Gomez 'tired' of UK

Former Mercury Prize winners build on their popularity in America

19 Aug 2009 - Former Mercury Prize winners Gomez have told 6 Music they spend most of their time in the US because they've grown tired of the British music scene.

The Southport five-piece, who recently supported Pearl Jam at London's O2 Arena last night (18 August), said they retreated to America after they were dropped by their British record label in 2004.

Bassist Paul Blackburn added: "We made a decision early in our career to leave the UK after a couple of albums because we knew what was going to happen because we'd seen it happen to so many other bands.

"So we just thought we'll start a touring career in America because if we stay here they're going to shut us down.

"Instead of getting bitter about the British scene being very fast and fickle, we thought we'll not do that, we'll do something positive."

"A lot of Americans don't even realise we're a British band." Paul Blackburn, Gomez

The band have toured extensively Stateside particularly over the last four years. 

Blackburn said Gomez have become so firmly established in America now, that most people forget they hail from the UK.

"A lot of Americans don’t even realise we're a British band," he added ."Especially in a scene when a lot of American bands sound British like The Killers.

"Doing shows out there is brilliant though because people get so excited if you come to their town."

Despite their distaste for the current UK music scene, the band who are set to return to the UK for a short tour in November, said they enjoyed being back with Pearl Jam.

"We spent a good evening with (singer) Eddie (Vedder) a few nights ago," Blackburn enthused.

"We had a few drinks and talked about music. It was great."

Watch Gomez performing in the 6 Music hub.

Damian Jones