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The Fratellis

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This article is about the band. For the fictional criminals, seeThe Goonies.

The Fratellis
The Fratellis performing at Pryzm, Kingston upon Thames in 2021
The Fratellis performing at Pryzm, Kingston upon Thames in 2021
Background information
OriginGlasgow,Scotland
GenresIndie rock,[1]alternative rock
Years active
  • 2005–2009
  • 2012–present
Labels
Members
Websitethefratellis.com

The Fratellisare a Scottishrockband fromGlasgow,formed in 2005. The band consists of three unrelated members, who perform under pseudonyms: lead vocalist and guitaristJon Fratelli,bassist Barry Fratelli, and drummer Mince Fratelli. Their debut album,Costello Music(2006) was a success, peaking at number 2 on theUK Albums Chartand spending eighty-three weeks in the UK Top 100. In the United States, it peaked at forty-eight on the USBillboard200.[2]

The Fratellis won the2007 BRIT Awardfor Best British Breakthrough Act, and as of March 2018,Costello Musichad sold 1,145,000 copies in the UK.[3]Costello Musicspawned five successful singles – "Henrietta","Chelsea Dagger","Whistle for the Choir","Baby Fratelli"and"Ole Black 'n' Blue Eyes".The singles" Chelsea Dagger "and" Whistle for the Choir "were both top ten hits in the UK charts. Following the success ofCostello Music,the Fratellis released their second album,Here We Stand(2008), before entering a hiatus period.

The band returned in 2013 and released their third albumWe Need Medicine,debuting at number twenty-six on theUK Albums Chart,[4]it was considered a disappointment and marked significant decline in popularity for the band.We Need Medicinedropped out of the UK Top 100 after just one week.[5][6][7][8][9]The album peaked at number 106 on the USBillboard200.[10]

Chart performances improved for the band with the release of their further releases,Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied(2015),In Your Own Sweet Time(2018) andHalf Drunk Under a Full Moon(2021), all of which debuted within the top five in their native Scotland.[11][12]

History

[edit]

2005–2006:The Fratellis EPandCostello Music

[edit]
Drummer, Gordon McRory, in 2006

The band's name came from the criminal family inThe Gooniesand received their first radio playing in 2005, on central Scotland's Beat 106 (later XFM Scotland, nowCapital Scotland) Beatscene show hosted byJim Gellatly.They were signed byFallout Recordsafter less than 10 shows. The band formed after the band members placed adverts in record stores around Glasgow, originally forming as a four-piece with Mince on lead guitar and a drummer called Chris who was soon fired. They played their first "proper" show on 4 March 2005 in the O'Henry's bar in Glasgow across the road from the Horseshoe bar.The Fratellis EPwas released on 3 April 2006, featuring the tracks "Stacie Anne" and "The Gutterati?". "Creepin' Up the Backstairs" was never a single released by the band, even though a video was made for it. The first single released by the band was "Henrietta",which was released on 12 June 2006 and charted at number 19 on the UK Charts.

Costello Musicwas the debut album for the Fratellis and was released on 11 September 2006. It charted at number two in the UK album charts for three weeks.[13]The success of the album led to the Fratellis winning theBrit Award for British Breakthrough Actin2007,an award that was voted for by BBC Radio One listeners.[14]

The Fratellis supportedKasabianin December 2006 on their UK tour before playing 10 dates by themselves in February and March 2007. The tour of the UK festival circuit, playing atGlastonburyand headlining at festivals such as NME's Rock 'n' Riot tour, OXEGEN 2007 and T in the Park 2007, amongst others.[15][16][17]They also opened forThe Police Reunion Tourin the summer of 2007 in some of the North America dates. The Fratellis also recorded some cover songs during the year including "All Along the Watchtower"for Radio 1's 40th Anniversary Double Album,Radio 1: Established 1967,and "Solid Gold Easy Action"for the soundtrack of the filmHot Fuzz,which also included the single "Baby Fratelli".

