Catfish and the Bottlemen

Catfish and the Bottlemen, originally known as "The Prestige",{{cite web |title=The Prestige uk on PureVolume |url=http://www.purevolume.com/theprestigeuk |access-date=16 November 2016}}{{dead link|date=December 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite web |title=Russell Wood - In August 2008 I was introduced to a band... - Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/russell.wood.395/posts/10152606947372998 |access-date=2020-06-06 |website=Facebook.com}} were formed in May 2007,{{cite tweet |number=868754206227808256 |user=benjiiblakeway |title=The band turned 10 years old at some point this month so here's a picture of me age 16 in 2007 trying to teach myself some bass-lines... https://t.co/tTpdaX0UjS |first=Benji |last=Blakeway |date=28 May 2017 |access-date=28 September 2022 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422122329/https://twitter.com/benjiiblakeway/status/868754206227808256 |archive-date=22 April 2022 |url-status=live}} when Ryan Evan "Van" McCann and Billy Bibby began playing guitar together at Bibby's parents' bed and breakfast in Llandudno, Wales.{{cite web |last1=Gilroy |first1=Nicola |title=Billy Bibby Interview |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02vzlqs |access-date=29 July 2015 |website=BBC UK |publisher=BBC Radio Lincolnshire}} McCann's parents also ran a bed and breakfast in Llandudno,{{cite web |last=Homewood |first=Ben |date=23 September 2014 |title=Catfish & The Bottlemen{{Snd}} 'The Balcony' |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/various-artists/15657 |access-date=20 January 2015 |work=NME}} and he first met Bibby through Bibby's younger brother, Stephen.{{cite web |date=6 October 2013 |title=Gimme Your Answers: An Interview w/ Catfish And The Bottlemen |url=http://amusicblogyea.com/2013/10/06/gimme-your-answers-an-interview-w-catfish-and-the-bottlemen/ |work=A Music Blog, Yea?}} The duo were soon joined by Benji Blakeway on bass, making him the third founding member of the band. Shortly afterwards, their schoolmate Jon Barr completed the line-up on drums.{{cite web |last1=Laban |first1=Linda |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen Luckily Sound Better Than That Band Name |url=http://observer.com/2015/06/from-wales-to-sold-out-shows-catfish-and-the-bottlemen-break-out/#ixzz3fiZqgeGl/biography |access-date=6 June 2015 |publisher=Observer}} Bibby, who had been playing guitar since the age of 10, taught both McCann and Blakeway how to play.{{cite web |title=The UMAs{{Snd}} The Unsigned Music Awards |url=http://theunsignedmusicawards.com/blog/billy-bibby/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415102505/http://theunsignedmusicawards.com/blog/billy-bibby/ |archive-date=15 April 2016 |access-date=2016-06-01 |website=Theunsignedmusicawards.com}}

In an interview with Sound of Boston, McCann noted his dislike for playing covers because of the way his music career began: "When I was a 15 year old and we first started a band, our job Monday to Friday was to play at clubs, playing Beatles covers and Oasis covers. We spent seven years writing our own songs, making our own albums, and people are like 'play Kanye West!' We're like 'no man, are you crazy?{{'"}}{{cite web |last=Bedian |first=Knar |date=5 March 2015 |title=Interview: Catfish and the Bottlemen |url=https://soundofboston.com/interview-catfish-and-the-bottlemen/ |website=Sound of Boston}}

The band initially promoted themselves by performing as support acts for friends' bands, including Northwich-based group The Shallow Call,{{cite web |date=18 August 2009 |title=Northwich band The Shallow Call to launch new single at DeBees Music Bar in Winsford |url=https://www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/local-news/northwich-band-shallow-call-launch-5218548 |website=Cheshire Live}} and by playing impromptu gigs in car parks following shows by bigger bands, such as Kasabian. Steve Lamacq first played one of their early demos on BBC Radio 6 Music in March 2009.{{cite web |date=2009-03-06 |title=BBC Radio 6 Music - Steve Lamacq, 06/03/2009 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00hz20y/segments |access-date=2020-06-06 |website=Bbc.co.uk}}{{cite web |title=BBC Introducing presents Catfish and the Bottlemen at the inaugural BBC music awards{{Snd}} Media Centre |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/latestnews/2014/catfish-bbc-music-awards |access-date=2016-06-01 |website=Bbc.co.uk}} Later that year, Catfish and the Bottlemen competed in the 'North Wales Battle of the Bands', organised by Gareth Thomas, where they finished as runners-up to local band The Fides, who went on to perform at the Conwy River Festival.

