James Kennedy has experienced just about everything the music industry can throw at a musician. But being urinated on by an audience member while singing? That’s probably not something they cover in the rock ‘n’ roll handbook.
For this edition of The MetalTalk Lowdown, James takes on our 20 questions with a healthy dose of sarcasm, some spectacularly unfortunate memories and a refreshing appreciation for the magic of live music. But beneath the jokes, there is a musician who still believes that the greatest moments happen when a band, an audience and a little bit of magic come together.
What’s the most Metal thing you’ve ever done off stage?
I once trashed a transit van because we could not afford hotel rooms. I forgot that it was a rental.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played, and why?
I played a gig once where a guy walked up and pissed on me whilst I was singing. Does that count?
What’s the best gig you’ve ever played, and why?
When I think of all the ‘best’ gigs I’ve done over the years, it’s not playing a beach stage somewhere stunning or a festival. The ones that warm my heart are actually the ones where everything goes smoothly, everyone has been in good spirits, the sound was great, we had fun playing, the audience enjoyed it, there was no bullshit, and we all had a laugh. Often that can happen at some tiny shit-hole in the arse-end of crap-ville, but for some reason, everything just felt right.
Would you choose a platinum record or one perfect, legendary live show?
Legendary live show for sure. In this age of artificiality, algorithms and acting, real, live, human moments of magic, musical healing and connection will become an endangered treasure. So soak that shit up while it’s still possible.
What’s your greatest fear?
Donald Trump still being here in 20 years. *Shudders*.
What’s the trait you most deplore in yourself?
My need to sleep.
What’s the trait you most deplore in other musicians?
Playing better than me.
Describe yourself in three words.
Icon. Genius. Humble.
What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
Bollywood movies. And I’m not even guilty. The more dancing, the better.
What does a great riff feel like to write?
Like a well-shaken bottle of champagne bursting into your bloodstream.
What’s the worst thing a fan has ever said to you?
I loved you as the priest in Fleebag.
What’s the worst thing a critic has ever said to you?
“What a narcissistic prick.” But then the critic was Piers Morgan, so…
If you were not in music, what would you be doing?
Something that pays in money, not beer and crisps.
What’s one album outside your genre you secretly love?
Getz/Gilberto. I make no secret of it.
When did you last cry, and why?
I dunno. Whenever the last time was that I heard Coldplay, probably.
What keeps you awake at night?
Those damn voices under the floorboards.
Riffs, royalties or recognition, if you had to choose?
Well, my career so far clearly confirms that I have chosen riffs over the other two.
How do you want to be remembered?
I am a nihilist, so I am not bothered about that.
What’s the most important lesson the road has taught you?
Fuck your comfort, fuck your needs, fuck certainty and fuck you. Just get on with it and remember how lucky you are to be pissing about with your toys and have people applaud you for it.
What happens when the music stops?
The Universe drifts into a blank, lifeless void.
James Kennedy and The Underdogs release their new album Rebel on 30 November 2026 via Konic Records. Rebel will be available on all streaming platforms, with vinyl and CD editions available from the band’s online store at jameskennedyofficial.com/rebel.
Their recent single Revolution featured Benji Webbe from Skindred: “James Kennedy and The Underdogs are the dogs bollox,” Webbe said, “and I was totally down to get involved and spit some venom on this uncompromising groove, powerful piece of music and a call to unite. No, we will not lose to them! You’re goddamn right!”
Watch Revolution below.
Enjoyed this Lowdown? Explore more from the series, featuring Toby Jepson, Zorn of Zornheym, Vanessa Warwick, Baz Mills, BAEST, Krusher Joule and Howard H Smith, among others.
Same questions. Very different people. Read more MetalTalk Lowdowns here.
