The 1975 Are Back, and 'At Their Very Best'

Words and Images by Ella Sofuoglu

Foreword by Emma Bowen

The 1975.

Probably the biggest band in the world right now, as well as one of my all time favourite artists.

After releasing their somewhat controversial fourth album 'Notes on a Conditional Form' during lockdown back in 2020, they pretty much disappeared for two years leaving fans without any new content.

But now they're back. bigger and better than ever. It's safe to say that they've made one of the most highly anticipated comebacks in history. 'The 1975 - At their very best' stands true, and is now on tour in North America, before heading to the UK early next year to reunite with their hometown fans, and finally finishing off with a trip through Australia, New Zealand and Japan next April.

Their new album 'Being Funny in a Foreign Language' is out now.

Matty Healy is unarguably still one of the most controversial characters on the music scene, but love him or hate him, there's no denying the man has one hell of a stage presence. Causing havoc on the internet is what he does best, and eating raw meat, touching himself and bringing fans onstage for a cheeky snog is certainly living up to those expectations, and has created quite the buzz online over the past few weeks.

Earlier this year, fans started noticing new posters around areas of London, with black and white images of Matty captioned 'Part of the Band, July 7th' - a message which would soon be known as the title to their new albums debut single and a pretty impressive marketing campaign.

They then went on to release other singles such as 'Happiness' and 'I'm In Love With You' - tracks laced with nostalgia back to their first few albums.

They came back to the stage in August 2022 at Summer Sonic in Japan, before gracing the stage of Reading and Leeds festival once again, much like their iconic set in 2019.

Sadly we've had to say our goodbyes to the neon box era, but their new live shows radiate a unique essence of maturity with their theatrically influenced performance. With a house-like set to present their new music in, this feels like more of an artistic show than just a concert; Their new era gives us a stripped back set of black and white imagery, with a bold blue title and lots of suits and ties.

They debuted their new songs to the UK at two intimate shows at Pryzm in Kingston back in October, and a signing session at Rough Trade East. all of which pulled a huge demand with fans camping outside overnight just to get the tickets.

Among the lucky few was our friend and guest writer - Ella Sofuoglu - who has written about her experience at the show..

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The 1975 like to call themselves "The biggest band in the world (that no-one's ever heard of)." No danger of that at Pryzm, Kingston on 13th October – playing to 2,000 word-perfect fans, the Manchester band debuted their new album Being Funny in a Foreign Language and played a strong (and long) set of old favourites.

First up 'Looking for Somebody (To Love),' an 80s-inspired riot of synth and guitars is so catchy and sing-along that the crowd immediately erupts. The energy in the room is sky-high and stays up through big hits such as 'Chocolate,' 'It's Not Living (If It's Not With You)' and 'TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME.'

Like any live show though, the actual music is only part of the story. At a 1975 gig, the big draw is charismatic frontman Matty Healy (though to be fair, his bandmates each have their own devotees). As a performer, he is second to none. Classy, compelling and blessed with so much nervous energy that he occasionally explodes off the stage and into the audience – at one point, he's even seen climbing the backdrop. At his most seductive, Healy lures us into 'A Change of Heart,' 'Paris' and 'Somebody Else,' songs of heartbreak and pain wrapped up in sweet melodies and dreamy synths.

Ending the night with the euphoric riffs of 'Sex' and 'Give Yourself a Try,' the show descends into a glorious mess. The 1975 know that we know who they are – and on this night in Kingston, they couldn't look happier.

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Setlist

Looking for Somebody (to Love)

TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME

Oh Caroline (live debut)

Chocolate

If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know)

Part of the Band

It's Not Living (If It's Not With You)

Roadkill

Happiness

A Change of Heart

Robbers

Paris

I'm in Love With You

Somebody Else

Sex

Give Yourself a Try

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The 1975 is currently touring America and they will be touring UK, Ireland, Australia, Newzealand and Asia in 2023. Get your tickets here

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We are beyond happy to have our dear friend Ella as a guest writer of this article. Please feel free to chat to us on Instagram, email (notaluciddream@gmail.com) or the contact form on our website if you want to be featured on our page. We are looking forward to hearing your ideas.