Editors’ Russell Leetch takes over AVFC Spotify playlist

Russell Leetch from Birmingham-based band Editors is taking over Aston Villa’s official Spotify this weekend.

And to mark the takeover, the guitarist, a lifelong Villa fan, has been speaking to the club about his passion for all things claret and blue.

Read our Q&A with Russell below…

What made you first fall in love with Villa?

My Godmother Linda would always buy us Villa souvenirs for birthday and Christmas presents & insisted we support the claret and blue. As my family weren’t really into football, I nagged my dad to take myself and my brother, Matt, to a game. Finally, he succumbed and in 1991 we watched Villa beat Spurs 3-2 with an overhead kick from David Platt in the 92nd minute. My Villa voyage started and I was hooked. 

When you were a kid, which Villa player did you idolise the most?

Tony Daley. I loved how quick he was. I could only dream of being that fast. A proper old-school winger.

If you could choose one of your tracks to be the walk-out music at Villa Park for a season, which track would you pick and why?

‘In This Light and On This Evening’. It’s got the drama and tension. It’s not overcooking the testosterone, just creating that lovely pre-match buzz. 

Steven Gerrard, Tyrone Mings, Philippe Coutinho and Ollie Watkins form a band. Who plays what and why?

Gerrard, bassist, keeping it locked at the back. Mings, front man, top off, six-pack out - great at working the crowd. Coutinho, guitarist, would definitely play a white Stratocaster and have great solos. Watkins, drummer.

Tell us about the tracks that you have picked for Villa’s playlist – any stories behind these selections?

I’ve selected a few tunes from Editors back catalogue, some old gems and a newbie. The rest of the tracks are songs we play in the dressing room before going on stage.

What's your prediction for our match against Leeds on Sunday?

2-1 to the Villa. I think we can take the momentum gained from the Man City and Southampton results away from home.

Thanks for taking part, Russell!

Russell Leetch Aston Villa Spotify playlist

You can tune into Aston Villa’s official Spotify playlist online or via the app.