Thom Sonny Green of Alt-J: From shielding to resuming the tour

Because of a rare genetic condition, Alt-J drummer Thom Sonny Green has spent much of the pandemic shielding like millions of others.

But in February, he'll be back on tour with his Mercury Prize-winning band, performing in stadiums and arenas across the United States and the United Kingdom. "We'll have to be extra cautious. But, whatever we have to do, we'll do it because just getting back on stage will be worth it, "he claims.

Thom tells Radio 1 Newsbeat that he had a "pretty bad" Covid infection this summer. "I'm lucky that I'm okay and back to normal, but I don't want it to happen again." Thom and the rest of the Leeds-based band will take numerous precautions to reduce the risk of infection while on tour, including wearing face masks and sanitizing their hands in public places.

And, while Thom will keep in touch with his doctor, he believes the risk of touring will be worth it.