September 7, 2006 14:30

Delays find themselves big in Mexico

The Southampton band get mobbed in South America

Delays have found an unlikely new fanbase: Mexico.

The band played Mexico City[/a] at the weekend (September 2-3), and were surprised when they found themselves being mobbed fans.

“We knew we were big there but the passion and energy of the fans blew us away, it was totally like Beatlemania but in a Mexican wrestling arena which is even cooler than it sounds,” singer [b]Greg Gilbert told NME.COM. “Knowing what big wrestling fans we are we were given countless Mexican wrestling figures and masks by the fans, and the venue gave us lifetime passes. It was a great taster of proper stardom and we fucking loved it!”

However the group nearly didn’t find out their level of South American fame, after they were delayed on the way to the festival.

“We nearly didn’t make it to Mexico City as Hurricane John was poised to hit and our flight from Atlanta was cancelled,” added Gilbert. “We thought the line in our song ’Valentine’ ’I can see a hurricane tonight' was coming back to haunt us. Thankfully though, after an intoxicating 14-hour wait in the airport bar the danger was over and we were allowed to fly to the liveliest city on earth.”

Closer to home, Delays are set to embark on the following UK tour:

Stoke Sugarmill (September 15)
Middlesbrough Empire (16)
Norwich Waterfront (18)
Warwick University (19)
Bournemouth Opera House (20)
Reading Fez (21)
Sheffield Leadmill (22)

For ticket availability go to NME.COM/Gigs.

Meanwhile the band are set to support Embrace on their up coming October dates.