It's all in a day's work ...

When does a rock star become an early riser?

When they need to get up early for work.

Psycropticmay have a vast and loyal following in Europe, but the band is still waiting to hit the big time in Australia, whichmeans when Dave Haley, one of the originalmembers, isn’t playing drums for the Tasmanianmetal band, he sometimes needs to earn a crust doing something else.

In addition to composing and recording drums for overseas acts, last week Haley found himself working for a television studio, hence the early rise.

‘‘We do have a solid fan base around the world,’’ the softly-spoken drummer said.

‘‘Metal is widely accepted all throughEurope, but it is yet to catch on in Australia to the same extent.’’

Haley is putting it lightly, and humble though he may be, Psycroptic is big in Europe and around the world.

But the drummer said this didn’t mean the bandmade any crazy rider demands when they touredAustralia or anywhere else.

‘‘Just give us food and booze and we’ll be happy,’’ Haley said.

Touring the world as they do, Haley admitted both he and his fellow bandmates had the opportunity to try their fair share of interesting foods.

Haggis and black pudding?

‘‘Sure, if you want it,’’ he said.

‘‘I’ve never felt the need.’’

Haley said he liked to return the favour, introducing friends from foreign bands to the wonders of Australian cuisine when they visit our shores.

‘‘We have some friends visiting from London, and we gave them meat pies the other day,’’ Haley said.

‘‘They loved them.’’

As well they should, because the way Haley tells it, the humble meat pie is at its best in Australia.

‘‘Overseas they do the pot pie, which is like a chunk of pork wrapped in pastry,’’ he said.

‘‘They haven’t really grasped the concept.

‘‘A good meat pie is the first thing I want when I get home.’’

Psycroptic play the Eliot Street Bar this Saturday night, with tickets $15 at the door.