2007–2009:Here We Standand hiatus

[edit]
The Fratellis performing atT in the Park,2008

The band released their first live DVD,Edgy In Brixton,in the UK on 1 October 2007, which was recorded at theBrixton Academyin London. The DVD includes performances in Nottingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and London.[18]Following the release of the album, the Fratellis embarked on a full live performance of the debut albumCostello Music,B-sides from various singles and a new song called "Pretty Like a Girl". Extras on the DVD include the band being asked questions by members of the Fratellis' website, and on the deluxe edition,. It was released in the United States on 30 October 2007.

The band filmed on 18 June 2008 at the Fillmore, San Francisco; performances of "Milk and Money", "Flathead" and "Mistress Mabel" from Abbey Road Studios and the videos for second album,Here We Stand,was first mentioned in November 2007 on the Fratellis' official website, which stated that work had begun on the album in a rehearsal space in Glasgow. The band said that they were self-producing the album and had their own studio to record in. Recording finished on 13 January 2008.[19]

On 22 February 2008, they played a highlights from theT in the Park2007 festival small show for fans atQueen Margaret Unionto debut new songs from the upcoming album. About eight new going towards the Teenage Cancer Trust. The third single was "A Heady Tale",released on 22 December. The Fratellis released a deluxe edition ofHere We Standinternationally songs from their new album were played, including "Mistress Mabel","Acid Jazz Singer ", and"Look Out Sunshine!".[20]This performance introduced two new touring members, a guitarist,Robin Peringerand a keyboard player,Will Foster(ex.Delicatessen,Lodger,andThe Tears). However, after theTeenage Cancer Trustshow in 2008, Robin departed the tour for unknown reasons. Will Foster subsequently played both keyboard and guitar during live performances. The album was released on 9 June 2008 in the UK and 10 June 2008 in the United States. The band marked the US release of the album with sold-out shows in New York City, Boston, and Los Angeles. The first single from the album, "Mistress Mabel",was released on 26 May 2008. The next single,"Look Out Sunshine!",released on 18 August 2008 and with money on 8 December. The CD included a new song titled" Moriarty's Last Stand "and the accompanying DVD which features" The Year of the Thief "(a documentary of the band on the road in the US), a live show, and the singles" Mistress Mabel "and" Look Out Sunshine! ".

During 2009, the band did a mini-tour of Australia and Japan during February and March.[21]The Fratellis headlined the Island Records 50th anniversary show on 27 May 2009 where they debuted their new track to be included on theIsland 50: 50 Years of Island Recordswhich wasBob Marley's "Stir It Up".The band also headlined the Hop Farm Festival 2009 on 4 July, with a gig at the Middlesbrough Empire on 3 July to prepare for the upcoming headline slot. After the Hop Farm show in 2009, the band took an extended break citing exhaustion and relationships within the band turning sour after a series of prolonged touring and working together.

2012–2016:We Need MedicineandEyes Wide, Tongue Tied

[edit]
The Fratellis performing atRock am Ring,2014

The Fratellis played their first show since 2009 to raise money for the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund on 15 June 2012, marking nearly 3 years since they last shared a stage together. They then performed atO2 ABC Glasgowon 26 September 2012 and announced a UK tour in April 2013. During the UK tour, 3 more songs were debuted live; "She's Not Gone Yet But She's Leaving", "Seven Nights Seven Days" and "Whiskey Saga". The band went on to perform dates in Oxford, Leicester and Sheffield with another date atLoopallu festival,forming a small September tour. During the tour, the band debuted 2 new tracks, "This Old Ghost Town" (previously played by and mainland Europe.

On 4 February 2013, the Fratellis finished recording their third album, which was to be calledWe Need Medicinewith a release date of 7 October 2013. "Seven Nights Seven Days" was released as a single on 29 September. The album was recorded in Glasgow with Jon Fratelli and Stuart McCredie on production duties. The band saw out 2013 with a successful tour of the US, UKNeed Medicinealbum campaign with two shows in Russia in September 2014. In 2014, the band played festivals across the world, returning to the US, UK and Europe and also headed over to Japan before finishing theWe Need Medicinetour.

