times. We’re at similar stages in our careers; it’s nice to be able to compare notes. When everyone’s on tour, you don’t get to see one another, so backstage at festivals we can all hang out.”

2: 15 P. M.

6:00 P.M.
Trailer
“The people at the
festival got me a
birthday cake and a
framed poster of the
Reading bill as a gift.
Very sweet.”

6:02 P.M.

3: 30 P. M.

6: 15 P.M.
Trailer
“You have to get your
energy up before play-
ing, get excited. I just
put on some head-
phones and dance
around to Beyoncé
or Lil Wayne or dead
prez. Or bands like
the Maccabees. You
wouldn’t want Joy
Division or Sigur Rós
to get into the mood.”

6: 15 P.M.

5: 35 P.M.

6: 50 P.M. NME/Radio 1 stage “Our show was pretty raucous. That’s when you really see how the album is affecting people––not through sales, but by the number of people at your gigs. I love the atmosphere of playing festivals. If you’re having a good time, the crowd will follow suit. Last year we were underdogs, totally unprepared. In fact, I was dressed in a curtain. This year, we had to up our game.”

6: 50 P.M.

6:00 P.M.

9: 30 P.M.
Trailer
“That’s my friend
Tabitha. A lot of my
friends and family
stopped by for a party
in my dressing room.
The Horrors and
the Friendly Fires
came. I’ve cried every
birthday I can remem-
ber, but I didn’t cry
at this one until
the end—there was
blood, tears, dancing,
and drinking. Great,
great birthday.”

9: 30 P. M.

LIVE YOUR DREAM WITH SPIN.COM / NOVEMBER 2009 57