In 2010, original drummer Jon Barr was replaced by Bob Hall, who was introduced to the band by Russ Hayes, a North Wales-based producer working with the band at the time.{{Cite web |last=Edgoose |first=Simon |date=2016-09-07 |title=Bob Hall - Catfish and the Bottlemen |url=http://mikedolbear.com/interviews/bob-hall-catfish-bottlemen/ |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=Mike Dolbear}}

McCann first met future band member Johnny Bond at the Ravenstonedale Festival in 2011, where both bands were performing. At the time, Bond was a member of Symphonic Pictures, but he would later join Catfish and the Bottlemen in 2014.

The band's name originates from McCann's earliest musical memory: an Australian street busker he encountered in Sydney, known as Catfish the Bottleman. The busker earned the nickname "Catfish" due to his distinctive, spiky beard when he began performing in 2000,{{cite web |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen named after the legendary CATFISH THE BOTTLEMAN |url=http://catfishthebottleman.com/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629230823/http://www.catfishthebottleman.com/ |archive-date=29 June 2015 |access-date=7 August 2016}} and he played beer bottles strung to a wire.{{cite web |last=Barker |first=Emily |date=22 May 2015 |title=10 Things You Never Knew About Catfish and the Bottlemen |url=https://www.nme.com/photos/10-things-you-never-knew-about-catfish-and-the-bottlemen-1409372 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103111539/http://www.nme.com/photos/10-things-you-never-knew-about-catfish-and-the-bottlemen-1409372 |archive-date=3 January 2017 |access-date=27 June 2015 |website=NME}} In January 2015, McCann was reunited with Catfish the Bottleman at the Triple J studios in Sydney.

In 2013, the band signed with Communion Music and released their first three singles, "Homesick", "Rango", and "Pacifier" the same year.{{Cite web |title=Communion (United Kingdom) |url=http://www.communionmusic.co.uk/ |access-date=2020-06-06 |website=Communionmusic.co.uk}}

In 2014, the band signed with Island Records and released the single "Kathleen" on 17 March,{{cite web |date=3 April 2014 |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen Kathleen |url=http://partisanpr.com/2014/04/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-debut-kathleen-as-radio-1-single-of-the-week/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031112159/https://partisanpr.com/2014/04/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-debut-kathleen-as-radio-1-single-of-the-week/ |archive-date=31 October 2020 |access-date=31 March 2015 |website=Partisanpr.com}} produced by Jim Abbiss (known for his work with Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian and Adele). All of their singles received premieres from Zane Lowe and were added to the BBC Radio 1 playlist. In April, "Kathleen" was ranked number one on MTV's hottest tracks.

During the summer of 2014, Catfish and the Bottlemen performed at numerous festivals across the UK and Europe, including Reading and Leeds,{{cite web| url=http://www.readingfestival.com/line-up| title=Leeds Reading 2014|website=Readingfestival.com| date=April 2014| access-date=7 May 2014| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414140222/http://www.readingfestival.com/line-up| archive-date=14 April 2014| url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-interview-all-the-bands-out-there-are-made-up-of-rich-kids-9861224.html|title=Catfish and the Bottlemen interview: 'All the bands out there are made up of rich kids'|first=Ben|last=Walsh|date=14 November 2014|website=Independent|archive-date=25 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161125090729/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-interview-all-the-bands-out-there-are-made-up-of-rich-kids-9861224.html}} Latitude, Kendal Calling, Y Not Festival, Strawberry Fields Festival, T in the Park, Pinkpop, Bingley Music Live and Ibiza Rocks. They also performed at New York's Governors Ball. On 19 June, the band announced their debut studio album, The Balcony, would be released in September.

