Billy Lunn of The Subways reflects on two decades as a band and mental health
Billy Lunn, the passionate lead singer of indie band The Subways, chatted with me about the band’s journey over the past twenty years, their music, mental health, and the thrill of performing live. Despite the challenges of modern technology, Billy shared the excitement surrounding the twentieth anniversary of their debut album ‘Young For Eternity’, which gave birth to their iconic hit ‘Rock & Roll Queen’. Their raw, energetic indie rock tunes have stood the test of time and continue to electrify audiences to this day.
Recalling my experience crowd surfing at their Cambridge Junction show in 2008, Billy expressed his delight in being a part of such exhilarating moments with fans. He shared humorous anecdotes of crowd surfing mishaps, emphasizing the adrenaline rush and connection with the audience that make their live performances unforgettable. Billy recounted daring stunts during their ‘All or Nothing’ tour, underscoring the band’s fearless approach to live shows and their evolution as performers.
Their upcoming compilation album ‘When I’m With You’, set for release, showcases a fresh take on old favorites, including a reimagined version of ‘Rock & Roll Queen’ playfully dubbed ‘Taylor’s Version’. By arranging the album as a festival setlist, The Subways aim to capture the essence of their live shows and engage listeners in a dynamic musical journey. Billy teased two new songs on the compilation, offering a glimpse into their forthcoming sixth album featuring new drummer Camille Phillips.
Noteworthy was Billy’s admiration for Taylor Swift’s fearless pursuit of greatness, inspiring The Subways to pay homage through their music. With an upcoming November tour on the horizon, Billy expressed his excitement for playing intimate venues like the Electric Ballroom in Camden, rediscovering the charm of familiar spaces and reflecting on past memories. As an advocate for mental health awareness, Billy underscored the healing power of music in his life, emphasizing its role in self-discovery and personal growth. He highlighted the imperative of preserving grassroots music venues, such as The Horn in St Albans, where the band honed their craft and found solace in music during difficult times.
Echoing the sentiment that music serves as a powerful outlet for expression and connection, Billy emphasized the significance of small venues not only for emerging artists but also as communal spaces fostering camaraderie and escapism. Recalling the closure of venues like The Square in Harlow, Billy lamented the loss of vibrant artistic spaces due to urban development, stressing the need to preserve and celebrate the cultural richness of local music scenes. Through their music and live performances, The Subways continue to inspire and uplift audiences, embodying the spirit of perseverance and the boundless joy of rock and roll.