The Fratellis
About
The Fratellis
How do you cope with sky-scraping success? Specifically, how do you live with a song that was a giant, culture-puncturing hit, that won’t go away, that is still all over the radio and the terraces and stadiums, that remains as catchy and infectious and invigorating as it was when it was released seven years ago. You come up with an album such as ‘We Need Medicine’ – the third studio album by The Fratellis.Jon Fratelli knows ‘that’ song you’re talking about is ‘Chelsea Dagger’. The Fratellis’ deathless breakthrough single is the song that set the band on the road to selling over a million copies of debut album ‘Costello Music’, , and to winning a Brit Award (Best British Breakthrough Act, as voted for by the listeners of Radio 1). But at the same time, he doesn’t know what you’re talking about.
“I’ve long since stopped caring about all that,” says the Glasgow trio’s frontman and songwriter, his speaking style as relaxed as his performing style is urgent. “For a start you have no control over it– to see it still continually growing. It’s an odd thing because it’s just another song. I really never have, and never will, think about it in any special way. It’s just a song in the middle of a bunch of others songs. I hadn’t even written ‘Chelsea Dagger’ when we got our first record deal. So I know that there was other stuff that people were interested in.”
Equally though, Jon knows what side his bread’s buttered on. “Of course the song has made life easier for our band. It really has – and not just financially. Not everybody has that kind ace to call on. And I only now realise that. So I’m quite easy with it now. I’ll quite happily take the royalties,” he grins. “I couldn’t possibly dislike it.”
In any case, there’s no point in looking back. The rebooted Fratellis – Jon (vocals/guitar/piano), Barry (bass) and Mince (drums) – are all about the future. ‘We Need Medicine’ is the rallying cry of a band looking forward. Bend an ear to the brilliantly energetic and robustly tuneful songs propelling the band’s tonic of a comeback and you’ll feel better in a flash. That’s the smile-inducing Fratellis factor for you.
Uncertain
Past Events
30
Sep
2015
20:30
The Commodore Ballroom
26
Feb
2014
21:30