By definition ‘young guns’ are men who set out to make a name for themselves by going up against the older and more established of their kind.
They are young men who are regarded as assertive and aggressively self-confident. With such a name it’s not hard to see how attitude has ensured the attainment and survival of the band Young Guns in the cutthroat music industry.
Playing on the main stages of both Download Festival and Reading and Leeds Festival are to name but a few of Young Guns’ accomplishments.
Not to mention that they are often plastered across notable rock publications including Kerrang! magazine; a company which presented them with The Relentless Award which celebrates a rock band or icon who truly embodies the no half measures attitude within music.
The British quintet, who hail from High Wycombe, have certainly distinguished themselves in the ruthless business and yet still have their eyes glazed with ambition.
MM caught up with vocalist Gustav Wood preceding the Rule Britannia Tour that will be coming to Manchester; for which Young Guns and Asking Alexandria will be supporting the Welsh metal titans Bullet for My Valentine.
It’s no secret that conquering America’s heart is always a challenge but after spending an extensive period of time across the pond this year it appears the Young Guns boys have done just that. We asked how American audiences compare to those back home.
“Well obviously the make-up of the audiences is in some ways very different, as is the country itself,” Gustav Wood said.
“Mostly though, they’re just open minded fans of rock music and have given us a chance every night we’ve been fortunate enough to play there.
“It’s great that a band like us can play with bands like Seether or Bullet For My Valentine and have crowds get into it, even though we aren’t necessarily that similar stylistically.”
However, he also assured us that his heart hasn’t been stolen by the Yanks.
“I love touring the USA but my heart will always belong here at home in the UK.”
On returning to the UK the band are gearing up for the stadium tour where they will be opening shows. The southern rockers are no strangers to our iconic city of music after playing here multiple times and filming their music video for the single Crystal Clear at Manchester Sound Control back in 2010.
“I hate that video,” confessed Gustav.
“We shot that video there for logistical reasons; the directors were based there but it’s always been one of our favourite cities to play and is ALWAYS a good night out.”
Gustav also revealed how his favourite song to play live is the single Bones.
“It’s our strongest song and always goes down well,” he said.
And it’s true. Bones is the band’s most popular song to date and had the privilege of becoming the theme song for WWE’s Wrestlemania 2013 and topped the US Billboard Chart.
“I can’t wait to play our new album though as it is such a quantum leap in quality compared to anything we’ve done so far,” Gustav shared with enthusiasm.
Last but by no means least, we asked what we have got to look forward to when Young Guns perform at the Phones 4u Arena.
“We prefer to keep things secret but it’s our first shows of what will hopefully be a long and exciting few years, so the tour is momentous for us. We’re on first so we’re just going to try lift the crowd and get them ready for the bands after. We have a few tricks up our sleeve too.”
So it appears that the band is keeping their cards close to their chest and the only way to see what’s in store is to go and see them for yourselves.
Catch them on the Rule Britannia Tour alongside Asking Alexandria and Bullet For My Valentine this winter on December 1. Tickets are on sale now and can be ordered through Eventim, the official ticket partner for Phones 4u Arena.
Image courtesy of Chloe Chaplin, with thanks
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