Elbow have told Gigwise that it was a “real honour” to be asked to support REM on their upcoming European tour dates.

The band open for the Athens trio at three stadium shows in Germany this August and genial frontman Guy Garvey admits it will be a huge platform for them.

He told us: “It was a real honour to be asked to do the support slot for the guys (REM) as were not exactly a stadium band so its nice to get the opportunity to have a go at it.”

Speaking about their own headline UK tour which kicks off in Cambridge on October 6, Garvey continued: “The autumn tour is a chance to hit the cities we missed in April, that’s why there isn’t a Scottish date for example”

When asked about their love of new bands, Garvey talks of his admiration for Fleet Foxes “They were a lovely band to support us at the Massive Attack Meltdown, although its not fair for us to play with a band as young and good looking as them.”

(by Lynsey Ure)