Thompson Twins - Tom Bailey Q+A - Lets Rock Leeds 2015

For nearly three decades fans of the Thompson Twins have been waiting for more live performances from one of the most iconic bands of the eighties.

Now The Thompson Twins' Tom Bailey, with a new band, will be touring and performing at Lets Rock Leeds so here is your chance to see and hear most of the big Thompson Twins hits in 2015.

Halifax born Bailey has been receiving rave reviews from his handful of UK shows to date and recent US dates with Howard Jones.

Lets Rock Leeds presents the nearest thing to a a home town show for Tom Bailey, and when we spoke it was clear he was expecting to feel the love.

How would you describe your sound in five words?

Foot-tapping electronic pop songs

What are you most looking forward to when playing at Let’s Rock Leeds! this year?

I always enjoy playing, especially for an audience who share memories of the first time round.

What do you have planned?

We're doing a kind of "greatest hits" set, but contemporised for today.

What do you like about performing at festivals? 

"The bigger, the better."

Tell us about your favourite gig?

Touring in India with the Holiwater Band, we played in a remote village in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. No electricity, no running water, but so much fun.

What is your favourite song to perform live and why? 

I like to play "If You Were Here" because I've updated it to address the 25 year delay since the last time.

What’s your rider when you’re on tour?

Vegan food.

What bands are you listening to at the moment?

SJD from New Zealand

What is your advice for bands starting out?

Not everybody can be successful, so do it for the creative challenge and the fun -  not the celebrity. But remember that exposure alone can't sustain a project.

Are you planning more albums and new songs?

I'm writing songs at the moment. I don't know yet where it will lead.

After 7 years of 80s fun at our sell out Ultimate 80s Festivals around the country, Let’s Rock Leeds! returns to Temple Newsam on Saturday 21st June 2015. With a fabulous line-up of artists to bring you the very best of the 80s, and an action packed day of general 80s madness, there is plenty to do for everyone at this Family Friendly Festival!
As the largest one-day 80s music festival in the North of England, Let’s Rock Leeds! offers something for the whole family, with entertainment for everyone. Children can enjoy our new “Let’s Rock! Playpen”, which includes tons of free stuff to keep the little ones occupied, including circus workshops with the Bigtopmania Circus, face painting, crafts, tricycles and the “Disco Shack”! With a super funfair including water rides as well as children’s entertainers from BBC/ITV, Let’s Rock Leeds! offers the perfect day out for all the family. Multiple bars and a wide range of quality food outlets, selling food from around the world.


2015 will see our new, funky 80s themed VIP enclosure, where you can pay a visit to our 80s stylists for the ultimate 80s makeover or sit back and relax in the comfy chill out zone or enjoy the outdoor seating area. The VIP enclosure includes a premium food outlet, coffee shop and full bar serving quality brands and 80s cocktails, plus of course the all important VIP luxury loos – essential at any festival!

There will be plenty of action going on during those dull band changeovers, including Jive Bunny and the Mastermixers, Pat Sharp and Dave Benson Phillips, alongside our Lets Rock! Megamix Karaoke – to keep the party going for the whole day!

Let’s Rock! has been leading the way for quality, family-friendly 80s music festivals since 2009. Don’t miss out on this chance for a retro blast with the very best of the 80s


Lets Rock Leeds tickets available here