Having CF and living the rock’n’roll lifestyle are two things that you wouldn’t normally associate together. Joe Dexter manages to combine both though as the lead singer and bass guitarist of punk band Orange. In this interview Joe talks us through some of his experiences of life on the road and how he manages to stay as healthy as possible whilst on tour.
Header photo by Jade Till Photography
Martin) Did you know from a very young age that you wanted to be in a band? Did you ever think it wouldn’t be possible because of your CF?
M) Whilst growing up, were your family and friends supportive of your ambitions of being in a band, even though you had CF? And what tips would you have for the loved ones of a young person with CF who wants to be in a band? (i.e. how best can they be supportive)
M) How do you prepare for a tour to ensure you are fit to perform all the dates?
M) Do you manage to fit in all your healthcare requirements while touring? If so, how do you do it?

M) Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve been ill with a concert coming up? How did you handle it?
M) Eating well is an important part of keeping healthy with CF – is it possible to do this while on the road? What meals and snacks do you typically eat while touring?

M) Do you find singing helps your lungs?
M) Are there any exercises you do that help increase your lung volume (and hence helps your singing)?
M) Do you manage to fit in exercise (both while on tour or off tour)? If yes, what exercise? If no, do you find singing is enough of a workout?
M) You’ve mentioned in a previous article that while your bandmates are partying and living the rock’n’roll lifestyle, you’ve had to stay in your room doing your treatments – does this ever get you down? If so, how do you cope with it?

M) You also mentioned that you use alternative treatments to help (e.g. Bach flower essences and reiki) – how do these help?
M) Do you have any other tips for anyone with CF wishing to follow an alternative life path such as yours?