F E AT U R E
Stepping up - Paul
is set to perform at
Middlesbrough Town
in October.
Edinburgh sounds pretty much like
Middlesbrough so we got away with
that one!”
People from the early Maximo
gigs have stood steadfastly by the
band’s side. When I ask about this
loyalty, Paul acknowledges that: “We
always give 100 per cent on stage.
“When I was at art college Oasis
were massive, so lots of the Teesside
bands would come on stage in jeans
Teessider - pictured in front of mima, Paul says
with their hands in their pockets. I
his local roots are a big part of who he is.
didn’t get it. Why did they all want
to be Liam Gallagher? Why be like
someone else? I was baffled by it. With Maximo Park I insisted
great reference for me. We all have families now and it doesn’t
on being different and sounding as good live as on record,
matter what I do. They know I’m just lucky and grateful that I
otherwise there was no point.”
can earn a living from music.”
Different Maximo Park certainly are, with Paul a
These days, as dad to a three-year-old daughter, parenthood
recognisable and charismatic front man in his trilby style hats
is as big a passion for Paul as music.
and sharp suits.
“Like all parents, my priority is putting food on the table.
Two people who have been by Paul’s side since his years at
Life changes, of course it does. Having someone so totally
Northfield Primary School are his best mates Neil and Ben.
dependent on you is massive and of course your priorities
“They still live on Teesside and I see them all the time,” he
alter, but we do still do things together like going to ‘bring your
says. “We still go to Boro matches and reminisce about playing
baby’ films at the cinema.”
footie at the end of the street. We have our in jokes and it’s a
The freedom that success brought enabled Paul to branch
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