Gene on reuniting for first live show in over 20 years: “We don’t want any half measures – it needs to be spectacular”

nme.com:

Gene line-up have reunited and announced their first live show in over 20 years. Read NME‘s interview with frontman Martin Rossiter below, where he discusses what to expect from the “spectacular” gig.Rossiter, drummer Matt James, guitarist Steve Mason and bassist Kevin Miles are set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut album ‘Olympian’ with a comeback concert at the Eventim Apollo in London on October 4.It will be their first show since they last played in the capital at the now-defunct London Astoria on December 16, 2004.

Tickets go on sale at 9am GMT next Friday (March 28) – you’ll be able to buy yours here. You can also sign up for presale tickets here.Speaking to NME from the capital, Rossiter explained that their reunion was down to former Creation Records founder Alan McGee: “Alan is like one of those regional stage hypnotists in Adidas [trainers].

You do find yourself being easily persuaded by him but I’m glad he did.“It’s been 21 years since we’ve done anything together so to have Alan and his partner in crime Kevin [Fitzgerald] be able to persuade us and stop any silliness is quite useful.

He does have a way with words Mr McGee.”After an initial meeting, the band insisted on gathering together in a rehearsal room just days before signing off on the gig. “It was astonishing how quickly we slipped into [it] – not just musically, it’s an uncut diamond at this point – but the dynamics of the band literally hadn’t changed,” explained Rossiter. “It’s a bit like I’ve got an older sister and when I see her, I might as well be 13 and she’s 17, and that dynamic will never change.