Franz Ferdinand's Alex Kapranos to Write a Musical?

Many musicians are known for extra-curricular activities that range from painting (hello, David Bowie) through to more sporting pursuits such as cycling (yes, Kraftwerk, we're thinking of you) or, on occasion, misguided detours into acting (anyone seen Sir Mick Jagger's turn in 'Freejack'?) but Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos has declared an interest in writing a musical. The singer's ambitions were laid bare when he told Australian radio station Triple J of his intentions.

"I did have this amazing idea, I've been keeping it a secret for ages!" Kapranos told the station. "I think it would make an amazing musical."

So what is this "amazing idea"? Anyone expecting a musical based on the splitting of the atom or Petrarchan verse is likely to find themselves disappointed as Kapranos has more contemporary concerns in mind.

"The thing is, what would make a great musical would be to pick a contemporary figure, like somebody from either current times or the last 10 years," he elaborated. "Somebody who's had a big impact. And write it about them."

Tease that he is, Kapranos refused to be drawn on who he has in mind though he did confirm that he does have a non-musical celebrity in his sights. All he needs now is a tie-in with Heat magazine and he's halfway there.