Later that summer, founding lead guitarist Billy Bibby unexpectedly ceased performing with the band and was replaced by Johnny "Bondy" Bond.{{cite web |date=16 June 2016 |title=Billy Bibby On Life After Catfish{{Snd}} Best New Bands |url=http://www.bestnewbands.com/interviews/billy-bibby-life-catfish/ |website=Bestnewbands.com}}{{cite web |last1=Blore-Bizot |first1=Julie |date=6 July 2015 |title=Billy Bibby is Back |url=http://www.xsnoize.com/billy-bibby-is-back-former-catfish-and-the-bottlemen-lead-guitarist-embarks-upon-a-new-musical-journey/ |website=XSNoize.com}} On 25 July, the band cancelled three festival appearances, citing "unforeseen personal circumstances".{{cite web |author=Catfish and the Bottlemen |title=We are so sorry to announce that due to... |url=https://www.facebook.com/catfishandthebottlemen/posts/10152993825227506 |website=Facebook}}{{cite web |title=Catfish and The Bottlemen Reveal New Track |url=http://www.tenementtv.com/news/catfish-bottlemen-reveal-new-track/ |website=Tenementtv.com}} Then, on 13 August, they announced on Facebook: "Some of you will have noticed that we have been playing with a different guitarist over the past weekend. Unfortunately, due to some personal circumstances, Billy won't be touring with the band for the foreseeable future."{{cite web |author=Catfish and the Bottlemen |title=Some of you will have noticed that we... |url=https://www.facebook.com/catfishandthebottlemen/posts/10153045476057506 |access-date=2016-06-01 |website=Facebook}}

When asked about his departure, Bibby later reflected: "Well, to be honest, after Catfish I had no plans. I didn't know what I was going to do. I just started writing songs and it took off from there..."{{cite web |title=Spotlight: Billy Bibby |url=http://theunsignedmusicawards.com/blog/billy-bibby/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415102505/http://theunsignedmusicawards.com/blog/billy-bibby/ |archive-date=15 April 2016 |access-date=2016-06-01 |website=Theunsignedmusicawards.com}} He added, "I'm proud of what I did in Catfish and what I achieved and everything that came with it, but I'm just looking into the future now with my band and that's all I'm focused on."{{cite web |title=Gig preview: Billy Bibby at Milo, Leeds |url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/whats-on/music/gig-preview-billy-bibby-at-milo-leeds-1-7797572 |access-date=2016-03-25 |website=www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk|date=17 March 2016 }} In 2015, he went on to form his own band, Billy Bibby & The Wry Smiles.

The Balcony was released on 15 September 2014, followed by the announcement of a UK tour. The album debuted at number 10 on the UK Albums Chart for the week ending 27 September and was certified Silver on 9 January 2015, Gold on 20 March and ultimately Platinum on 30 December 2016.enter The Balcony in search window http://www.bpi.co.uk/certified-awards/search.aspx {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130501152215/http://www.bpi.co.uk/certified-awards/search.aspx|date=1 May 2013}}

In December 2014, the band won the BBC Introducing Award at the inaugural BBC Music Awards and performed "Kathleen".{{cite web |date=January 2014 |title=Catfish and the Battlement Win BBC Introducing Award |url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/catfish-bottlemen-llandudno-based-band-win-8279068 |website=Dailypost.co.uk}}

The Balcony was released in the United States on 6 January 2015, and the following day, Catfish and the Bottlemen made their American television debut, with a performance on the Late Show with David Letterman.

In an interview with WOW247, McCann said that the band already had "three albums written". He continued to say that "I'm more excited for the second album than the first, because the workload is done now".{{cite web |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen interview: 'I can't wait to sell out' |url=http://www.wow247.co.uk/2014/08/08/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-interview-i-cant-wait-to-sell-out/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007170556/http://www.wow247.co.uk/2014/08/08/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-interview-i-cant-wait-to-sell-out/ |archive-date=7 October 2017 |access-date=1 April 2016 |work=WOW247}}

At the 2016 Brit Awards, the band won the British Breakthrough Act category.{{Cite web |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen win British Breakthrough Act |url=https://www.brits.co.uk/news/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-win-british-breakthrough-act |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=BRIT Awards |language=en}} In May, they headlined Liverpool Sound City, marking their first headline slot at a festival.

