Interview: Mik Kaminski of The Orchestra

3:17pm Friday 11th July 2008

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THE Orchestra are heading out on a UK tour this autumn.

Made up of original Electric Light Orchestra members Louis Clark, Mik Kaminski and Kelly Groucutt and ELO Part II founding member Eric Troyer, Phil Bates and Gordon Townsend, the band have put together a must-see show for ELO fans.

One of the most successful groups of the ’70s and ’80s, ELO spent 255 weeks in the singles chart and 393 weeks in the album charts; total worldwide sales are in excess of 100 million records and in the UK alone they had 27 top 20 hits.

Hits included Xanadu featuring Olivia Newton John, Roll Over Beethoven, Livin’ Thing, Mr Blue Sky and Sweet Talkin’ Woman.

We put some questions to violinist Mik Kaminski.

IF YOU HAD TO BE STUCK IN A LIFT WITH SOMEONE, WHO WOULD IT BE?

Kate Moss. Maybe she would have time to teach me some of her survival skills.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?

Getting on stage, only to find that I have forgotten my violin.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUPERSTITIONS?

Walking under ladders is still not one of my favourite pastimes, and also having to sit down and count to 10 when I go back home if I have forgotten something.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ONLY ONE SONG ON YOUR iPOD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

That would be tricky, as I don't own an iPod WHAT'S THE MOST EXPENSIVE THING YOU'VE BOUGHT, NOT INCLUDING PROPERTY?

Has to be a car, although I only need something to get me from A to B.

WHAT'S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU'VE BEEN GIVEN?

Try to live and enjoy the moment, as who knows what tomorrow may bring?

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED AND WHY?

After the end of a very long relationship, just over a year ago.

WHAT'S YOUR INDULGENCE?

Most things that are not good for you . . . or me.

HOW ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ARE YOU?

I do try to remember to sort the bottles from the cardboard, but cardboard can be tricky.

HOW MANY TEXTS DO YOU SEND IN A DAY?

Average, very few, but then some days I can reach four or five.

WHO'S THE MOST FAMOUS PERSON IN YOUR MOBILE?

Has to be the rest of the band. Maybe I am living a sheltered life.

WHAT ITEM COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?

Hard to know until you don't have it. Nothing springs to mind, as things are not what I build my life around.

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Only one? Where do you start? Could probably handle being Daniel Craig for a day, but can he play violin?

WHERE ARE YOU GOING ON HOLIDAY?

No plans. Haven't had a planned holiday for years. Usually just glad to stay at home after weeks in hotel rooms.

WHAT WERE YOU DOING THIS TIME YESTERDAY?

Driving back from a place called Cowling after visiting a friend.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING THIS TIME TOMORROW?

If I could tell you that, I would be able to predict the winner of the 4.30 at Perth and would never need to work again! * See The Orchestra at Blackpool Opera House on Monday, October 6. For tickets call 0870 3801111.