March 5, 2006 14:59

Craig Nicholls breaks his silence over Aspergers diagnosis

As The Vines return, their frontman opens up

Vines frontman Craig Nicholls has broken his silence over his diagnosis with Aspergers Syndrome, as the band return to action.

On the eve of the release of third album ‘Vision Valley’ , Nicholls told the Observer how he was diagnosed with the condition after a series of erratic live performances.

“I think it’s a mild case that I have,” he said. “I remember when I was 15, I spoke to a couple of psychologists. But I don’t think they diagnosed me with anything. So. Maybe it grew. Maybe it became more intense when I started in the band. But I’m not really sure.”

Of the decision to continue the band as a largely studio-based project, he said: “I feel comfortable writing songs. It’s a good outlet for me. Seeing as though I’m not that social, it’s a way to communicate.”

Nicholls also revealed that he gave up smoking marijuana nine months ago. “It just fit with my personality,” he said. “I never drank alcohol. (Smoking) was just the thing I did. It made me calm. But it started not making me calm at all. It made me edgy, so it wasn’t good.”

Nicholls also hinted that it was likely that The Vines could be back to play shows in the UK at some point this year, but that nothing is confirmed.

‘Vision Valley’ is released on April 3 through Heavenly , preceded by a single ‘Gross Out’ on March 21.