Nottingham musician Jake Bugg says he feels calm knowing he has the support of this city ahead of his huge homecoming gig at the Motorpoint Arena on Saturday, November 26. The new show will celebrate that it has been ten years since the release of his debut self-titled album, which will be rereleased to coincide with the gig.
When it comes to the new show, Jake says he is feeling excited but apprehensive about the gig as there is always pressure to make a homecoming gig extra special. However, he feels the support of the city makes him feel calmer about coming home.
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"It's hard to put it into words, to be honest as I can't believe it's been ten years but at the same time I can because it was quite tough. So to be on the other side of it 10 years on is absolutely brilliant," he said.
"I suppose there is quite a bit of apprehension as I want to make this the best show possible but there is a calming feeling, too. You know you have the support of your city and I take a lot of comfort in that," he admitted.
"I'm really excited about the show in November because it's my hometown gig so friends and family will be there. It's also towards the end of the year so it's a good way to finish off the year."
The show will feature hits from the album along with new tracks and special guests who have been featured at various stages of his career. Jake has had five studio albums, seven EPs and thirty-two singles since he began as a musician.
"We will be playing the first album but there will be a few tracks in there that I haven't played live for a few years. I don't want to give anything away but we will be playing all the songs that people want."
Growing up in Clifton, Jake began gigging around Nottingham when he first started. He is now based in London but tries to get home as often as he can as he misses friends and family the most while he is away.
"I miss my family and friends more than anything. I'm getting busier so it's becoming harder to get back as much as I would like. I obviously miss Notts County as well but there is a lot I miss about the city when I'm not here. I try and catch up on everything when I get back," he said.
It's been a while since Jake has had a chance to walk through the city centre but lots has changed in the meantime. He recalls his last trip to the city which was when he came back to play Y Not Festival at the end of July in Derby.
"I took the train up because I was playing at Y Not Festival and walked through the city centre. Broadmarsh had gone so the city had changed quite a bit. Clifton hasn't changed that much though."
He added: "I get back every two to three months. I get back now more than I used to in the past but the first thing I like to do is have a football game with my mates."
The next step for Jake will be to start recording new music once he is finished with the tour and promoting the ten-year anniversary album. Although he has had plenty of incredible memories over the past ten years, there is one that stands out for him as particularly amazing.
"I think playing at Glastonbury was pretty incredible for myself because not only was I headlining the stage but my time clashed with one of my favourite bands growing up which was Metallica. To be performing at the same time as them at a major festival was just mind-blowing for me."