File:Catfish and the bottlemen.jpg 2016]]

On 23 March 2016, the band announced via Twitter and Instagram that their second studio album would be titled The Ride, which was subsequently released on 27 May. By 3 June, The Ride had reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, selling 38,000 units in its first week.{{cite web |last=White |first=Jack |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen hit albums Number 1: "We're made up!" |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/catfish-and-the-bottlemens-the-ride-hits-number-1-were-made-up-with-that-__15233/ |access-date=2016-06-04 |website=Officialcharts.com}}

On 8 July, Catfish and the Bottlemen played their largest headline show to date at Castlefield Bowl in Manchester, supported by Vant, Broken Hands and Little Comets.{{Cite news |title=CATB Info on Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/catbinfo/status/751574146782494720 |access-date=2017-01-06 |newspaper=Twitter}}

On 1 July 2017, they headlined the inaugural Community Festival at Finsbury Park, London.{{cite web |title=Community Festival 2017 unveils massive first wave line up |url=https://www.skiddle.com/news/all/Community-Festival-2017-unveils-massive-first-wave-line-up/30866/ |access-date=2017-06-12}}

On 8 January 2019, the band released "Longshot", the lead single from their third studio album, The Balance.{{cite web |author=Moore, Sam |date=8 January 2019 |title=Watch Catfish and the Bottlemen's dramatic video for their new single 'Longshot' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-longshot-new-song-video-2428413 |access-date=15 April 2020 |work=NME}} The album, along with its artwork and tracklist, was officially announced on 25 January. The second single, "Fluctuate", followed on 13 February, with "2all" and "Conversation" being released on 19 March and 18 April, respectively. The Balance was ultimately released on 26 April.{{cite web |date=25 January 2019 |title=Catfish & The Bottlemen reveal details of new album 'The Balance' and confirm huge European tour |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/catfish-bottlemen-reveal-details-new-album-balance-confirm-huge-uk-tour-2438376 |access-date=29 December 2019 |work=NME}}

In August 2021, Catfish and the Bottlemen headlined the Reading and Leeds Festivals for the first time.{{Cite web |date=31 August 2020 |title=Reading and Leeds festival announces 2021 lineup {{!}} Reading and Leeds festival {{!}} The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/aug/31/reading-and-leeds-festival-announces-2021-lineup |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=The Guardian}}{{Cite web |last=Trendell |first=Andrew |date=2021-08-28 |title=Catfish & The Bottlemen at Reading Festival 2021: a slick machine potentially powering down |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/catfish-the-bottlemen-reading-festival-2021-3031483 |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} The following month, in September, they performed at Singleton Park in Swansea and headlined the Neighbourhood Weekender festival in Warrington.{{Cite web |last1=Arlow |first1=Caitlin |last2=Updated |date=2021-08-13 |title=Catfish And The Bottlemen at Singleton Park in Swansea |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/swansea-catfish-and-the-bottlemen-21302015 |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=Wales Online |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Skinner |first=Tom |date=2020-05-27 |title=Neighbourhood Weekender festival now rescheduled for 2021 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/neighbourhood-weekender-rescheduled-2021-festival-2676869 |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}