During Christmas break 2013, the band started writing new material, and two of the songs debuted live in 2014. "Too Much Wine" was played on the early 2014 US tour, with "All the Live Long Day" (later to be known as "Impostors (Little By Little)" ) turning up later on. The band released a brand new EP in September 2014 calledThe Soul Crush EP,which was released for free on their website. Upon releasingThe Soul Crush EPin 2014, the band stated they would be heading to LA to record their fourth album,[22]with Barry confirming on Twitter it was once again withTony Hoffer(Beck, Air), producer-architect of both their debut album and of Jon's solo albumPsycho Jukebox.[23]

News stayed quiet until 1 June 2015, when the band announced their new album would be calledEyes Wide, Tongue Tiedand would be released through Cooking Vinyl on 21 August 2015. The band revealed the first song from the album "Me and the Devil" through their website,[22]and later announced the first single "Baby Don't You Lie To Me" on 29 June. Both tracks were made available as instant downloads with your pre-order of the album.[24] The band shared a new video for "Baby Don't You Lie To Me!" on 24 July 2015. [25]

In late 2016, the Fratellis launched a UK-wide tour to mark the 10-year anniversary ofCostello Music,playing 16 shows through November and December.[26]

2017–2020:In Your Own Sweet Time

[edit]

In 2017, the band headlined posts since 30 April, the band confirmed on Instagram that they were in Los Angeles to record their fifth album with Tony Hoffer once again producing.[27]

On 29 September 2017 the band announced the Vicar's Picnic music festival 14–15 July,[28]as well as theLindisfarne Festival,which ran 31 August to 3 September.[29][30]

On 8 May, after hinting through several fifth studio album,In Your Own Sweet Time[31]which was released on 16 March 2018 and followed by with a UK concert tour in March 2018.[31]The album was released onCD,LP,limited edition orange LP andcassette.[31]They also toured the U.S. in late Spring 2018 and early Summer.

After speaking with fans after his solo shows in February 2019, Jon stated that the band were heading to LA in April/May to record their sixth album, once again with Tony Hoffer. On 9 May, the band posted a photo on their social media accounts with the caption "#6". Jon had stated that the band intended to take most of 2019 off after having an extremely busy 2018, with only a few Fratellis shows played along with two of his own shows for his solo albumBright Night Flowers,which he released in February 2019.

2020–present:Half Drunk Under a Full Moon

[edit]

The band then emerged in January 2020, teasing news at the start of the year. This was followed by the announcement on 23 January that their sixth studio album would be titledHalf Drunk Under a Full Moonwould be released on 8 May 2020, alongside a full UK and US tour in April and June respectively. However, due to the 2020COVID-19 pandemic,the band announced on 8 April that their UK tour would be postponed to October,[32]and on 23 April that the album release would be delayed until 30 October.[33]On 18 May, they announced that their North American tour would be postponed until January 2021.[34]The first song to be released from the album was "Six Days In June".[35]

Side projects

[edit]

During the band downtime, Jon went on to form a new band with singer/songwriterLou HickeycalledCodeine Velvet Club.He released aself-titled albumwith the band in December 2009 and toured during late 2009 and early 2010. The band came to a finish and he decided to become a solo artist. He released his debut solo album,Psycho Jukeboxin 2010 and intended to release a second, titledBright Night Flowersin 2012 but this was shelved due to the Fratellis reuniting.

Barry initially stated that he was starting his own musical project and would let Fratellis fans know about it via the Fratellis website.[36]He didn't let fans know his musical ventures until November 2011, where he revealed he had joined Birmingham bandthe Twang,who he played with until August 2012 when he rejoined the Fratellis. He is also a regular on the DJ circuit, and still DJs now when he can.

