Aaron from Billy Talent talks R&L memories and hamburgers to the chest

Billy Talent are one of those bands that never disappoint, and that’s why we’re pumped to welcome them back to Reading and Leeds once again. Before they tear up the Main Stage, we caught up with Aaron Solowoniuk to find out who they’re going to be partying with next year and the ethos behind the band.

First up, you’re no stranger to the Reading and Leeds’ stages – what’s your favourite memory from performing previously?

We’ve got so many great memories from Reading and Leeds. Our first time playing them we had an early afternoon set right after attending the Kerrang! Awards. The set was a bit difficult because of what went down the night before…

You just celebrated your 25th anniversary as a band, what are some of your personal favourite moments and what would you love to achieve next?

The whole thing is my favourite moment. Look what we did! We started a band in high school and took that all over the world for years. I’m looking forward to the next stage of this band, with me having a very limited roll. I now get to be Billy Talent’s biggest fan. I’ve been to more shows than anyone else.

You also recently launched the Billy Talent Charity Trust – can you tell us a bit about that?

That whole thing comes from what we were exposed to as young kids starting a band. Our first show was to help our local food bank, it’s just in us to try and help where ever we can. We have been able to donate to a bunch of great organizations in the past. The Trust will continue doing this work and I’m happy to say I get to control it. You can check out billytalentcharitytrust.com for info on some great people.

What do you think makes British festivals the best in the world?

I think British festival fans are some of the best in the world. You guys get it. It’s all about spending a weekend outdoors with your best friends seeing some great music and building lasting memories. It’s so simple.

What one song are you most looking forward to playing at this year’s festivals?

I’m out this summer for the first time in three years. Getting to a point where I can get up and play ANY song will be the best for me. When I get to watch side stage, I love watching ‘Devil on my Shoulder’ and ‘Viking’.

There’s been a lot of speculation online that we may get to hear a new album from you next year, are you working on anything at the moment?

I can’t tell you that.

If you could pick any song from any artist that sums up Billy Talent’s journey so far what would it be and why?

That’s a really hard question man! ‘Go Your Own Way’ by Fleetwood Mac because we went our own way?

What’s the weirdest thing anyone has ever thrown on stage at one of your performances?

I got a half eaten hamburger right in the chest once, it landed on my snare.

How do you like to get pumped up before you take to the stage? Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Always have practice gear backstage. Warm up starts about 30 minutes to an hour before show time.

If you had to pack an outfit to take to Reading and Leeds, what would you take?

A blue morph suit.

If you had a food stall at Reading and Leeds what would you call it?

Aaron W Rootbeer.

Who on this year’s line up would you like to party with?

I’d like to party with Fall Out Boy, Kendrick Lamar and Kings of Leon.

Who out of the band could pitch a tent the fastest?

Ian. He was bragging to us on the bus last night about how fast he can pitch a tent. Jon would be a close 2nd. Then Jordan. Then me. Ben would be last.

‘Surprise Surprise’ Billy Talent play the Main Stage on Friday at this year’s Leeds Festival.

If you want in, you better get your tickets in your bag pronto.