Royal Blood talk about THAT Big Weekend performance for the first time

#radio1 #royalblood #gregjames
Royal Blood came into Radio 1 to have an honest chat with Greg James about the performance which started a thousand memes. Were they being rude, was it all a joke, and how do they feel after being an international talking point for days on end?
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[@RosaBirke]

Feel like Greg handled that interview really well, could've been awkward, but really wasn't, well done!

[@richardu]

Greg did well but to suggest this wasn't an awkward interview.. It's one of the most awkward/cringe-inducing interviews I've seen. There's no way you can avoid it. I don't think they should've done the interview - probably comes across even worse!

[@tim73639]

I think he played a blinder in fairness

[@sanfordcurtis8242]

They should’ve watched Daphne and Celeste’s gig at Reading in 2000. They had the entire crowd against them throwing rubbish at them, yet D&C did their set, had a laugh and didn’t turn against the crowd.

[@charles_wren_films]

Yup. And by comparison, Royal Blood came across as absolute self entitled divas.

[@sanfordcurtis8242]

@@charles_wren_films Royal Blood having to play after Foo Fighters at Glasto was karmic justice.

[@dandegunner7351]

@@sanfordcurtis8242how 😂

[@allanmillar3369]

Here's the thing; not one person in the crowd bought a ticket to see Royal Blood and that's not shade. They were announced AFTER it had fully sold out. So, no, the crowd weren't super enthused to see them, but it wasn't actively hostile or anything just a bit low key.

[@Will97G]

Being in a harry Styles Lewis capaldi sandwich isn't great for them either

[@Dillonkhola]

@@Will97Gunfortunately, worse, Niall Horan and Lewis Capaldi.. I feel like there could be some crossover with some Harry Styles fans, but with that sandwich there’s no chance..😅

[@charles_wren_films]

And furthermore, the reality is that they were paid to go and perform on that stage, regardless of the reaction. They just came across as self entitled, obnoxious, out of touch, and totally ungrateful.

[@Leprechaunmonkey101]

The crowd didn’t book them in that slot, blame their agent, instead they threw there toys out the pram

[@thaicat8181]

While I do think what Mike did was kind of a dick move, I feel that people are blowing this situation out of proportion. What Mike did was the bare minimum compared to other artists, yet some articles are making the situation sound worse than it actually is.

[@sebastiancooper7792]

Honestly, the point where the cameraman clapped and Mike asked the audience “What does that say about you?” was the only point that seemed genuinely hostile- the rest was just regular Mike stuff, and the world did what it always does and turned into a judgemental lynch mob.

[@kevied88]

ROYAL BLOOD fan from DUNDEE I hope they come back to Dundee to play THEIR OWN gig

[@Sam_T1021]

I was quite underwhelmed when I found the video. It was the tamest "meltdown" I've ever witnessed

[@Snapes_say]

How we talk to eachother online is another convo, but you want to avoid apologising for how you spoke to your audience 😂🤣

[@willhunt6897]

It’s not like they turned up late or stormed off early. They played their set and interacted with the audience, maybe they weren’t in the mood for entertaining a bunch of kids waiting for Niall Horan?!! They’re human, get over it!

[@garyedgar9778]

" kids". Could you patronise any harder? They agreed to play, he threw a toddler tantrum, weak as fuck.

[@Opz0113]

Don't play the gig then if you can't handle the crowd not liking your music 😂

[@willhunt6897]

@@Opz0113 it won’t have been the band themselves that coordinated the booking. They have people doing that for them in the background.

[@RighteousBrother]

Love Royal Blood surprised things escalated so quickly. They didn't handle the situation well. Lesson learned. Don't play Radio 1 big weekend! Can't wait to see them play in Brighton and hear the new album!

[@nathandc2669]

They are studio artists, they sound terrible live

[@dandegunner7351]

hah seen them three times now they are amazinglive @@nathandc2669

[@laflame7338]

@@nathandc2669outrageous statement. They’re known for being amazing live

[@spiffymarc]

“it was just a prank”

[@lloydevans85]

I think that qualifies Greg James as the cleverest person at the BBC. A gentle bolloking but also a good listener. Mike didn’t like it one bit when that meme pack came out. 😅

[@markolguin285]

One each? Really?