Mince initially joined a heavy metal band called Throne o' Diablo,[37][38]before leaving the band for unknown reasons. He would go on to join Jon's solo band as a second drummer, backing vocalist and occasional guitarist during live shows for hisPsycho Jukeboxtour.

After the recording ofIn Your Own Sweet Time,Jon had quietly re-recorded his shelved 2012 solo albumBright Night Flowersand after the main bulk of touring was finished forIn Your Own Sweet Time,Jon announced his solo album would be released in February 2019, supported with two shows in London and Glasgow. His first solo shows in six years featured nearly the entirety ofBright Night Flowerswith only one song from his previous solo album showing up along with Fratellis' favourites "Whistle for the Choir" and "Laughing Gas" in rearranged forms and a series of covers.

Band members

[edit]

The Fratellis

[edit]
  • Jon Fratelli(John Lawler) – lead vocals, guitar, piano, and keyboards
  • Barry Fratelli (Barry Wallace) – bass guitar and backing vocals
  • Mince Fratelli (Gordon McRory) – drums, backing vocals, and banjo

Touring members

[edit]
  • Will Foster– keyboards and piano(2008–present),guitar(2008–2009)
  • Ryan Quigley – trumpet(2021–present)
  • Paul Towndrow – saxophones(2021–present)
  • The Wild Tonics – backing vocals(2021–present)[39]

Discography

[edit]
Main article:The Fratellis discography

Studio albums

[edit]

Awards

[edit]
Date Award Awarding body
4 July 2008 Best British Band 33rdSilver Clef Awards2008
27 January 2008 Best European Border Breaking Act- United Kingdom 2008 European Border Breakers Awards (EBBA)
14 February 2007 Best British Breakthrough Act BRIT Awards 2007

