We thought it was about time to catch up with MOTHER VULTURE, a tremendous local band who’s live shows are off the scale, having seen them a ton of times since we were introduced to them a few years back, we’ve been firm fans ever since, and hope that you too become a believer too!

We chat to Matthew West (drummer) about their live show, a recent incident where their van and gear was stolen, a successful ‘Go Fund Me’ campaign, Metal Hammer and festivals, read on to see how we got on…

You’re called Mother Vulture, you’re a four piece band who play superb music, what else do people need to know about you?

All people need to know is whether they want to go big, with us, or go home. It's a ride worth jumping on, for the antics alone.

You’re playing at ‘Things Happen Here’, a great venue in Dartington on Saturday January 13th, how would you describe a typical live show to someone who has not yet had the pleasure?

Is there a typical Mother Vulture show? Not sure about that, expect injuries, loud noises and to not know where to look.

The mighty Metal Hammer picked up your track ‘Go Big or Go Home’ in their list of the best metal songs of 2023, how did the voting go?

I don't think we really followed the voting so I couldn't say. It's just amazing to be on the radar and amongst the big names in that list! Very proud. Here's to the 2024 list!

Around midnight on 28th December, your van was stolen along with a load of your gear, I cannot imagine how you felt when you found out….

No one can really know anything like that is going to feel. Speaking as the person who found out and lost their entire live rig, all I can really say is that it's heartbreaking and incapacitating. Wouldn't wish those feelings on anyone!

You launched a ‘Go Fund Me’ campaign and through the generosity of your amazing friends and fans, managed to raise over £10k in under 24 hours, how amazing is that?

There are really no words that can truly express the gratitude we have for every bit of support throughout a really rough start to the year. We promise we will give you everything to begin to say thank you for keeping us alive.

Did you ever imagine that this would have happened?

In our worst nightmares.

Have you been able to replace some of the gear that was stolen?

We are virtually back up and running, not only from the ‘Go Fund Me’ campaign, but from countless people lending us gear to get through this show and companies sending us help we value more than we can say!

You’re performing at this year’s Takedown Festival in Portsmouth alongside some gnarly acts, who are you most excited to see?

Man, what a lineup, we're all fans of Dinosaur Pile Up, ‘A’ are a band we've shared the stage with, will be great to carch them also our friends in Lake Malice and Kite Thief.

Apart from the being THE best mother-lovin’ band in the world ever, why should people come to see you live?

I mean, you said we're the best, that's enough, right? I kid! There really is something for everyone here, just come and be silly with us. Go on.

Finally, to get people in the mood for Saturday’s show, please nominate 3 MV tracks that they should check out to get in the mood….

Go Big or Go Home

Shifting Sands

Rabbit Hole

(Only Matt's opinion…..other opinions are available)

Steve Muscutt chatted to Matthew West