[@MrGameControler]

The reaction was probably a bit over the top but honestly it's so sad how little crowds turn up these days, it's like you're at a funeral half the time.

[@naddyj5703]

It was really petty...read the room guys!

[@Kim-ez9up]

I've been a fan of these guys for years and it came across as a performance to me the whole time, I don't understand the drama honestly 😂 Love you guys and can't wait for the album ❤

[@SwingRiots]

It came across as middle class waitrose "edginess"

[@emmamorris6577]

big love for Royal Blood from Leeds!!! can't wait to see yous support Muse on the 28th, will be dancing the Macarena in the middle of the pit 🤘💃

[@gummybrad]

honestly this whole situation is hilarious, idk why people are that mad lmao

[@jarnekompier]

Welcome to cancel culture, where the people who try to cancel someone are often way worse human beings than the person who gets cancelled😂

[@QuarantineThePast]

@@jarnekompier okay boomer

[@jarnekompier]

@@QuarantineThePast Think of a better comeback next time😂

[@QuarantineThePast]

@@jarnekompier obsess over a better band next time

[@jarnekompier]

@@QuarantineThePast Didn't know this incident had anything to do with their talent. Besides, having a favourite band doesn't mean you're obsessed by it, but okay. You don't seem to talk any sense anyways so I'll let you off. Next time when you make a big deal out of literally nothing, maybe do some research beforehand. You would come to the conclusion that massive bands did way worse things onstage in the 80s & 90s and nobody really cared about it back then either. Anyways, I hope you're still able to sleep well, since this clearly kept you rattled for quite a few weeks. Good luck in the future mate👌

[@wezalaar]

To be fair how many pop diva's have had a hissy fit over the years and don't get half the agro these boys got?! Saw them in Plymouth..... Absolutely brilliant better than any rubbish run of the mill pop group!!!

[@ManTheMav]

they are a pop group

[@TheRaven384]

@mikestand80672 I can see that you’ve never actually listened to a single track of Royal Blood. You must be having a laugh thinking they’re a pop group. Have a listen at tracks such as Out of the Black or Figure It Out, basically any song from their first two albums and tell me they’re not a rock band.

[@John...44...]

​@mikestand8067 I'm sorry but although the 'pop' in pop music came from popular, that isn't what the word means any more. You don't change a bands genre depending on how many albums they sell. Royal blood are not pop, they are rock, although rock is a spectrum, and they are not at the hardest end of it

[@DaRealLotlz]

​@@ManTheMavyou need to pop out of here mate

[@josephcrawley7622]

I think the whole thing was blown way out of proportion. They played the whole set, they were engaging with the audience.

[@garyedgar9778]

That's not "engaging", it's throwing a toddler tantrum in public.

[@josephcrawley7622]

@@garyedgar9778 Guns n Roses showing up hours late, or walking off after half a song is a toddler temper tantrum. He played the whole set, and was taking a piss out of the crowd. They're used to playing to a different type of crowd. I saw them a few years ago, and the audience ate that shit up, and asked for more.

[@ilonac1086]

Always speaks volumes when someone says "I meant no offence" instead of "I'm sorry"

[@Viper-dz2kw]

It’s weird to see so many of the comments refer to these guys as a pop band. Is it like a British thing where these guys would be considered a pop act? Because in the US they’re definitely a rock band, don’t think I could ever see them playing the same bill as Taylor swift or The Weeknd ( I know he’s Canadian). Generally curious if it’s a cultural difference

[@TheRaven384]

It’s not a "British thing" as you put it. Royal Blood are a British band and they are rock, end of story. The people calling them a pop band clearly haven’t listened to any of their songs and are just going by the fact that Trouble's Coming sounds a little a pop. But in my opinion, Trouble's Coming is still rock, just alternate / disco rock.

