UN set for Rude awakening

On 3 December, Rudely Interrupted, a band of disabled musicians from Melbourne, Australia, will be the first ever indie-band to play a gig at the United Nations in New York. A tour of the USA, Canada and the UK will follow. Front man Rory Burnside tells Disability Now about his impatience, love of showing-off, and Knight Rider fantasies.

What’s the best thing about being disabled?
I get to help people understand Asperger’s. I get to spend my life telling people who I am. And, with the blindness, I get extra time to do assignments at TAFE [technical and further education college].

What makes you angry?
One word: delays.

What’s the funniest thing anyone’s ever said to you about your impairment?
Can you read sign language?

What’s the most embarrassing thing anyone’s ever said to you about your impairment?
There was a boy at school who used to tease me and he was blind. And there’s this joke about coming to see my band: “Went to see Rudely Interrupted the other night and the lead singer was blind.” “Blind” is slang for drunk in Australia.

What’s the one thing that could be invented to make your life as a disabled person better?
Talking cars, so I could drive and wouldn’t have to put up with taxi delays, because quite frankly it’s not on, and I’m desperate to lose my reliance on the taxi service.

What do you most like about being a performer?
Showing the audience exactly what I’m capable of with my musical ability.

And what do you not like about it?
When we strike problems during a sound check and especially instruments that are out of tune.

Who’s your favourite disabled person ever?
There was a girl at Vision Australia who I had a crush on who was visually-impaired.

Do you have any special or hidden talent apart from your music?
Maths and memory. Oh, and perfect pitch.

If you didn’t have your impairment, which other one would you like to have?
It’s a question I prefer not to answer.

• To learn more about the band and to hear their music visit www.rudelyinterrupted.com