Game of Thrones fans know Kristian Nairn best as Hodor, Bran Stark’s slow but steady caretaker. But on his current Rave of Thrones tour, which hits Prime on Oct. 12, the Irish actor and DJ of almost 20 years will hold court behind the turntables. We caught up with Nairn, who’s amassed something of a cult following after coming out as gay in a Game of Thrones fan site this March, before his stop in town.
What would you say to people who gripe that EDM isn’t “real music” because it’s just “pushing buttons”?
It’s the same as anything—my mom used to be told that the Rolling Stones weren’t musicians and just made noise. It’s the same blinkered people who believe that just because something isn’t their taste, then it’s bad and anyone could do it. Not everyone who picks up a guitar and strums a chord is a guitar player, and not every motorist is a Formula One driver. Anyone can push button, but not everyone is a DJ.
What’s the craziest thing that’s happened so far on the tour?
Every gig has had the “Hodor” chant. No matter where in the world, it happens, and sometimes all I can do is stand and grin like an idiot. It’s overwhelming. I never thought I would be in this position, and I’m so goddamn grateful that I am. It’s an incredible vehicle for me to bring my sound to the world.
You have a pretty devoted fan base, both in the gay community and among Game of Thrones viewers. What’s the weirdest, or nicest, thing a fan has ever done?
I honestly don’t feel worthy most of the time. People, in general, are amazingly nice and supportive. Obviously the Internet is, well, the Internet, but it’s easy to avoid for the most part. It still surprises me on social media sometimes, the level of personal questions you will get asked. Some things I wouldn’t ask someone I had known for years!
One Thrones question: I thought Joffrey’s death was a rip-off. I wanted him to die more horribly. How would you have killed him?
I disagree! I think that was the perfect way for him to die, surrounded by his court, but no one really wanting to help. And he did turn a very pretty color.
Sum up the Rave of Thrones tour in one word.
Euphoria.
Watch the Throne
Game of Thrones fans know Kristian Nairn best as Hodor, Bran Stark’s slow but steady caretaker. But on his current Rave of Thrones tour, which hits Prime on Oct. 12, the Irish actor and DJ of almost 20 years will hold court behind the turntables. We caught up with Nairn, who’s amassed something of a cult following after coming out as gay in a Game of Thrones fan site this March, before his stop in town.
What would you say to people who gripe that EDM isn’t “real music” because it’s just “pushing buttons”?
It’s the same as anything—my mom used to be told that the Rolling Stones weren’t musicians and just made noise. It’s the same blinkered people who believe that just because something isn’t their taste, then it’s bad and anyone could do it. Not everyone who picks up a guitar and strums a chord is a guitar player, and not every motorist is a Formula One driver. Anyone can push button, but not everyone is a DJ.
What’s the craziest thing that’s happened so far on the tour?
Every gig has had the “Hodor” chant. No matter where in the world, it happens, and sometimes all I can do is stand and grin like an idiot. It’s overwhelming. I never thought I would be in this position, and I’m so goddamn grateful that I am. It’s an incredible vehicle for me to bring my sound to the world.
You have a pretty devoted fan base, both in the gay community and among Game of Thrones viewers. What’s the weirdest, or nicest, thing a fan has ever done?
I honestly don’t feel worthy most of the time. People, in general, are amazingly nice and supportive. Obviously the Internet is, well, the Internet, but it’s easy to avoid for the most part. It still surprises me on social media sometimes, the level of personal questions you will get asked. Some things I wouldn’t ask someone I had known for years!
One Thrones question: I thought Joffrey’s death was a rip-off. I wanted him to die more horribly. How would you have killed him?
I disagree! I think that was the perfect way for him to die, surrounded by his court, but no one really wanting to help. And he did turn a very pretty color.
Sum up the Rave of Thrones tour in one word.
Euphoria.
Stay a step ahead with our newsletter on the latest in Boston living.
Sign me upView All Events
Related Articles
Tall Story
Architect Gary Johnson talks about working on One Dalton's design with Pei Cobb Freed...
Horse Play
Actress Lauren Lapkus chats about life-changing improv classes and sharing the stage...
American Dream
Keith Hamilton Cobb is back for the second tour of 'American Moor.'...
Tides ’n’ Time
The Peabody Essex Museum's curator chats about a futuristic Boston divided by rising sea levels...
Winter Olympics - Feb. 11
Weekend Ideas: January 8, 2014
Standing Tall
Troy Andrews credits New Orleans mentors for fueling his own mission...
Boozy Bonds
Meryl Streep tanks in John Wells’ adaptation of August: Osage County...