[@krashd]

Before pop became a name for sickly sweet music it literally meant 'popular', any group or band that gets in the top 20 on the charts is technically pop. I mean our biggest musical institution in the UK for 50 years was a show called "Top of the Pops" and it had everything from Nirvana to Motorhead on it. Pop in the UK is now more akin to pop in the US (i.e. acts like Taylor Swift), but in some corners pop still means anything popular.

[@jarnekompier]

Anybody who knew royal blood before Dundee knows that he was just taking the piss😂 People still throwing shade at them and thinking they were actually serious are beyond thick

[@Elfd267]

Exactly! Couldn't agree more

[@jadedjoyofficial]

Literally Mike dose that at alot of gigs it's part of the performance to get the crowd participating he did this at raring Festival for rhere first album and that's one of the best gigs I've watch

[@kiwi2809]

What gig? I've been to a handful of shows and he didn't do that egotistical bs at all. Not a good look for him or the band.

[@Dasaev88]

@@kiwi2809 who cares, Gen Z?😂

[@MarbleThumbs]

Not really the best way to get a crowd on your side, respect goes two ways.

[@lonetardigrade]

​​​@@Dasaev88magine bringing up some bullshite just because you dont like hearing facts. It was egotistical. Period. Great musicians but the inflated ego popped up, way past trolling. Now to cancel them over their ego popping up is SJW levels.

[@georgeseparovic]

The songs are absolutely amazing idc

[@colden711]

So they are going with the "sorry you didn't get it" kinda excuse. I love royal blood but this was a bit too far.

[@gavinpadilla5255]

Like you guys even more now. Sensitive crowd.

[@coolcat3702]

I'm not mad on royal blood, but people should stop crying about some silly comments tbh and so what if they dont wanna apologise

[@wendyedgeller2333]

Mike was being Mike on stage *shrugs*

[@JMHMellors]

I feel like this interview was handled really well by Greg but from Royal Blood/Kerr it was excuse after excuse on why he was basically being a dick. 100% never getting booked by R1 again 🤷‍♂️

[@MrMettwurst96]

anybody who knows these guys knows that this sort of stuff is exactly what would be expected of them. Shame none of those guys were there that day.

[@mygetawayart]

never seen anyone come this close to being cancelled yet avoid it like it was another tuesday

[@lindsayleslie9917]

Ooh dear they've not done themselves any favours

[@matty7768]

You were great at MK Bowl last weekend ✊🏻 ignore the offended easily brigade!

[@gabrieladdison]

Don’t worry guys I haven’t been like any of these people hating 😂 especially over something that wasn’t that bad

[@joannamamczura5994]

Well i remember that Arctic monkeys had something to say about them 2 acting like diva's and this was in 2014 😑

[@kassjazzy]

@@joannamamczura5994 yeah there's been several stories about them and their egos over the years

[@DannyWonder]

The "controversy" is probably good for them. Gets their name about more, they'll be fine I'm sure

[@Dasaev88]

there is where Rock music shine too, this is not new territory for an artist like them, it's just that we have forgotten what has happened 20 or 30 years ago in the history of rock music and the society now can't take something out of the moral correctness in 2023

[@AssPhyxiation]

Correctivity! Lmfao 🤪

[@droid1008]

a moment of m m m m m m m m mad mad ness

[@connorbaker1716]

Can't wait to see you guys with muse and in brighton this summer

[@j490tgm]

Couldn’t even be bothered to say one simple word….. “sorry”

[@kevied88]

why should they. what did they do wrong?.

[@j490tgm]

@@kevied88 they did they tried to be funny and it back fired. A simple sorry we messed up is all it had to be. Isn’t end of the world

[@jimmymunz874]

​@@j490tgm a joke that backfired doesn't sound like the end of the world either

[@jamieop]

Nothing to apologise for

[@cfcdaviddcfc]

because he's not and why would he be

[@AssPhyxiation]

Royal Blood make Coldplay look like Radiohead.

[@kassjazzy]

So he's a grown man who threw a tantrum, he isn't the first and won't be the last. I don't think he even owes an apology really, should just be properly mortified he embarrassed himself like that.

