September 3, 2009 15:32

Friendly Fires: 'We're looking forward to Barclaycard Mercury Prize food most' Friendly Fires Tickets

Band say ceremony is more about grub than actual prize

Photo Gallery: Friendly Fires
Photo: Richard Johnson

Friendly Fires have admitted that they are more excited about the food at this year's Barclaycard Mercury Prize ceremony than the award itself.

The St Albans band are nominated to win the £20,000 cash pot for their self-titled debut album, and are up against the likes of Kasabian's 'West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum', Florence And The Machine's 'Lungs', The Horrors' 'Primary Colours' and La Roux's eponymous debut.

Speaking to BBC Newsbeat about attending the September 8 ceremony, frontman Ed MacFarlane revealed the band have been somewhat undernourished recently.

"I'm quite excited [about the ceremony]," he said. "I'm looking forward to having a nice meal because I haven't had a nice meal in ages - it'll be good to have a proper cooked meal."

Guitarist Ed Gibson also admitted that they're nervous about tonight's (September 3) homecoming gig at St Albans' Alban Arena.

"It will be odd seeing so many faces you actually recognise in a crowd," Gibson explained. "That'll make me more nervous than usual to be honest."

Check NME.COM tomorrow for a full gig report on Friendly Fires' homecoming gig at the Alban Arena.

NME.COM will also be coming live from the Barclaycard Mercury Prize ceremony on September 8.