Also in September, it was announced that the band would be supporting Stereophonics at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, alongside Tom Jones, on 18 December. Due to 'phenomenal' demand, an additional date was added for 17 December. However, just over a week before the first date, the gigs were postponed to 17–18 June 2022 due to COVID-19 restrictions in Wales.{{cite tweet |number=1468523771606835201 |user=stereophonics |title=Following the announcement today made by the Principality Stadium & Kilimanjaro Live, unfortunately the shows in Cardiff on the 17th and 18th December have had to be been postponed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and they will now take place on the 17th & 18th June 2022… https://t.co/UoWxkvva1Z |author=stereophonics |author-link=stereophonics |date=8 December 2021 |access-date=28 September 2022 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710084613/https://twitter.com/stereophonics/status/1468523771606835201 |archive-date=10 July 2022 |url-status=live}} Then, on 3 June 2022, only weeks before the rescheduled shows, it was announced that Catfish and the Bottlemen had withdrawn from the gigs due to "unforeseen practical issues".{{cite tweet |number=1532422614731304960 |user=stereophonics |title=Due to unforeseen practical issues, Catfish & The Bottlemen will no longer be performing at the Principality Stadium shows. @FeederHQ will perform on Fri 17 June and @gruffingtonpost will perform Sat 18 Jun, joining very special guest @RealSirTomJones and @buzzardbuzzard https://t.co/M82qeGkui9 |author=stereophonics |author-link=stereophonics |date=2 June 2022 |access-date=28 September 2022 |language=en |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606055408/https://twitter.com/stereophonics/status/1532422614731304960 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |url-status=live}}

On 29 September 2021, drummer Bob Hall announced via Instagram that he would be leaving the band.[https://www.instagram.com/p/CUX-dzoNruz/ Bob Hall on Instagram: "A belated message... Thank you to everyone who came out to Reading, Leeds, Swansea and Warrington. With some of the biggest shows I've been..."]

On 5 June 2022, Johnny Bond announced via Instagram that he had left the band in March 2021. He cited "recurring behaviour" within the group that he found "intolerable," leading to his departure.{{Cite news |date=2022-06-09 |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen guitarist quits 'dysfunctional' band |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-61748400 |access-date=2024-11-08 |language=en-GB}} Despite leaving, Bond agreed to perform as a session musician for the band's scheduled shows later that year.{{cite web |date=6 June 2022 |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen's Bondy says he left the band last year |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-bondy-says-he-left-the-band-last-year-3240536 |website=NME}}

On 23 November 2023, Catfish and the Bottlemen signalled that the band's hiatus had ended, announcing they would be headlining the Reading and Leeds Festivals in August 2024.{{Cite news |date=2023-11-24 |title=Reading and Leeds festival: Catfish and the Bottlemen to headline |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-67519235 |access-date=2024-11-08 |language=en-GB}}

On 16 February 2024, the band teased new music for the first time in five years, sharing a brief six-second clip on their Instagram account.{{Cite web |last=Pilley |first=Max |date=2024-02-17 |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen post clip of first new music in five years |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-post-clip-of-first-new-music-in-five-years-3589012 |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} This came just days after fans on the band's mailing list received an email on 12 February with the subject line "Thursday 22nd February".{{Cite web |last=Wilkes |first=Emma |date=2024-02-12 |title=It looks like Catfish & The Bottlemen are teasing a tour announcement |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/it-looks-like-catfish-the-bottlemen-are-teasing-a-tour-announcement-3586157 |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=NME}} The email featured an image of a piece of paper displaying the text "Doors: 5pm" and "Showtime: 6pm". Posters with the same message also appeared around Manchester on the same day.{{Cite web |title=Catfish and The Bottlemen tease announcement as posters are spotted by fans |url=https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/catfish-and-bottlemen/tease-gig-posters-spotted-in-manchester/ |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=Radio X |language=en}}

