Poppy talks Jimmy Kimmel performance: “Putting heavy music on a stage like that is important”

In an exclusive new interview with Kerrang!, Poppy has reflected on last year’s viral performance of Suffocate with Knocked Loose on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Speaking in the spring print edition of the magazine, the alt. superstar tells us that the whole thing was “really exciting”, but also “very last-minute!”

“Bryan [Garris, Knocked Loose vocalist] texted me: ‘What are you doing next week?’” she recalls. “It was really exciting to see a hardcore band in that format and on that stage. The whole day went pretty fast. I remember walking in after the performance with my friend. He was a couple of steps ahead of me and he was like, ‘I think that was really important.’ And I said, ‘I think it was, too.’ It felt very electric and exciting. And the rain came right on cue.”

Poppy goes on to explain that “putting heavy music on a stage like that in a place that’s usually where the pop stars go is important. For me, it symbolised no compromise.

“Anybody that knows anything about my career would say that that’s been the ethos and direction from the beginning – always doing what I want to do. Even if I’m the only one it appeases, at least I feel good about it. It’s never a straight shot, because I think if something’s a straight shot, it probably isn’t right. There are certain things that are easier than others, but if something’s obvious to put your finger on and call it what it is, I think it becomes disinteresting quicker.”

Order your copy of the spring 2025 edition of Kerrang! here.

Get your tickets to see Poppy play The O2 with BABYMETAL on May 30.

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