The Nilz must be one of Dublin’s hardest working punk bands on the scene. I have seen these guys a number of times and each time loved it.
Abigael got to have a chat with lead singer Eddie Nil, read below.
Abby: Would you be able to tell us a little bit about yourself for those who don’t know you ?
Eddie: I’m Eddie Nil of The Nilz. I’ve been gigging around the Punk scene for the last 25 odd years. Feeling a little long in the tooth now to be doing this but then we are still coming up with new music so, fuck the begrudgers !
Abby: How would you convince people to listen to your music ?
Eddie: Just let it speak for itself I guess I don’t really know what that question means to be honest … I suppose, telling them that we’re a savage tight band whose live set is full of onstage theatrics. It sounds awful pompous though to say that and comes across like I’m a dick who’s full of himself … but it’s the truth though.
Abby: What can people expect from your shows ?
Eddie: Loads of fucking energy, positive aggressive energy, some BDSM as well, depending on the crowd
Abby: We’ve seen pictures of previous shows and we just wanted to ask … where did the idea of shooting fireworks from you butt come from ? Also, why ?!
Eddie: It was a progression. It started at a gig in the Voodoo lounge years ago; I split my jeans onstage, wasn’t wearing underwear and thought: “I’ll stick me finger up me bum and see what the crowd thinks of that !” They laughed, so I thought: “well, let’s keep doing this, so !” And of course, like everything in my poxy life, it escalated to a glow stick. Then a sparkler got taped to that, ans now it’s what’s called ‘an ice fountain’. A girl from the audience once stuck a straw up it and then proceeded to put it back in her drink ! We have a following that’s pretty up for it, and we love that.
Abby: What was your worst moment on stage, ever ?
Eddie: Worst is subjective with us. What would horrify other bands, we most likely would find funny. We love what we do but we don’t aspire to be perfect at it. I did play a gig at our then bass player’s 30th, where I was so drunk. Not only could I not remember the lyrics, I couldn’t remember what song we where playing from start to finish. I also quite foolishly took a high heeled shoe off a girl at the party and stabbed it into my head until I bled during one of the songs … Not my proudest moment.
Abby: What or who inspired you to start a band ?
Eddie: It was a guy I don’t talk to anymore. We didn’t really fall out, it was more the fact of how much he changed as a person after the band started rehearsing together in the beginning. It’s a real pity as I considered him a really good friend but I don’t think he was mature enough to know how to be a good mate himself, so fuck him !
Abby: What would your dream country/city/venue to play live in be, and why ?
Eddie: I love Vegas ! I think to get to play punk rock bowling would be a pinnacle for me.
Abby: Are there any artists you’d like to collaborate with ? If yes, who would it be and why ?
Eddie: I love The Scuntz from Belfast and we’ve talked about doing something together. Thiis year, we’re doing an album with Aoife Destruction from Paranoid Visions, with her fronting the band. The songs are a bit of a departure from our normal sound, less aggressive, way more catchy, it’s sounding fantastic so I’m buzzed about that ! She has a great voice.
Abby: Are there any questions you wish journalists would ask you but never or rarely do ?
Eddie: Wanna go for a drink? Would you like some cocaine?
Abby: What are the oldest memories you have ?
Eddie: I don’t think anyone cares about the answer to that.
Words Abigael Paquet