Eagle-eyed webventurers may have noticed this corner of the web has been a little neglected of late. Admittedly we’ve been mega-lax at updating this place, but as the above pictures show we’ve been hot-footing it non-stop around the globe, playing gigs across a variety of climes and continents. It is 3 months ago today that we set off on the NME tour as wide-eyed innocents from the home counties. Today we play the Wolverhampton Wulfrun as callous-hearted touring machines, whose only care is where the next Beck’s is coming from. We’re currently being joined on brass by all round samba, jazz and african music genius Barak Schmool and ex-Jamie Cullum associate ( :- / ) Rory. They’re adding an extra level of Remain In Light big band vibes to the tour. A lot has gone on in the interim, not all of which I can be bothered to write about- but here is a very brief selection of highlights:
- Shared a bus across the USA with White Lies and their crew, who I can reveal are excellent touring companions, very easy to get on with and such. Went for a nerve-shredding session at a firing range with them in Spokane, WA. I don’t think I ever want to fire a gun again; its too easy.
- Went to Mexico City to play to the most amazingly excited, singy-alongy crowd we’ve ever experienced. You’ve all obviously heard about this swine flu business in Mexico now, and one of the many sad aspects of this is that the growing music scene built on bands travelling over there will take a while to recover. Our hearts go out to the promoters of our show Diego, Sofia, Andreas and everyone else we met there. We’ve got huge love for you Mexico, keep ya heid up and we’ll be back as soon as we are allowed.
- Always eager to find new ways to waste my miniscule amounts of free time, I’ve signed up for a Twitter account. My ‘handle’ (that term gives it quite an 1970s CB radio kind of vibe don’t you think?) is @jackbsavidge, so follow me if you’re similarly inclined towards these sorts of things. Friendly Fires fan Tim Westwood’s Twitter is an unbelievably good read.
-Played Coachella, the most spectacular, picturesque, and restricted festival in the western world. If I had a pound for every time I heard “you can’t take alcohol into there sir”, I’d have about £5! But also, if I had a pound for every time I saw/heard something amazing happen on a stage surrounded by stars and palm trees, I’d have about £9, so all in all Coachella is a good thing. Our show there was great by the way, there was a genuine conga line for a bit; it was just like an office party!
If I think of anything else I will post it. I’m going to endeavour to make this place a bit more lively, a bit more bits and bobs, more regular like. If you head on over to our myspace you can hear the new Thin White Duke (A.K-fucking-A Stuart Price of Les Rhythmes Digitales, Zoot Woman, and producing Madonna, The Killers etc etc) mix of Jump In The Pool, which is fast turning into my fave remix of us ever. Manages to be utterly ‘avin it and really tasteful at the same time. The forthcoming Wild Geese mix of JITP pulls off a similar trick with extra hands-in-the-air pianos, so all is well on the remix front.
That’s all for now, I will hit you crazy soon. Jack x
The tale end of last summer i kept hearing this track everytime i went into my local ‘Topman’ store,not knowing who it was by or what it was called i searched and searched for any info i could get about this tune…it blew me away with its electro feel and enchanting lyrics.Some time later my mate bunged me a cd by a band called ‘Friendly Fires’ and i tossed it to one side without a care,waiting for a spare moment to listen to it.3 weeks later i had some time to spare so thought id give it a play….then to my amazement i discovered finally who this tune (PARIS) was by…24 hours later i realised id listened to an album that would have a significant place in my cd collection…forever! not just because it contained quality tune after tune but because it was a debut album by a new band…..a new band that had a genuine crossover electro sound with top lyrics too….a new legacy begins….hopefully.Ed,Ed and Jack u have produced a blinding album, dont lose sight and bow to a quick follow up by record companies uve got potential to be legendary….take yr time with the second.Saw u at Southampton Uni last week and you were amazing..totally blew me and my mates away wiv yr live set…i cant wait to see u again at Bestival….keep it up….respect :)
— reece jewer · Friday May 8, 2009 · #
I’m giving away a pair of tickets to the Friendly Fires gig at the Forum, Kentish Town on Friday. Check out my blog for details: http://www.radio1.dj/2009/05/12/friendly-fires-free-gig-tickets-up-for-grabs/
— Andy Roberts · Tuesday May 12, 2009 · #
awwwwww why didn’t you mention live @ kerrang? it was amazing!!! my brother said he hated you guys before he came but now he thinks you’re awesome, and believe me it takes a lot to change his mind.
love your work :)
oh n ive only just bought your awesome cd n im listenin 2 it right now!!! love it!
— charlie · Tuesday May 12, 2009 · #
They couldn’t have mentioned the live @ Kerrang thing because this blog was written before they did that!
— rocker666 · Saturday May 16, 2009 · #
I love you guys!!!!
I wish you could come to the Philippines..
You have a BIGGGG FAN HERE!!!
oh.. and I wish you release STROBE next. it’s awesome!!!
— gotobigo · Sunday May 17, 2009 · #
Hey guys, loving the album. Can you tell me why skeleton boy is different from the 1 in the video? I kinda prefer that version. How can I get my hands on it?
— seando · Saturday May 23, 2009 · #
Whatever recipe you guys have, don’t change it. Your awesome right now
— Steve · Thursday May 28, 2009 · #
Hey, guys! When are you coming to Brazil?!
I’m sure you have lots of fans here. I can’t wait to see you live.
— evelyn · Wednesday June 3, 2009 · #
hey guys, when are you doing the gig in preston at 53 degrees because you postponed it and we want to see you!
— lala · Thursday June 4, 2009 · #