Music

Interview: Olly Murs is doing it for the fans

With a huge touring schedule ahead of him, we catch up with Olly Murs to find out more.

All-round entertainer Olly Murs has a mammoth year ahead of him. Combined his arena and summer tours will see him play over 40 shows between March and August, taking to some major outdoor spaces across the nation during the sunshine months.

With only a short amount of time until the show hits the road, Murs is busy preparing his mind and body, as well as his performance. Cutting out alcohol and minimising his carb intake, from hereon in he is all about focus.

For him, it’s vital in offering the best performance he can. Murs repeatedly mentions his utmost dedication to his audience. It’s clear that anything less than perfect isn’t an option, and he’ll be doing all in his power to achieve just that.

The coming months offer an opportunity for showcasing his music work, from his 2010 self-titled debut to last year’s 24 Hrs. More importantly, it puts him face to face with the people who made his career happen; his fans.

Read the full interview below:

Olly Murs - Years & Years (Official Video)

How does it feel looking towards your touring schedule?

It’s crazy… and great. I get super excited. My management last year asked when we were doing the album what I want to do this year, and I said I wanted to get out on the road and see the fans.

A couple of years ago, in 2013, we did a summer tour. We did a load of festivals and gigs in parks, and I just really enjoyed it. It was a really good chance to see fans across more of the UK, and give other parts of the country a chance to see the show.

That’s why we’ve done it again this year. I’m really proud we’ve managed to get it together, and I’m super excited about it. I can’t wait for everyone to see it.

Do the outdoor summer shows change the way you approach the performance?

I don’t really treat them any differently. I think I look at the show and think, right; it’s going to be a different environment. It’s the same show and the same music though.

All the fans are coming for a festival show. They’ll be drinking; they’ll bring their families and be up for a good time.

Arenas are slightly different. There’s more pressure when you do an arena tour than a summer tour. I’m looking forward to it being a bit more relaxed, having fun. We can have a bit of a laugh and sing some random songs. Just let people walk away having had a great Saturday or Friday night. Instead of just going to a bar, it’s a chance to come out and see a gig and to enjoy it.

Olly Murs - Troublemaker ft. Flo Rida

Outside of the performances, what is it you are most looking forward to?

How are you preparing for it all?

I’m eating well and training. I’m getting myself fit for the next four months. I’m working hard with my trainer, cutting my diet down – not eating all the junk food and not drinking. I’m trying to be sensible, that’s the most important thing. It’s all so I’m super fit and can give the fans a fantastic show.

Does that healthy living continue on the road?

When I’m on tour I have to be healthy. Even drinking and going out, I don’t want to do that. There will be a drinking ban, or at least they’ll try to be one. I’ll be looking to eat as healthy as possible to make sure the tour runs smoothly.

Seeing the fans, and the album that I wrote (24 Hrs) coming to life. You spend so much time in the studio writing it, it’s nice to get out there and see everyone singing it and dancing. All these things wrapped into one make it awesome. And to say thank you to the fans for another amazing two years.

That must be hugely different to your other work, being able to showcase your own music?

Exactly. Everything that I’m doing is showcasing my album and the experiences I’ve been through. It’s going to be a real eye-opener to see which songs the fans love, what they like right now. You know, the first couple of dates on tour I’m like, “are they going to like the tour? What do they think about the set? Am I going to have to change it after a couple of shows?” But we’ll see what happens.

So you still get nervous before shows?

I always get nervous. Literally come and see me before the first show and I’m worrying about if anyone has turned up, if everyone is there, if they are excited and ready. Is it packed? Is it sold out? The most horrible thing for a performer is to walk out onto a stage and for the crowd to be half empty. But it’s all been going well, and it’s exciting.

Olly Murs - You Don't Know Love (Official Video)

How are you spending your last few weeks of down-time?

For the next two weeks, before rehearsals, I’m literally going to be at home and seeing my mates. Got some things to do to prepare as much as I can, but at the moment just really enjoying some time to think. I’m getting my head in the right space, and getting fully focussed back into the job.

Have you had a chance to think about what’s happening after the tour?

I’ve got nothing planned, if I’m being honest. I’ve got a few ideas, but I just want to enjoy 2017 and see where it takes me. I might do something in TV, but it might be another music venture. It could be something else. I’m just going to see what happens.


Olly Murs tickets are available now. Grab them through Ticketmaster.co.uk.