Bloc Party Interview: Russell Lissack Talks Silent Alarm Tour, Novacub & New Japan Pro Wrestling

What challenges does playing an in-full studio album live present compared to a regular set list? What considerations would you ordinarily have when constructing a setlist compared to these shows? Which songs are you most excited about revisiting?

"Actually, in a way, it is a lot easier than playing a regular set. People know exactly what they are getting! Normally you have to find the right balance of material from across your catalogue to cater to people's preferences or what is currently inspiring you but in this scenario, you have fairly strict parameters. The only real challenge is deciding what additional material we will throw in. We have performed all the songs from Silent Alarm live over the years. In fact, we spontaneously played the entire album at a secret Australian show a few years ago! Personally, I'm looking forward to playing Pioneers again, I still think it's one of the best songs we have ever written."

How does playing an anniversary gig make you feel as a tenured professional musician? Did you ever consider some of your earliest works enduring as long as they have to create such excitement around this type of tour? Would you consider doing the same for the remainder of the back catalogue?

"It isn't something I've ever considered. It's not part of the process of songwriting for me. You write the music that inspires and excites you and during that time it's a private experience. It's only at the point the music is released that it no longer becomes your possession. At that moment, the song has "left the nest" in my eyes and I lose part of the attachment to it, it's straight onto the next thing. But I do think it's amazing that these songs have meant so much to people, it's something I'm very proud of. I'd love to do it for other albums at some point too. A Weekend In The City is probably my favourite Bloc Party album so that would be fun to perform and I think there are some songs that have never aired live. I remember the band Suede did a series of gigs where they played all five of their albums in a row over five nights - it must have been hard work but as a fan it was amazing!"

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