn’t believe how lucky they had been.
“We’re pretty excited,” he said.
“They are a massive inspiration for us all.
“When we first started they were just coming out, and as we were finding our sound, we heard them and it really influenced what we did.”
The urban folk pop crew, who all study music at the university, formed in late 2009 for a student project and decided to stay together as a band.
They went on to win the university’s battle of the bands contest but have never gigged beyond the borders of Huddersfield.
Ahead of the biggest show of their lives, Josh said they were a bit anxious but hopeful it could be the break that every band desires.
He said: “We’ve never done anything on this scale before and the number of people that will be there will be amazing. We’re pretty nervous about the size of the gig but we’re also quite excited.
“I’m sure once we get up there we will all be fine.
“We’ve got plenty of material and we’re thinking of throwing in a cheeky cover that will make plenty of people smile.
“A lot of new people will get to hear our music so we really hope it will be a big break for us.”
Following their second stage performance the band will be able to watch the main stage performers, Moulettes, Nathaniel Rateliff, Michael Kiwanuka and headliners Mumford and Sons.
Added Josh: “The line-up is incredible so we will go and see as many bands as possible and hopefully get to hang out with them back stage.”
Following their festival debut The Rag Tags will be back on more familiar ground playing at one of the afterparty events at The Other Rooms.
Mumford and Sons’ Gentlemen of the Road concert is at Greenhead Park from 2pm tomorrow. Tickets are available at the gate.
http://www.gentlemenoftheroad.com/huddersfield/