[@Lucas-zp6dx]

Really didn't paint them in a good light.

[@Alex20741]

I noticed there was never an apology, just them justifying themselves.

[@kirstencon]

I’m sure I took my kids to go get food when they came on. No matter who was on they needed food. But my self and daughter didn’t know who you were did feel sorry for you guys people should still of gave you some respect

[@ROOM-zq7du]

Honestly, we love em even more,that festival didn't deserve to have them, too real!! 💜💥💯✌🤟🏼

[@vericaz3894]

❤ they were placed very late on the bill the people actually bought tickets to see all the other bands doesn't mean that the crowd didn't like them it just perhaps Mike thought they're not really here to see us they're here to see their other bands and I guess he got pissed and I think he started drinking again and that's not a good combination for Mike he's been sober for a while and I guess he's back at it unfortunately I hope he's going to be okay though and the band is actually amazing they Rock don't forget they had a number one album for people that are not aware they are wicked good for just two guys in a band❤

[@Sophieturner1991]

They were rude - end of. I dislike people that disguise rudeness as “being dry”. Was meant to be seeing them next month but I’m not really sure now…

[@djbullets5850]

They come across as Bellend’s tbh.😂

[@wezalaar]

Trust me you'll be missing out on a brilliant gig

[@willsweet5482]

definitely go along. They made a mistake an should've apologised but that shouldn't stop you from seeing them. Great live act

[@igorsaldanha11]

Not going to a gig because the artist was rude once. I guess you won't have many gigs planned in the future.

[@Sophieturner1991]

@@igorsaldanha11 perhaps not! 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@jacquelinerekko9269]

Still a big fan! Rock City was brilliant.

[@rorekel]

They were rude to the sound guy at the sunflower lounge in brum back when nobody had even heard of them 😮‍💨 c’mon guys

[@balares]

"We fucked up, but we're not sorry" look at those immitation crabs of the "rock scene" hahaha

[@doublebogeybrown]

People are too offended these days. Wet wipes 😂

[@GillianMorrison]

Mike might be autistic. He's somewhat blunt and unaware which are traits in the spectrum. Lacking a filter and saying things as you find them, deemed inappropriate in social settings. Would be worth him having an assessment.

[@Viper-dz2kw]

It’s weird to see this comment now seeing as I had this exact thought like back in like 2018

[@carolthomas7580]

Love Royal Blood but this is embarrassing to watch. He had a bad day and was rude, there’s no actual apology here. He’s basically saying ‘You misinterpreted my actions’. He normally comes across as being lovely, it’s a shame he didn’t just say sorry. Still an incredibly talented band though.

[@lukeharrison7879]

Have a word with your self Carol

[@carolthomas7580]

@@lukeharrison7879 he would’ve been better not saying anything. Only time will tell if people accept this as an apology.

[@alp1738]

@@carolthomas7580it’s not an apology, they’ve got nothing to apologise for. Everyone needs a pantomime villain, but their only crime is misjudging the prudes at the bbc. The only embarrassing thing here was Greg James ‘I’m just dissapointed’ act.

[@swugg]

^^, plus he did say "I don't mean any offence", which is basically the only apology part from Mike. Either way, it's a one-time thing of a bad gig, he'll remember how the internet reacted, and then bring that experience to his next gigs.

[@lukeharrison7879]

It shows the absolutely shocking state of things when we now expect our rock bands to apologise for upsetting a few hipsters. Personally this interview put me off Royal Blood for life bot the gig, they backed down. This is the least rock n roll interview I have ever seen. Why didnt they just be honest and say 'the BBC put us on in between two main stream pop acts and the crowd was shit and we let them know.' Makes me cringe that they had to come kn here with Greg 'cardboard personality' James and backtrack over being a bit pissed off. Bunch of fuckin idiots on all sides I'm afraid in this one. A bunch of bubble wrapped, over opinionated keyboard warriors who think anybody cares if they are offended or not. The problem I have is royal blood do seem to care....gotta make sure that money keep on rolling in boys eh? Pathetic. Oasis or Blue in their prime would have told the BBC and that bunch of wank fans to sit on the upwardly pointed thumbs. British rock is dead in all its forms.

