Hello everyone, 

 

So we are off and running with the Reworked tour. Brighton was a lot of fun and the gig went great I think. Was nervous on stage for longer than I have been since the first gigs we ever did. Suppose it’s appropriate as we are looking back over the last 15 years. Thank you to all that came to the Brighton Centre on Wednesday night. May have been a little strange for some of you but it was for us too so we were all in the same boat. There are a few things that didn’t work and we’re gonna spend today’s soundcheck correcting that. 

 

I don’t normally watch us on the telly nor do I enjoy listening back over live recordings as I tend to spend the duration squirming in my seat and cursing at myself for bad vocal tuning so it’s best just to avoid it altogether for the most part. I did though watch children in need last night and thought the whole show was great especially Dizzy with Dame Shirley. I also thought Cheryl did a marvellous job of Set The Fire. It’s a tough song to carry off as the original singer of the song was Martha Wainwright, possibly the greatest female singer of her generation. It’s a tricky hill to climb because of that and few singers will get close to the pain, passion and soul of Martha. Cheryl tackled it with honesty and tenderness and, although some of you on this site haven’t been very kind to her about it, you should, at the very least, give her credit for that and the bravery she showed for even agreeing to do it in the first place. She was well out of her comfort zone and not many singers in her position would be daring enough to attempt anything like it.

 

All that said this forum is a place where you should feel free to voice whatever you think whenever you think it. I’m only giving you an alternative view to think on. Personally I like looking at songs in as many ways as possible and this tour is giving us all free reign to do just that in ways we’ve only begun to touch on. Exciting times for a restless spirit such as myself. Set The Fire itself will go through many more interpretations as the tour goes on. Strange and wonderful I hope as ‘strange and wonderful’ is my deepest hope for every day of life for all those I love and myself who some days I kind of like. 

 

Bristol tonight. It’ll be a slightly different set to Brighton. We’ll try and change it each night if we can, certainly in places where we have more than one show. One thing will remain the same though, the first half will be softer, quieter and will feature older songs so please do get there early if you want to hear some older stuff. We start at eight each night. After about 40 minutes we take a short break to have a wild sex party backstage. About half way through the second set things will start to get louder and do feel free to stand up and shake your tail feathers. I hope you do. 

 

Whatever happens I hope you all have fun. Am already really enjoying this tour and looking at the songs in new ways has made me fall in love with some of them all over again. Even Starfighter Pilot. There, I said it! 

 

Hope we see you on the road. Lots of love to you all.g.x

The highly anticipated Reworked Tour finally hits the road this evening at the Brighton Centre.

The tour will see the band play complete reworkings of songs the Patrol have been playing live for the last few years, as well dusting off some much loved old tracks and a few special delights. 

Each evening will consist of two halves and an interval. With the 11 extra musicians on stage for various numbers. There are no support bands on this tour, due to the nature of the performance(s). Please be seated and ready for the 8pm prompt start each evening.

A limited number of seats have just been released (non-restricted views) for the show tonight in Brighton, but these are very limited so best be fast. You can buy them from ticketmaster.co.uk NOW!

For details of how to win tickets for the Patrol’s show at the Royal Albert Hall head to SnowPatrol.com.

Snow Patrol performed a one-off duet last week with a very special guest as part of BBC Children in Need's Rocks the Royal Albert Hall. You can catch the whole concert this Thursday 19th November by tuning into BBC One at 8pm. 

Please give generously to help change children's lives by texting DONATE to 70077. Text messages will cost 5 plus your standard network message charge and 5 will go to BBC Children in Need. Please check with the bill payer before texting. For full terms and conditions of text to donate go to bbc.co.uk/Pudsey/donate. 

You can also donate by calling our donation line on 0345 7 33 22 33 (calls charged at geographic rates, calls from mobiles may be higher) or donate online at bbc.co.uk/pudsey/donate.

Gary will be talking about his influences and inspiration behind the writing of some of Snow Patrol's best loved songs. 

In the new series of Sky Arts 'The Great British Songbook' the SP front man will perform tracks including 'Chasing Cars' and 'Run' unplugged during an hour long episode set to premier on Sky Arts on Thursday 19th November at 8pm. 

For more information log onto skyarts.co.uk.

The Eskimos

Up To Now - the best of Snow Patrol - is now available in the shops and to download in the UK & Ireland.

The thirty track, double album of singles, cover versions, rarities & tracks by The Reindeer Section, is out on CD & DVD, double CD, download and Limited Edition Boxset (which is available exclusively from SP.com and not available in the shops).

