Exclusive – Arctic Monkeys countdown to Old Trafford gigs

Arctic Monkeys have given NME.COM an exclusive sneak preview ahead of their Old Trafford gigs next weekend (July 28-29).

The band spoke as they started their preparations for their biggest ever headlining shows.

As well as talking about how the gigs came about, and the support bands they selected personally, Arctic Monkeys told us that despite avoiding arena tours so far, they’re relishing staging their own festival.

“The thing about arenas and stuff was mainly like doing a tour like that would be a bit rubbish, the same thing everyday,” explains drummer Matt Helders.

“I think the sound of our tunes seems to fit in those smaller spaces better I think. It’s too sharp to fit in an arena,” added frontma Alex Turner. “But When you do one-offs you dip your toe, don’t you? And then you wriggle off."

To watch the video simply go to the band’s NME artist page and launch the media player now.

Meanwhile for more on the countdown to Old Trafford get next week’s issue of NME – on UK newsstands from July 26 – for an exclusive interview.

Arctic Monkeys tickets: