July 25, 2007 11:47

Arctic Monkeys: Countdown to Old Trafford

Follow the Sheffield band's preparations for this weekend on NME.COM

Photo Gallery: Arctic Monkeys

Arctic Monkeys have told NME.COM they are sorting out their own lights and catering for their big gigs in Manchester this weekend.

The band are playing huge shows at Lancashire County Cricket Ground in Old Trafford, Manchester this weekend (July 28 and 29) - and they plan to be hands in when it comes to organising the event.

Drummer Matt Helders joked: “A lot of it is out of our hands, we have to get bigger people involved. Although Alex (Turner, frontman) is doing lights, he’s putting them up. I’m organising catering because I’m good at that sort of thing. But you have to get some professionals involved in such a vast show. We don’t want anyone dying.”

Turner added: "I'll climb! I’ll get up the trushes!"

Guitarist Jamie Cook then protested: “You can’t Al , we’ve said this to you before you’ve got to let someone else do it”, though Turner responded by saying, “Trust me, I’ll climb!”.

You can see the rest of our exclusive interview with the Monkeys in the new issue of NME, on UK newsstands from July 25.

Are you going to Old Trafford to see the band? Make sure you take your camera and email your snaps news@nme.com with Monkeys as the subject and we'll print the best.

Alterntaively send them to: Attach your picture and text NMELIVE followed by a space and your message to 0771 388 8008.
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Meanwhile, stay tuned to NME.COM for the ultimate coverage of this weekend's gigs.