News
Tue 24 Jul 2012 - Paolo Gets Ready For BT London Live In Hyde Park
Paolo is getting ready for his big Olympic gig this week and so we sat down for a chat with him about the show, the games and his plans for the rest of 2012.
First things first, he'll be taking to the stage this Friday night to represent Scotland in a star-studded concert that heralds the start of the London Games, something that Paolo is especially proud of:
"Being asked to be a part of any big event in a setting like Hyde Park is always an honour and to go fly the flag for your country makes it even sweeter."
"I’m getting good vibes about the show, I mean, it's a great big park with lots of life... people can come, have a sing and a dance and let their hair down. Danny Boyle's extravaganza will be getting beamed back into the park so that should add to the buzz. If the sun shines for us, we'll be laughing."
Also on the bill are Snow Patrol, Duran Duran and Paolo's good friend's The Stereophonics, who he's looking forward to meeting backstage:
"I've met Gary from Snow Patrol a few times and he's a smart guy with a good ear for melodies and a huge following. I remember getting a record by one of his other bands, The Reindeer Section, when I first started to write. They’ve made some wicked stuff.
"And I once had the honour of receiving an award from Mr Simon Le Bon. He's a cool guy and a cushty dresser. He probably won't remember that time though. I mean he's f**king Simon Le Bon."
"And playing alongside Kelly Jones and the Stereophonics boys is always a good laugh. They are gentlemen and great players. They don't mind a Jaegerbomb or two either."
When it comes to the sporting events Paolo is, of course, firmly behind the Scottish athletes on Team GB:
"I'm backing them all. Scotland has some talented athletes so they should do well."
After the gig Paolo's attention will turn firmly towards music, more gigs and the prospect of his imminent third album:
"We will be playing a few shows across Europe and then releasing a record later in the year. I've got lots of new songs and new vibes to put out, so watch this space people."
