5 questions with Plain White T’s

by Nikki M. Mascali
Weekender Editor

Despite canceling a few shows last week due to lead singer Tom Higgenson losing his voice, members of the Plain White T’s nailed a two-song performance Monday morning at 8 a.m. for KRZ’s Spotlight Lounge. Guitarist Tim Lopez and bassist Mike Retondo accompanied Higgenson in singing its new hit, “1,2,3,4” and its first smash, “Hey There Delilah.”

Guitarist Dave Tirio and drummer De’Mar Hamilton weren’t in attendance because they were on a bus en route to Louisville, Ky. — but mostly because “they don’t like to get up,” Higgenson joked.

Before the performance in front of about 30 listeners, the three T’s took time to answer a few questions from the Weekender.

Weekender: Is this early hour horrible for you guys?
Lopez: We are kind of getting used to it.
Higgenson: It still sucks when you’re used to going to bed at 3 or 4 a.m.

Weekender: You played “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” on Friday. How did that go?
Higgenson: It was interesting because I was very sick this weekend. We had to cancel the show right before Fallon, plus the one the same night as Fallon, but we did it, and I think it came off pretty well.

Weekender: Do you think he’ll be able to fill Conan’s shoes?
Higgenson: He’s pretty funny, I liked him.
Lopez: He’s just starting, so it’s got to be something you have to get used to.
Higgenson: But Conan’s the best out of all those guys, so I don’t know if he can really fill his shoes, but he’ll be alright.
Retondo: He’s better than Carson Daly!

Weekender: Who are Plain White T’s biggest influences?
Higgenson: Probably Akon, and Mike Retondo [points to Retondo]. He influenced me so much that he feels he doesn’t need to write or inspire me any more [laughs].
Retondo: I just show up for the free food.

Weekender: Plain White T’s music — and its members — have been featured on several TV shows. What show would you like to be on next?
Lopez: I’d like to be in “Lost” … and I’d like to be Jack Bauer’s daughter’s boyfriend on “24.”
Retondo: I’d like to be on “The Muppet Show,” I love “The Muppet Show!” w