You can download the album from iTunes, or buy the album from Amazon (UK) (US), hmv.com and Play.com.

The beautiful heavyweight boxsets are numbered and contain the double disc album on CD, three heavyweight vinyl's, two DVDs, a lithograph print by Bradley Quinn and an LP-sized booklet. 

The two DVD’s feature the Up To Now and Take Back the Cities documentaries, over a dozen live performances and the animated film for ‘The Lightning Strike’ and all the bands videos. With the extra CD featuring the bands semi-acoustic performance at 2007’s MENCAP Little Voices at the Union Chapel, London.

To order the box set simply click here.

MySpace US is currently featuring 3 new songs from 'Up To Now' (available in the US tomorrow!). Click HERE to listen to Snow Patrol’s new single “Just Say Yes” and previously unreleased tracks “Crazy In Love” and “Dark Roman Wine”.

On the day that sees the release of ‘Up To Now’ we are delighted to launch a free new Snow Patrol app for the iPhone.

The Snowflake app allows you to keep update with all things Patrol related, with the latest news stories, forum, photo galleries and even the chance to create your own snowflake.

You can even upload your own photos to the app and show them off to the world. The band will be doing the very same over the next few months, adding photos taken everywhere from the rehearsal studio to the stage during the forthcoming Reworked Tour.

To celebrate the release of ‘Up To Now’ the best of Snow Patrol on November 9th, the band will be playing an exclusive invite-only gig in a pub in London!

The only way you can win tickets for this show is via two competitions currently found on Play.com and in the Snow Patrol members area MySP.

Several pairs of tickets are available via each competition, with lucky winners getting a rare chance to see one of the biggest bands in the world at an intimate pub on November 4th 2009.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets all you need to do is head over to Play.com, click the competition banner and answer a simple question. You can also log into MySP and sign up to the SP competition at snowpatrol.com/mySP/.

To pre-order ‘Up To Now’ head to Play.com, Amazon.co.uk, as well as a limited edition box set of the album from the Snow Patrol store by clicking here.

The new Snow Patrol single ‘Just Say Yes’ has finally been released in Ireland today and will be available to download on Sunday in the UK, with the CD in the shops on Monday.

‘Just Say Yes’ is the lead single to be taken from ‘Up To Now’ and is one of three new tracks that feature on the double album.

Backed by the ‘Thin White Duke Mix’ (Les Rythmes Digitale) of ‘Just Say Yes’, the CD single is available to pre-order from amazon.co.uk and hmv.com NOW.

A Snow Patrol ‘special’ featuring performances of new single ‘Just Say Yes’, ‘Chasing Cars’ and ‘Chocolate’ as well as interview with the band can be seen this Saturday night at 10:25 on Channel 4. 

The band will also be appearing on T4 on Sunday to perform ‘Just Say Yes’. For more information log onto channel4.com/entertainment/t4/.

To whet your appetite for the special, the Patrol performed live from Maida Vale for the Fearne Cotton show on Radio 1 this Morning. 

While there, they also recorded 3 other tracks which were broadcasted during Greg James’s Radio 1 show. If you missed it live, you can hear and see the performances again by clicking here. 

For more details log onto bbc.co.uk/radio1/.

Enjoy your weekend

The Eskimos 

The new video for ‘Just Say Yes’ can be seen right now exclusively on MSN. 

The single, which is one of three new songs to be released on Snow Patrol’s new album ‘Up To Now’, will be released on November 2nd.

To view the new video simply log onto MSN by clicking here.

You can pre-order the new album now via amazon.co.uk or you can order the limited edition box version of the album via the SP Store.

The Eskimos

Zane Lowe has the exclusive first play of Snow Patrol’s new single ‘Just Say Yes’ on his BBC Radio 1 show this evening.

Tune in between 7pm and 7:30pm to hear Gary have a quick chat with Zane from Toronto, Canada, where the band are currently supporting U2 on their North American tour.

‘Just Say Yes’ is one of three new tracks to feature on the Patrol’s forthcoming album ‘Up To Now’, set for release on the 9th November. The new single will be released a week before the album on November 2nd. For more details on the album click here.

 

You can listen to BBC Radio 1 via your wireless at 79.75FM, Digital Radio/TV or online at www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/

Snow Patrol have just announced details of ‘Up To Now’, a collection of the band’s best loved songs, as well as 3 new tracks including forthcoming single ‘Just Say Yes.’