The lead single from the band's forthcoming fourth album, titled "Showtime", was released on 22 February.{{Cite web |last=Duran |first=Anagricel |date=2024-02-22 |title=Catfish & The Bottlemen share comeback single 'Showtime' and announce more UK headline shows |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/catfish-the-bottlemen-share-comeback-single-showtime-and-announce-more-uk-headline-shows-3591486 |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |date=22 February 2024 |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen Return with New Single and Video |url=https://www.capitolrecords.com/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-return-with-new-single-video/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=Capitol Records}} Written by McCann and produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Sardy, the single's release coincided with the announcement of two summer shows: Cardiff Castle on 19 July and Edinburgh Summer Sessions on 24 August.{{Cite web |date=22 February 2024 |title=Catfish & The Bottlemen return with new single Showtime |url=https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/catfish-and-bottlemen/new-single-showtime-listen-2024-shows/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=Radio X |language=en}} On 11 July, the band made their live return at In The Park Festival in Sefton Park, Liverpool, marking their return from hiatus,{{Cite web |last=Rigotti |first=Alex |date=2024-07-12 |title=Here's what went down at Catfish & The Bottlemen's first show in three years |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/catfish-the-bottlemens-first-show-in-three-years-setlist-watch-footage-3774311 |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=NME |language=en-GB}} with Kai Smith took Bond's place as a touring guitarist and James Compton took Hall's place as a drummer.{{Cite web|last=Rigotti|first=Alex|date=2024-09-27|title=Catfish And The Bottlemen To Play Huge Manchester Show At Heaton Park Next Summer|url=https://secretmanchester.com/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-manchester/|access-date=2025-03-31|website=SECRET MANCHESTER|language=en-GB}}

On 16 September 2024, EA Sports unveiled the official EA Sports FC 25 Soundtrack, which includes Catfish and the Bottlemen's song "Suntitled".{{Cite web |last=Arts |first=Electronic |date=2024-09-16 |title=EA SPORTS FC™ 25 - Official Soundtrack |url=https://www.ea.com/en/games/ea-sports-fc/fc-25/news/fc-25-soundtrack |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=www.ea.com |language=en}} The announcement mentioned that the soundtrack features several unreleased songs from major artists like Coldplay, Delfina Dib, FKA Twigs, and Catfish and the Bottlemen, set to drop later this year. Within hours of the game's release, the track was uploaded to platforms such as YouTube by EA FC 25 players, despite not having been officially released by the band.

On 1 September, just 15 minutes before doors were due to open, the band cancelled their Dublin show at RDS Simmonscourt, with promoters MCD Productions citing "artist illness". Fans expressed frustration, particularly as many had travelled long distances for the band's first Irish show in five years.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-31 |title=Fan fury as Welsh band Catfish and the Bottlemen cancel Dublin gig minutes before show |url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/music-news/fan-fury-as-welsh-band-catfish-and-the-bottlemen-cancel-dublin-gig-minutes-before-show/a95492238.html |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=Irish Independent |language=en}} Subsequently, on 4 September, the band cancelled their Australian tour dates, scheduled from 4 to 12 September 2024. Live Nation relayed a statement from the band apologising for the cancellations, attributing them to ongoing illness.{{Cite web |last=Varvaris |first=Mary |title=Catfish And The Bottlemen Cancel Australian Tour |url=https://themusic.com.au/news/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-cancel-australian-tour/yVx33dzf3sE/04-09-24 |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=The Music |language=en}} The band also cancelled its planned US tour.{{Cite web |last=Murray |first=Robin |date=2024-09-04 |title=Catfish & The Bottlemen Cancel North American Tour |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/live/catfish-the-bottlemen-cancel-north-american-tour/ |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=Clash Magazine |language=en-GB}} Despite the series of cancellations, the band made no official announcement addressing the situation directly, leaving fans seeking further clarification.

On 13 September 2024, Catfish and the Bottlemen released The Balcony (10 Year Anniversary), featuring the original tracks along with three acoustic renditions of "Kathleen", "Cocoon" and "Pacifier". The anniversary edition also includes "Rango (Single Version)", "Hourglass (Ewan McGregor Cover)" and EP track, "ASA".

On 23 August 2024, Catfish and the Bottlemen announced two stadium shows for summer 2025, set for 1 August at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, and 3 August at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. These will mark the band's first performances at stadium-sized venues.{{Cite web |date=23 August 2024 |title=Catfish & The Bottlemen announce stadium shows for Summer 2025 |url=https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/catfish-and-bottlemen/summer-2025-stadium-shows-tickets-line-up-info-stage-times/ |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=Radio X |language=en}}

