ED: We were always privileged to be in France because our promoter believed in us since the beginning of the group. That's why we will give four concerts in June here and only, for example, only one in Spain.

When was the idea of going to the "Mediterranean" born?

We were in the studio still... When you go on tour, it's a little like a military exercise! It is necessary to think several months of it in advance. More especially we wanted to play in interesting places. That's why we chose the antic theatres in the South and Le Grand Rex in Paris. We made our decision last February, we had not even finished the album. We still had ten weeks of work remaining.. It was like a way of giving us a cut off date for the recording. More especially as we did not have any limit of time imposed for this disc. And we had started to work a year before. The last concert that we gave done was the Amnesty International in Paris, Bercy. It's 2 years we haven't played live.

Are you impatient to take the road again?

Yes, of course! But, now, I would especially like to be able to take time to appreciate all that... It is fantastic to be found in a foreign country. What had disappointed me at the time of the last tour, was to go on a worldwide tour, we were at some incredible places and we couldn't enjoy it, hadn't the time. In June and July, we arranged ourselves to be able to have a more human rhythm. And then, we really will play everywhere in very beautiful places that is in the open air or in theatres. Then, if we are not able to appreciate that, we will not appreciate anything anymore!

Did you think going out now is very risky because it's a long time you haven't played?

No. More especially as the majority of the places are rather small. What we want to avoid is the routine of a life of a band: to finish an album, going on tour and be obligated to play in enormous places like Bercy. That does not disturb me, but playing in front of 18 000 people each evening does not correspond to our philosophy.

Most surprising for a group that has become as significant as yours, is you have stayed the same since the beginning...

I know! Why? I think that's what helped us: confidence, respect, the desire to work hard.. When we were still students, I came back to Oxford once or twice per month whereas I lived in Manchester. And anyone normal would do that! We were also had chance.. The chance to be surrounded by these people who always told us what they really thought of what we did. Often, a group has success and it is found protected, isolated, cut from reality. McCartney hadn't released any good CDs for a long time, Stones since 1972... But it's a fantastic type-setter and an excellent band, they proved it in the past. But they are untouchable, nobody dares to say anything, no one around them dares to criticize them. And I don't think it's fair. I think it's essential to keep conscious(?).

Will the concerts in June help you choose a definite tracklist?

I believe the choice is made. We recorded 26 pieces and 11 will be on the next album... It is very diversified. They are not songs in the traditional direction. There are some exciting songs. I'm rather surprised to be still excited by these pieces whereas it's two years we have worked on them... We have closed a chapter with "OK Computer". It would have been ridiculous to continue thus. If we had continued like that we would be "dead" in 35 years. Bowie, in the Seventies, was a reference, and it is with that we aspire. He did not stop composing, he changed his style continuously... We would like to release many more CDs. Of course, in this case, it is possible that you can release a bad CD, but you continue to evolve, you test things. Bowie is a musician, but he works like a painter. Thom always thought that we should aspire to that.

What changed in your way of working for this new album?

All! No, I exaggerate... But there were several phases in the recording. In fact, for our last records, we had just one approach. This time, we have tried everything! We recorded live, at first, we worked with samplers, keyboards and computers. During 6 weeks, I did not even touch a guitar! Jonny found an astonishing instrument, which we used a lot, this one is very rare now. Thanks to that we keep a certain freshness. Once again, that joined the approach of great painters, like Picasso, who had several periods in his life as an artist.

What will you do of the 15 others songs?

We don't know. Mostly EPs, maybe another album. The choice was difficult to make. We have dropped very excellent songs. Once we thought of making a double album, but we quickly gave up the idea. It's to easy. "London Calling" is one of my favourite records, but I seldom listen to it in its entirety.. There was this discussion to know how long the human ear was really receptive to the music. A 74 minute CD is too long. We thought about making two CDs, 35 minutes each... But the songs need to breathe. Look at "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye: 33 marvellous minutes... Proposing a long album is like eating too much. However the food is excellent, there is a time you want to stop, you're fed up and want to take a break.

Have you already made a setlist for your concerts?

No, not yet! Not exactly. But we will play 6, 7 new songs each evening, approximately a third in the concert. I think it's a good balance. It will be very interesting to see the public's reaction. But i think when we'll play the very first new piece, we will be scared.

In September, you return to Paris for two concerts under a tent...

Our problem is we want control everything... (smiling) It's almost depressing! At all events, even if the capacity is 10000 people, it will be an intimate place, which was really significant for us. There will also be lights adapted to the place.

Is there already a song which you are tired of playing before the tour?

No, not at all. Nothing! Perhaps in 6 months...

And a song you are particularly impatient to play?

All the new songs! I know they'll develop and I'm anxious to see it.