Royal Blood on revisiting their debut album 10 years on: “So much has changed, but when it comes to the music, nothing has”

nme.com:

Royal Blood have spoken to NME at Download Festival 2024 and discussed what it was like to revisit their self-titled debut 10 years on, as well as reflecting on their time on the road with Queens Of The Stone Age.The duo – comprised of frontman and bassist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher – caught up with NME at this year’s edition of the festival, shortly before they took to the main stage for a career-spanning set.Not only did the slot mark their first time back at the festival in a decade, it also came as the two are ready to play some intimate London shows, celebrating the 10th anniversary of their self-titled debut album.In the conversation, the duo told NME about what it was like to look back at their debut album this far down the line, and how they perceive it now compared to their latest release, 2023’s ‘Back To The Water Below’.

They also recall their time on the road and growing friendship with Queens Of The Stone Age, who they first joined forces with back in 2017 and recently joined on the road earlier this year, as they toured across the US.NME: Hi Royal Blood, what’s it like to be back at Download?Mike Kerr: “It’s great to be back, we haven’t been here in 10 years, but I actually played here with my first band in 2008, around then.

I love being here. Good memories, it’s a great atmosphere out there already.”Ben Thatcher: “It is still the first day though and it’s already raining.

I’d like to see these people’s faces on the Sunday afternoon when they’re on the comedown.”Not only is it 10 years since you first performed here, it’s also 10 years since you shared your debut album.