Modern Maps had their comeback gig at Alexandra Palace after going through a difficult period. The band has a notorious reputation due to past issues with drugs and unstable performances. At their comeback show, it was clear the band members were proud to prove to critics that they have changed for the better. They admitted they were previously lost and in a bad place, relying too heavily on drugs and underground shows. However, they are now clean, healthy, and working on new music. Both members believe this comeback marks a new start and future success for Modern Maps.

1. 11/02/16 | AMY GOODBAN | MODERN MAPS
Friday night, 1am. Ears are ringing and I can hear the slurred conversation of fans as I make my way
through the dingy corridors of Alexandra Palace, or Ally Pally as you and I know it best. I can just
about make out to distant figures through the dense smoke, but the I hear the strum of a broken guitar
and the infamous, cackling laughter of Danni Heslin, and then I know that Modern Maps are back and
in a better place than ever. I sheepishly sit down on a crooked stool opposite the torn sofa where the
women are sitting intoxicated, sweaty, red faced yet radiating pride after their greatly anticipated
comeback gig.
To say the band Modern Maps have been through a lot would be an understatement by a mile. Their
notorious reputation follows them around in a cloud of smoke above their heads. “ hate being the first
to speak at these things!” Guitarist, Ana, nervously laughs as she drinks from her bottle of what can
only be described as cheap, alcoholic dishwater, before grimacing “Urgh I don’t even know why I still
drink this shit!”.
They don’t have to say it because you can see in their faces how proud the women are. This wasn't
just a comeback gig, this wasn’t just a night to remember, this was booting the door open to a new
start- something bigger and better than ever.
“I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” Danni says “we did it, we proved that this is
us, we can now laugh at the critics who once laughed at us because-” “YES!” Ana exclaims,
interrupting her band mate. “I remember the interview we did once when the guy literally turned to us
and he said we would never be more that drugs and dirty bars, and the worst thing was I couldn’t even
form an answer- I did give him the dirtiest look you can imagine though!” The back and forth nature
of their conversation shows the relationship between the duo and how it’s always been. Despite the
break ups they’ve always known deep down that they’re inseparable. “you can’t blame him for saying
it, at the time it hurt like a bitch to hear but I guess that’s when it dawned on us that something had to
change- we were nothing apart from basements and dangerous drugs. We were really lost and, this
time, worse than ever before…” They aren’t afraid to admit the truth, they know they were in a bad

2. place and at one point they know the future was bleak, with even the fans losing hope in them. Ana
picks up her drink and sips it again, a reflective look on her face and you can practically see the
whirlwind of thoughts making her head spin- either that or the drinks are having an effect!”
“Anyway, enough of the past, we’re back now and this time it’s different. We’re clean, healthy and
already working on new music! We proved tonight that it’s for good and we are eternally grateful for
everyone who stuck around to see it- 8th time lucky I guess!” Both women laugh, their faces light up
and their eyes are full of life as they hug and put an end to year of fighting.
Modern Maps putting the fights behind them and leaving the drugs was not set to happen anytime
soon but I can honestly say that this time they have found their way again and are stronger with big
plans for the future.