IDLES singer Joe Talbot said Interpol was one of the primary reasons he decided to form a band [1].
The admission highlights the enduring influence of early 2000s post-punk revival on modern alternative acts. By acknowledging these roots during a high-profile festival appearance, Talbot connects the current trajectory of IDLES to the sonic foundations laid by their predecessors.
Talbot said this on Saturday, July 11, while performing on the main stage at Bilbao BBK Live in Bilbao [1]. The comment came midway through the group's set, as the singer addressed the crowd between songs [1].
"Interpol were one of the main reasons I’m in a band," Talbot said [1].
The performance in Bilbao served as a platform for Talbot to reflect on the musical inspirations that shaped his career. While IDLES has developed a distinct sound characterized by aggressive energy and social commentary, the influence of Interpol suggests a deeper appreciation for the atmospheric, and structural elements of the post-punk genre.
This public acknowledgement marks a moment of transparency regarding the band's creative evolution. Talbot's remarks underscore how specific artists can act as catalysts for others to pursue professional music careers—often bridging the gap between being a listener and becoming a performer.
Throughout the set, the energy of the crowd mirrored the intensity of the music, providing a backdrop for Talbot's reflections on his artistic origins [1]. The band continued their performance following the tribute to Interpol, maintaining their presence as a central act of the festival's lineup [1].
“"Interpol were one of the main reasons I’m in a band"”
This statement illustrates the cyclical nature of musical influence, where the post-punk revival of the early 21st century continues to inform the songwriting and professional motivations of contemporary artists. By citing Interpol, Talbot identifies a specific aesthetic and emotional blueprint that helped transition him from a fan to a frontman in the modern alternative scene.
