Bastille began as a solo project by Dan Smith. Smith (lead vocals, keyboards, percussion) later formed a band, adding Kyle Simmons (keyboards, percussion, bass, backing vocals, synthesizer), William Farquarson (bass, keyboards, guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals) and Chris “Woody” Wood (drums, backing vocals) to the mix. The bands name, stylized as BΔSTILLE, was taken from the French holiday Bastille Day, which marks the beginning of the French Revolution and the Storming of the Bastille. It is celebrated on July 14th, which is also Smith’s birthday.
After signing with Virgin Records in 2010, the band debuted their single “Overjoyed” in spring of 2012 and released their debut album Bad Blood the following year. The band was originally signed to London-based label, Young & Lost Club, through which they released the songs “Flaws” and “Icarus” in 2010. They also released an EP, Laura Palmer, and a mixtape, Other People’s Heartache before signing to Virgin.
Their single “Pompeii” off of Bad Blood received the most commercial success. It reached the number five spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number two spot on the UK Singles chart. The song was certified platinum in the US, Canada, UK and several other countries. Since the band has gone on to win the BRIT Award for Best Breakthrough Act in early 2014 and begin work on a new album.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Bastille at Radio City Music Hall
1260 Sith Avenue New York, NY 10020
Time: 7:00 PM
All Ages
Tickets: $35
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