Over fifteen years and five studio albums, the part Scottish, part Irish five piece have sketched heart-bruised ballads (Set Down Your Glass) and arm-around-your-best-mate festival anthems (Run); radio hits (Chasing Cars) and moments of painful introspection (You Could Be Happy). All of these have been gathered together for ‘Up To Now’ - a thirty track, double album of singles, cover versions, rarities, album tracks and a handful of new songs as well as compositions by the Reindeer Section – an indie supergroup featuring members of Scotland’s guitar elite - Belle and Sebastian, Idlewild and Teenage Fanclub among many others – and co-ordinated by Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody.

Released on the 9th November ‘Up To Now’ will be available on a two disc CD featuring thirty tracks, and a three disc digipack with an additional DVD which offers two exclusive documentaries, ‘The Lightning Strike’ animated film and previously unseen live footage. A limited edition heavyweight box will also be made available on a strictly limited run. Each box will be numbered and wrapped in cloth and the first 100 boxes sold will be signed by all band members. The box is a veritable treasure trove for fans, containing the two disc CD, three heavyweight LPs, two DVDs, a lithograph print by Bradley Quinn and an LP-sized booklet.

You can pre-order the Box Set now via the new look SnowPatrol.com by clicking here.

To find out the full track listings for the album log onto www.snowpatrol.com now!

Fresh off of a sold-out tour with pop mega-stars Coldplay, platinum-selling artists Snow Patrol start their own headlining North American tour this evening at the State Theatre in St. Paul, MN.

The 30 date tour will also see the band play a string of shows with U2 on their 360° tour, starting this Saturday at Chicago's Soldier Field, running through Canada, and ending with two-nights in Boston, MA on Sept. 20th and 21st. For the full list of tour dates head over to SnowPatrol.com.

The members of Snow Patrol are also taking time at stops across North America to meet fans before and after their concerts. The band will invite groups of 20 lucky contest winners to watch them play a few songs at sound check and chat before shows in Detroit (Sept. 14), New York (Sept. 20), Kansas City, MO (Sept. 29), Atlanta (Oct. 3), Denver (Oct. 9), Boise, ID (Oct. 11), San Diego (Oct. 17), and others. Check local radio stations for your opportunity to be one of those lucky few.

SP also plan to play a handful of intimate, acoustic, in-store and in-studio performances, we will be announcing full details in the coming days so keep an eye on SnowPatrol.com for the latest information.

If that wasn’t enough Gary, Tom and Richard are playing DJ sets at several clubs along the tour, they kick off at The Underground in Chicago on Friday, Wrongbar in Toronto, Ontario on Sept. 16, and others.

The Eskimos

Tickets are now on sale for Snow Patrol's Reworked 2009 Winter Tour. You can buy tickets  all English shows from gigsandtours.com, Irish dates from Ticketmaster.ie and tickets for Scotland via Ticketmaster.co.uk.

Due to huge demand a second show in Dublin and a third in Belfast have been added to the tour and are also onsale NOW by clicking HERE.

As previously announced ‘Snow Patrol Reworked’ is a live celebration featuring highlights from the bands 15 year career to date and will feature a selection of Snow Patrol and Reindeer Section songs reinvented by the Patrol, additional musicians and many special guests.

The Reworked tour offers a chance to look back on the early days of their career as well as giving fans the opportunity to hear their work interpreted in a brand new way. The unique shows will also encompass the songs of the Reindeer Section - a collection fronted by Gary Lightbody and featuring members of Belle & Sebastian, Idlewild and Teenage Fanclub among many others.

Each ticket to the Reworked tour comes with a free Live download of the incredible ‘Lightning Strike’, the epic trilogy that mesmerised fans nationwide. This download will be available to access from Wednesday 9th September.

Tour dates are:

18th November – Brighton Centre

20th November – Bristol Colston Hall

21st November – Newcastle City Hall

23rd, 24th & 25th November – London Royal Albert Hall

27th & 29th November – Manchester Palace Theatre

30th November – Glasgow Clyde Auditorium

2nd & 3rd December  - Dublin Olympia

4th December – Killarney INEC

6th December – Castlebar Theatre Royal

7th & 8th & 9th December – Belfast Waterfront

Due to the recent closing of the Myth in Maplewood and the uncertainty of its future at this time, Snow Patrol’s scheduled show on September 10th has been moved to the State Theater. 

Myth ticket holders will have to exchange their general admission tickets at the State Theatre box office for reserved seats. Tickets will be exchanged on a first come, first serve basis at the State Theatre Box office starting at 10am on Thursday, 8/27.