[@Deimos2k5]

Nearly 7 minutes of a roomful of people deliberately avoiding talking about cocaine

[@darrellbruh1335]

they had the opportunity to gain new fans, he acted like an utter child.

[@jwb000]

I wonder if Led Zeppelin ever "pretended" that their feelings were hurt because they didn't receive the proper amount of cheering that they were entitled to? I mean, Kings of Leon did that one time.

[@lewisb85]

I love how you cited a band that were big before they started due to them being a spin off of the yardbirds and therefore had the luxury of closing off their audience to only people who wanted to see them(their manager peter grant was notorious for restricting what concerts/festivals zeppelin played). The yardbirds btw were the sort of band who would stop playing if they weren't "feeling" an audience.

[@jwb000]

Listen, I am a fan of Royal Blood. I just feel that this type of complaining is beneath them.

[@lewisb85]

@@jwb000 tbh i saw it as gig banter. they got a little annoyed but to be fair who cares. guys like greg or bbc online etc blew it way out of proportion. I've been to punk shows where the frontman has verbally abused the audience way more.

[@user-hm1vp5uw9r]

Treating music fans with that level of entitled arrogance is not cool.

[@robpri]

Legends in their own lifetime.

[@kategallowaycoaching]

I thought they were brilliant at the Big Weekend. Music overshadowed by the reaction.

[@SixDrums]

Oh please. They’re a rock band, if you can’t handle their set don’t see them perform. And if you weren’t planning on seeing them but had to to get to someone else, suck it up and make do. You’re not gonna “cancel” Royal Blood for having an energetic set.

[@AssPhyxiation]

They’re pants mate.

[@jakegodfrey4320]

No sympathy. They took the gig. They took the money. Don't act like you're better than the audience, because there are a thousand bands who would love to take your spot and play a better show.

[@Alex20741]

Im a Royal blood fan and this was very disappointing to see.

[@FeverDVA]

They try too hard to be edgy onstage. Drinking from whisky bottles and shaming the crowd. Invited to perform at a big festival and then complain it’s not ‘rock enough‘ for you. All of their songs sound the same anyway.

[@tattlevixen2581]

Exactly 💯 I'd say go to download festival if you think you're too good for 1big weekend ...but then don't think they're good enough for download 🤭ha Seen them supporting Foo fighters in Edinburgh they were shite then too🤷‍♀️

[@willsweet5482]

@@tattlevixen2581 They are definitely big enough for download. And to say they're not a good act is just false, they are known for having great live performances. They definitely made a mistake and should have apologised but he was clearly fucking around and not being serious.

[@headshot217]

Who do they think they are Metallica? The are weak boring Coldplay softrock

[@willsweet5482]

@@headshot217 not everything has to be metal

[@headshot217]

@@willsweet5482 didn't say it did royal blood are still shite tho

[@lizzysalway6844]

That is the classiest way to subvert "cancel culture" I've ever seen... Bravo, Greg!

[@garyedgar9778]

Who tried to cancel them? When? Where? Is doing a Radio interview to give your side being cancelled? Get a grip 😂

[@hegemonycricket2182]

So what is the context here? I am out of the loop...

[@K-FOREST_Original]

Hello? It's already Friday this week, and tomorrow is the weekend and a holiday. I hope you have a healthy and enjoyable week ahead. I always support your charming/beautiful activities. ^^

[@jackyeastwood9294]

Why were they booked? They are not the right genre. I love their music I just think he handled it wrong. So what?

[@danielwoolcock7267]

I cannot believe this is an issue. Rock stars do this all the time. It's 2023 let's moan about something and cause a debate 🙄 Life is short, be happy and enjoy yourself. Peace & love ✌️☮️

[@kiwi2809]

Interesting to see he thinks he didn't do anything wrong. What a weird 'interview' downplaying an oversized ego.

[@simonmorrison6476]

He said a whole lot of stuff there except sorry. What a tool.

