In the words of......

MLT Management put the band and their manager under the spotlight and asked a few pertinent questions to see what made them tick.

MLT: Where does the name of the band come from?
Nick: From me. My nickname has always been Wilf so when we (the band) decided to change our name a few years back, we looked for something which would fit the name Wilf and came up with What is Life For?

MLT: How did you all meet?
Nick: Phil & I met when we were about two and we then met Lee at Infant School which is about 22 years ago. We met Alex in our mid-teens when he was playing with other local bands. Alex and I later worked together teaching at a music shop. The rest is history.

MLT: Who is your musical idol/inspiration and why?
Phil: It's got to be Nick (WiLF?). He is the reason I picked up a guitar and learned to play.

MLT: What is it about the band you love so much?
Mark: Their enthusiasm and the friendship between them.They always sound fresh and enjoy doing what they do and that comes across in their performances.

MLT: Who would be on your perfect gig line-up?
Lee: Rage Against the Machine, System of a Down, Foo Fighters, The Living End and NoFX. Basically my favourite bands.

MLT: What instruments, other than drums, do you play?
Alex: Guitar, bass and percussion.

MLT: Where do you get your ideas for songs?
Nick: Mainly personal experience or life in general. It's easier to write about things you know about or have experienced.

MLT: If money was no object, what would be your first luxury purchase?
Alex: A dream recording studio not only to record the band's material but to be able to offer my services to other up and coming bands.

MLT: What are the best and worst things about being in a band?
Phil: The best has got to be the music. Playing, gigging, even practice is enjoyable. The worst, probably the financial commitment it takes, like buying equipment or, as we've done recently, fund our own tour.

MLT: Who would be your ideal date and where would you go on that all important first date?
Nick: At the moment, Haley Williams from Paramore. I don't know where we'd go but it would probably be somewhere in Miami.

MLT: In an ideal world, what would the future hold for the band?
Mark: For them to be a successful touring and recording act with a string of hit records. To rise to every challenge thrown at them and not be afraid to tackle something new.

MLT: How does it feel being on stage in front of a really enthusiastic crowd?
Lee: Inspiring. It brings out the best in you. It makes you want to play the very best you can. It's great to watch the crowd enjoying the set and singing along.

MLT: If you weren't a musician, what would you be doing?
Alex: Probably a professional skateboarder or footballer. I was really good at both when I was younger.

MLT: What age were you when you first picked up an instrument and what was it?
Nick: About 3 or 4 I think. I got hold of my Dad's guitar. But I really tried everything and anything I could get my hands on.

MLT: Who would be your dream duet partner be?
Phil: Freddie Mercury. My Mum saw Queen before he died and she said he was awesome, an incredible showman.

MLT: You've recently gotten engaged. Describe your girlfriend Jemma in 3 words.
Lee: Only 3? I guess I'd better be very careful what I say here. Beautiful, kind and funny.

MLT: What are the best and worst things about managing a band?
Mark: The best is being told how good the band is and how much that person enjoyed watching them. The worst has got to be promoters demanding you take a crowd to a gig. It is really frustrating trying to get the band heard in new areas where they are unknown and yet still be expected to take a crowd. Close second is booking and promoting a gig only to have no-one turn up to watch. Very disheartening.

MLT: Given your love of watches, what would be your ultimate watch?
Phil: No-one will know what this is but, A TAG HEUER Aqua Racer 500m full black. See I told you!!

MLT: What is the driving force behind your determination to succeed?
Nick: I wasn't very academic at school and music is really the only thing I think I am good at. I just want to be the best that I can.

MLT: What advice would you give to a budding musician?
Alex: Don't give up no matter how bad it gets and practice, practice, practice. You cannot practice enough, it's the only way to get close to perfection in playing your chosen instrument.

MLT: You went on tour with the band recently. What home comforts did you miss the most?
Lee: Good home cooked food, my own bed and most importantly, Jemma.

MLT: Which of the "big festivals" would you love to see the band headline and why?
Mark: Being a regular festival goer and having been to Reading for a good many years now, I think a headline slot there would be ideal. It's becoming a predominantly younger crowd at the festival these days, or maybe I'm just getting old, but I think the band would appeal to the younger audience (and hopefully the oldies as well).

MLT: If you could play with any band in the world, past or present, who would it be?
Phil: Obviously, continue to play for what is life for? but Strung Out or Nirvana would be cool.

MLT: What drew you to music?
Alex: Watching my Dad's drummer when I was young inspired me to play.

MLT: Which of the band's songs do you think would work well with a full orchestra?
Nick: The Rush. It's such a huge song with a lot of space. It wouldn't even need to be a full orchestra, just a string section would work extremely well.

MLT: Where do you see the band being in 5 years time?
Lee: Hopefully with a platinum selling album and a sold out world tour.

MLT: Describe the band in 3 words.
Mark: Better than Jammy Dodgers. Sorry that's 4........can I get away with that?