References

[edit]
  1. ^"Hire The Fratellis | Booking Agent & Contact Details".Champions Music & Entertainment.Retrieved4 August2024.
  2. ^"The Fratellis | Biography, Music & News".Billboard.Retrieved3 August2024.
  3. ^Jones, Alan (23 March 2018)."Charts analysis: Greatest Showman matches Adele's chart run at the top".Music Week.Retrieved24 March2018.
  4. ^"2013-10-19 Top 40 Official Albums Chart UK Archive – Official Charts".OfficialCharts.com.9 October 2013.Retrieved14 October2013.
  5. ^"2013-10-26 Top 40 Official Albums Chart UK Archive – Official Charts".OfficialCharts.com.26 October 2013.Retrieved20 November2013.
  6. ^"2013-11-02 Top 40 Official Albums Chart UK Archive – Official Charts".OfficialCharts.com.2 November 2013.Retrieved20 November2013.
  7. ^"2013-11-09 Top 40 Official Albums Chart UK Archive – Official Charts".OfficialCharts.com.9 November 2013.Retrieved20 November2013.
  8. ^"2013-11-16 Top 40 Official Albums Chart UK Archive – Official Charts".OfficialCharts.com.16 November 2013.Retrieved20 November2013.
  9. ^"2013-11-23 Top 40 Official Albums Chart UK Archive – Official Charts".OfficialCharts.com.20 November 2013.Retrieved20 November2013.
  10. ^"The Fratellis | Biography, Music & News".Billboard.Retrieved3 August2024.
  11. ^"Official Scottish Albums Chart on 23/3/2018".Official Charts.Retrieved3 August2024.
  12. ^"Official Scottish Albums Chart on 28/8/2015".Official Charts.Retrieved3 August2024.
  13. ^"Timberlake takes album top spot".BBC.17 September 2006.
  14. ^"Fratellis win BRIT for British Breakthrough Act - NME".nme.com.14 February 2007.Retrieved9 January2023.
  15. ^"Glastonbury line up 2007".BBC.Retrieved13 March2008.
  16. ^"T in the Park line-up unveiled".NME.22 February 2007.Retrieved9 January2023.
  17. ^Paul McNamee (13 September 2006)."Costello Musicreview ".NME.Retrieved30 July2007.
  18. ^"The Fratellis announce 2007 tour dates".Indie London. 2007. Archived fromthe originalon 3 May 2008.Retrieved5 August2007.
  19. ^Mcmonagle, Mickey (13 January 2018)."Fratellis Celebrate Finishing Second Album - the Sunday Mail".www.sundaymail.co.uk.Archived fromthe originalon 16 January 2008.Retrieved17 January2022.
  20. ^Lyons, Beverley (23 February 2008)."Fratellis Fans Get Chance To Hear New Tracks".Dailyrecord.co.uk.Retrieved7 June2020.
  21. ^Murfett, Andrew (20 February 2009)."The Fratellis".TheAge.com.au.Retrieved7 June2020.
  22. ^abSklinar, Kimberley-Marie (1 June 2015)."The Fratellis announce new album 'Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied' and new shows".Never Enough Notes.Never Enough Notes. Archived fromthe originalon 2 June 2015.Retrieved1 June2015.
  23. ^"The Fratellis: Official Site".Thefratellis.com.Retrieved25 March2018.
  24. ^Laura Johnson,"The Fratellis Post New Single Baby Don't You Lie To Me",Stereoboard.com,29 June 2015
  25. ^"VIDEO: See The Fratellis' new clip for 'Baby Don't You Lie To Me!'".Never Enough Notes.Never Enough Notes. 3 August 2015.Retrieved3 August2015.[dead link]
  26. ^Lewis, Henry (9 August 2016)."The Fratellis set for UK tour to celebrate 10 years of Costello Music".Skiddle.com.Retrieved5 April2017.
  27. ^The Fratellis (8 May 2017)."Yeah so we're recording another album in LA with @tony_hoffer".Instagram.com.Archived fromthe originalon 26 December 2021.Retrieved9 May2017.
  28. ^"The Fratellis are playing at a Kent music festival this summer".Kentlive.news.24 February 2017. Archived fromthe originalon 25 February 2017.Retrieved5 April2017.
  29. ^"The Fratellis to headline North East music festival".Sunderlandecho.com.27 February 2017.Retrieved5 April2017.
  30. ^"Fratellis headline Lindisfarne festival".Thesouthernreporter.co.uk.9 March 2017. Archived fromthe originalon 9 March 2017.Retrieved5 April2017.
  31. ^abc"The Fratellis Official Online Store: Merch, Music, Downloads & Clothing".Thefratellis.tmstor.es.Retrieved29 September2017.
  32. ^@TheFratellis (8 April 2020)."Rescheduled UK tour dates for October 2020 with some new dates added..."(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  33. ^@TheFratellis (23 April 2020)."Unfortunately, due to the lockdown" Half Drunk Under A Full Moon "will now be released on 30th October 2020"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  34. ^@TheFratellis (18 May 2020)."Unfortunately, due to restrictions on travel & public gatherings The Fratellis have been forced to postpone our tour of North American in June 2020. However, we are pleased to announce we have rescheduled all dates for Jan & Feb 2021"(Tweet) – viaTwitter.
  35. ^"The Fratellis - Six Days In June (Official Lyric Video)".Archivedfrom the original on 14 December 2021 – viaYouTube.
  36. ^"the flame still burns? – Post by BarryFratelli on The Fratellis forum".thefratellis.com.Archived fromthe originalon 29 September 2011.Retrieved25 March2018.
  37. ^Un."Throne o' Diablo | Gratis muziek, tourneedata, foto's, video's".Myspace.com. Archived fromthe originalon 3 July 2013.Retrieved3 April2012.
  38. ^"Throne o' Diablo".Facebook.Retrieved3 April2012.
  39. ^A rotating cast of The Wild Tonics have appeared on stage with the band, with 2 or 3 members taking to the stage at a time.
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