[@TheEternalPotNoodle]

What kind of music do they play?

[@garyedgar9778]

Imagine The Shite Stripes...

[@sanfordcurtis8242]

Diet soda QOTSA

[@Viper-dz2kw]

Best description I’ve ever heard of them was the arctic monkeys circa AM, but heavier

[@user-ux6zs2tn3l]

Lol he thought he was being entertaining 😂

[@trevbailie1254]

They just keep digging that hole. Total BS.

[@christophersmith8261]

What happened to rock stars?

[@leehamlet5900]

Lol Jesus, look at punk bands, guns n roses, loads of other bands who have bad attitudes, but it’s part of the culture. It’s supposed to have attitude. I wouldn’t have even done the interview

[@Viper-dz2kw]

And that would have ended your relationship with one of the biggest radio stations in the Uk, and likely your career if you were a British band who could no longer get airplay on bbc

[@stephenmcnamara191]

Seriously!! Dundee didn't know what they had!! Royal blood don't need no introduction!! Cant wait till Belfast lads!!

[@krashd]

Don't blame the city, blame the numpties who sandwiched a rock band in between Niall Horan and that fat Capaldi lad.

[@d_e_a_t_s]

The least rock and roll thing a band has ever done is allow themselves to be told off by Greg James on Radio 1. Cringe.

[@joanmuszynski8441]

Think they didn't respect the crowd and came across as being a bit entitled. Play a good set and don't sound like a prat when talking to the crowd.

[@ShellRobertsonx]

They've made it worse. No accountability. Just blamed peoples reaction. 😂

[@davidlance5310]

They apologised at the end

[@adamwragg4606]

Come on, they were joking, people don't know how to take them nowdays lol! They seem lovely blokes, just a mistake they made on the day and they basically apologised at the end. They knew they'd done the wrong thing

[@alp1738]

You can’t apologise when there is nothing to apologise for. Do you ask for an apology when you watch a film you don’t like?

[@user-vt6ou7le6x]

Mi

[@honotron]

A pro wrestler? He could at least have smashed Ben over the head with his drum stool and elbow dropped him through the drum kit before giving the crowd the finger and walking off.

[@meinnnit]

Royal who?

[@RighteousBrother]

Blood......they're pretty big. You're out of the loop, stick with S Club 7

[@tattlevixen2581]

​@@RighteousBrother I think they were being sarcastic to make a point... It would appear you missed that

[@meinnnit]

@@tattlevixen2581 think they need to update their user to selfrighteousbrother

[@meinnnit]

@@RighteousBrother Duh... they introduced radio one to rock music 12 years ago by pushing simple bass riffs through a harmonics peddle to sound bigger than they are. But now they are REAL rock musicians playing Big Weekend and supporting Muse (who are as equally 'rock' and relevant)

[@daveclapson6]

bellends

[@aledpowell1601]

Funny thing is they’re crap

[@3rodox]

Tories

[@tattlevixen2581]

I'd say go to download festival if you think you're too good for 1big weekend ...but then don't think they're good enough for download 🤭ha Seen them supporting Foo fighters in Edinburgh they were shite then too🤷‍♀️

[@ThEmAssIVepIdGeY]

Noone has any sense of humour anymore

[@Barbarianke]

Awful band

[@cfcdaviddcfc]

As a musician who performs songs I have written in front of people who literally have no idea who I am and never will , I've had WAY more respect than an established band who at the very least deserve acknowledgement...at least show a bit of respect to the band in front of you.

[@pashleyfication]

Out of place 😂😂 to think that nobody in dundee has heard of rock music (which is actually different to their genre of music; pop) is what's wild. Try not killing the vibe at your next festival 💀

[@cfcdaviddcfc]

best band in the land , don't ever change boys

[@garyedgar9778]

You should get out more. You're in for a treat if you believe that.

[@cfcdaviddcfc]

@@garyedgar9778 you're 100% a lewis capaldi / the 1975 mummy's boy aren't you?

[@clivesproule2342]

Wouldn't be too worried. They are dog poop.