Tickets must be exchanged at State Theatre Box Office or they will become invalid for the show.

The Eskimos

Snow Patrol are delighted to announce a very special UK and Ireland tour that will take place in November and December 2009.

‘Snow Patrol Reworked’ is a live celebration featuring highlights from the bands 15 year career to date and will feature a selection of Snow Patrol and Reindeer Section songs reinvented by the Patrol, additional musicians and many special guests.

The Reworked tour offers a chance to look back on the early days of their career as well as giving fans the opportunity to hear their work interpreted in a brand new way. The unique shows will also encompass the songs of the Reindeer Section - a collection fronted by Gary Lightbody and featuring members of Belle & Sebastian, Idlewild and Teenage Fanclub among many others.

Each ticket to the Reworked tour comes with a free Live download of the incredible ‘Lightning Strike’, the epic trilogy that mesmerised fans nationwide.

Tour dates are:

18th November – Brighton Centre

20th November – Bristol Colston Hall

21st November – Newcastle City Hall

23rd & 24th November – London Royal Albert Hall

27th & 28th November – Manchester Palace Theatre

30th November – Glasgow Clyde Auditorium

2nd December  - Dublin Olympia

4th December – Killarney INEC

6th December – Castlebar Theatre Royal

7th & 8th December – Belfast Waterfront

Tickets for these shows will go on sale to the general public on Thursday 27th August at 9am. For full ticket details and information on how to access advance tickets log onto SnowPatrol.com NOW!

Excited...So are we!

Snow Patrol return to the UK this weekend to play the V Festival, following a month of touring in Europe. 

The band have been continuing their support of U2 in Europe, as well as playing several festivals in Hungary, Germany, Switzerland, and this evening at the Pukkelpop Festival in Belgium.

Saturday and Sunday will see the Patrol take to the main stages at V Festival in Staffordshire and Chelmsford respectively, ahead of headliners Oasis. Coverage of the Patrol’s live set can be seen on Sunday from 6:35pm via 4music; to catch further highlights tune into Channel 4 from 11:35pm.

Enjoy the weekend!

The Eskimos

So I had my very best idiot trousers on in Germany at the Street Gig we did at a Go Kart track in Dettenheim. I did say beforehand that I shouldn’t go on them as firstly I shouldn’t be in charge of anything that can go over 20 miles an hour and secondly I am the most accident prone idiot in the western world. Did I heed my own advice? Did I fuck! So on I went and crash after crash later; finishing on a particularly nasty one that put took me to hospital where I discovered I have a broken rib. Sweet. Of course there’s piss all that can be done to fix it and you just have to ride it out but let’s just say I’ve had to drink myself to sleep every night as sober sleep is way too sore. Don’t try that at home people! To the people (and there have been a few lovely souls) that have given me care packages at the gigs thank you very much. You’re very sweet. It’s helped. But not as much as the drink.x 

So we’re back on the road with U2 once more and it is a thing of wonder alright. Sweden last few days and now in Germany once more. Then, very excitedly, on to Poland and Croatia two places we have never been. Love getting to knew places. 

Other things that are getting me excited this week are J Tillman’s soon to be released eighth album Year in the Kingdom. The drummer of the incredible Fleet Foxes by day Tillman has somehow found the time to make eight beautiful and tender albums since 2005. That’s two a year in amongst all the touring and recording Fleet Foxes have been in engaged in. Now that is a work ethic. I long to be able to multitask as efficiently as he appears to. I’ve been kicking about two side projects (Listen…Tanks! and Tired Pony) for the bones of two years with limited end product. As far as those go by the way I’m fed up giving you estimated release dates for these and then the goal posts being moved time and again. They both will be out when they’re out and they will be out sometime. 

More good stuff by the very fabfuckingtabulous Kissaway Trail. Heard some of their record, which will be out soonish and is stunning. Am sure there’s a place you can check it out but don’t forget to buy it when it comes out. Be kind. I’ve got a few previews but I buy it when it comes out in case y’all think I just get shit for free all the time. I do not. 

Also the song Jim Cain from Bill Callahan’s (he of the glorious Smog) new one Sometimes I Wish I Were An Eagle is a song you need in your life. Oh the guitars, the drums, his voice, the strings. Fuck me it’s very special indeed. 

Anyway, peace, love and penguins to the lot of ye. Be well and for the love of god don’t spend your whole time on these fucking machines! Get outside, that’s where it all is. g.x