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Slogging along the tour circuit in a van for three months has been known to take its toll.
Well-travelled though he may be, surly Headstones frontman Hugh Dillon is sounding quite chipper.
His Toronto-based band take the RPM stage for a homecoming gig Wednesday.
"The lifestyle was kinda built in for us before we were in a band," Dillon says of the Headstones rough 'n' ready road mentality. "This was just a job that kinda fit the way we lived. We're rock 'n' roll enthusiasts."
So, is it safe to say the Headstones have gained a more positive outlook as they become more popular?
"I think it's more realism than anything else," Dillon says. "We just got done playing Ottawa and it's nice for us to see how things have progressed. Sometimes you start to appreciate the things you do, as opposed to just going through the motions."
Without sounding too analytical, a little shot of optimism may be what the singer needs to offset his often harsh lyrical pontifications.
"They're a little cynical," he says. "I think it's healthy to be a little cyncial. As for getting up on stage and venturing into that mindset, you rise to the occasion.
"Once you're up there it all falls into place. It's like a hockey game, it doesn't matter if you're sick, you skate as hard as you can. This is the first gig I've ever had where you can't call in sick.
"But," he adds, "I remember the times I've had, and compared to that, this is a luxury."
Judging by the Headstones' upcoming itinerary, it is a good thing Dillon enjoys his work.
In the wake of their current album, Teeth & Tissue, the band is already preparing for a trip to Trinidad early next year to record with Chris Tsangarides, who produced The Tragically Hip's Fully Completely.
In addition, Dillon recently snagged the lead role in director Bruce McDonald's next film, Hardcore Logo.
"I play a punk rock singer, Joe Dick," Dillon explains enthusistically. "They want me to shave my head, which I'm gonna do, and I get paid a load of money. At first I turned it down, but our schedule allows it, it's a great script, we get to do some music for it, and it's just a perfect thing to do. And, like I said, the money."
Dillon, who considers himself a non-actor despite his role in McDonald's Dance Me Outside, had to take the thespian route to land the part.
"I had to read, audition, screen test, real professional," he says. "But when I got it, the first thing I did was ask the band what they thought. If they said no, then I wouldn't, 'cuz that's the way this band works."
Does this mean Hugh Dillon may go Hollywood?
"No," he says. "I like making records and being on the road. It's instant gratification. And I like being in a gang, or a band, not solo.
"Film is like free advertising for the Headstones, I can't put it any other way." v
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