Two years ago, Taking Back Sunday released their third album Louder Now. One certified gold album later, the band has done enough touring to drive the average human being insane.

After headlining tours, the international leg of the Taste of Chaos tour, and a slew of television appearances, TBS bassist Matt Rubano still feels thrills before performing.

“I experience a kind of quiet clarity before going on stage. I don’t really get nervous. I get anxious. I look forward to playing and feeding off the energy of the crowd. But I find it is best for me to go out there with a clear head and just have fun,” he said. “That way the audience can feel that and they have fun too.”

It’s a good thing the band enjoys touring constantly, because after playing a show at Madison Square Garden in New York with My Chemical Romance and Drive By in May, they’ll be heading overseas to play the main stage of Reading and Leeds in England this August with the likes of Rage Against the Machine, Queens of the Stone Age, and Anti-Flag.

“There are so many amazing places we have been and so many cities that have treated us incredibly through the years,” said Rubano. “We love going to Australia, and anywhere we haven't been before, but I have to give it up to Detroit for being a killer rock town where we have always had amazing shows. It really isn't fair to say though, because for as much as we tour, everywhere is a second home.”

So, how does the band manage to stay sane with such hectic schedules? “Each of us deals with being on the road differently as much as we are different from each other. Everyone has their own hobbies or things they do to remain sane.”

Everyone once in a while, the band gets an opportunity to do something that coincides with their hobbies. For instance, the band has been featured on the soundtrack for three comic book-based films: Spiderman 2, The Fantastic Four, and Elektra.

“Those opportunities have always sort of found us which has always been kind of a thrill,” Rubano admitted. “There are a few comic readers in the band but really, who doesn't like superheroes?”

As a band, Taking Back Sunday has one pre-show ritual that helps them focus before a gig. “Our band huddles each night before the show. We just take a few minutes to get centered before going on stage and talk about pretty much anything. Then we decide on ‘the word’ which we all chant together, and then it's time to play.”

With such energy before the show, fans can bet that a Taking Back Sunday show is bound to excite. In fact, the guys even bust out some improvisational numbers every now and again.

“TBS isn’t the most improv-savvy band out there, but we have been known to break out into an occasional Tom Petty cover when the opportunity arises,” chuckles Rubano.

Taking Back Sunday is Matt Rubano (bass), Adam Lazzara (vocals), Fred Mascherino (guitar, vocals), Eddie Reyes (guitar), and Mark O’Connell (drums).

Whether performing original songs or Tom Petty covers, Taking Back Sunday has proven themselves to be a fan favorite.

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Jasmine   |2008-04-23 11:44:11 Really? That's weird...wonder why they still have him up on their official site as a member??? Reply 0   0

Sarah   |2008-04-23 07:03:36 Fred left the band last year... Reply 0   0

nikki   |2008-04-15 11:59:43 i love tbs and i am glad that they are doing that Reply 0   0

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."