On 27 September, just weeks after cancelling their remaining 2024 shows, the band announced a performance at Manchester's Heaton Park scheduled for 13 June 2025.{{Cite web |date=27 September 2024 |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen announce huge show at Manchester's Heaton Park for 2025 |url=https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/catfish-and-bottlemen/manchester-heaton-park-2025-buy-tickets/ |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=Radio X |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Jenna |date=2024-09-27 |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen announce massive Heaton Park gig for 2025 |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/catfish-bottlemen-announce-massive-heaton-30021465 |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=Manchester Evening News |language=en}} The announcement drew mixed reactions, with many fans—particularly those overseas—expressing disappointment that the band prioritised a new UK date over rescheduling their cancelled international shows.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Danny |date=2024-09-27 |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen stun fans with surprise Heaton Park gig |url=https://themanc.com/audio/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-manchester-heaton-park-tickets-2025/ |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=The Manc |language=en-GB}}

On 4 April 2025, the band announced a performance at Glasgow Green on 9 July, with special guests The Wombats and The Fratellis, held at the TRNSMT site. This was followed by the announcement of two Irish headline shows: Ormeau Park in Belfast on 15 June and Fairview Park, Dublin on 18 June. The Belfast concert was part of the 2025 Belsonic festival.

When reviewing The Balcony, Scott Kerr of AllMusic compared the band's sound to Johnny Marr, the Cribs, Feeder and Mystery Jets.{{cite web |last=Kerr |first=Scott |title=The Balcony{{Snd}} Catfish and the Bottlemen |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-balcony-mw0002697539 |access-date=13 January 2015 |website=AllMusic. Rovi Corporation}} Ben Homewood of NME noted that McCann's vocal style resembles that of Luke Pritchard from the Kooks. Discussing the musical direction of The Ride, McCann stated, "I feel like everybody started thinking too outside the box trying to be arty and different. We wanted to stay inside the box."{{cite web |date=30 May 2016 |title=Album Review: Catfish and the Bottlemen{{Snd}} The Ride |url=http://consequence.net/2016/05/album-review-catfish-and-the-bottlemen-the-ride/ |website=Consequence.net}}

After the release of The Balance, Catfish and the Bottlemen faced some criticism for their "formulaic" songwriting approach.{{cite web |last1=Allred |first1=Landry |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen's 'The Balance' sacrifices creativity for formula |url=https://thedailytexan.com/2019/04/29/catfish-and-the-bottlemens-the-balance-sacrifices-creativity-for-formula/ |access-date=19 December 2022 |website=thedailytexan.com}}

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Current members

• Van McCann – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (2007–present), lead guitar (2021–present)
• Benji Blakeway – bass, backing vocals (2007–present)

Current touring members

• James Compton – drums, percussion (2024–present)
• Kai Smith – lead guitar, backing vocals (2024–present)

Former members

• Jon Barr – drums, percussion (2007–2010)
• Billy Bibby – lead guitar, backing vocals (2007–2014)
• Bob Hall – drums, percussion (2010–2021)
• Johnny Bond – lead guitar, backing vocals (2014–2021; touring member 2021–2022)

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Timeline

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Ryan Evan "Van" McCann was born in Widnes,{{Cite web |last=Rowlands |first=Geoffrey |date=2016-06-13 |title=Nine years to become the Best British Breakthrough Act |url=https://www.gulf-times.com/story/497994/nine-years-to-become-the-best-british-breakthrough-act |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=Gulf Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Fulton |first=Rick |date=2017-07-07 |title='Everything else is a bonus' Catfish have achieved their dream says Van McCann |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/music/music-news/everything-bonus-catfish-bottlemen-already-10746791 |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=Daily Record |language=en}} although there has been some confusion around his birthplace, as both media reports and McCann himself in interviews have occasionally stated he was born in Australia.{{cite web |date=2015-01-01 |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen's Van McCann: I'm saving song money for wife and kids |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-32319178 |access-date=2020-12-12 |website=bbc.co.uk}}{{Cite web |date=2014-04-15 |title=Catfish and The Bottlemen hope for a bit of monkey magic as their debut album takes shape |url=https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/leisure/interviews/11148857.catfish-and-the-bottlemen-hope-for-a-bit-of-monkey-magic-as-their-debut-album-takes-shape/ |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=Warrington Guardian |language=en}} McCann, Matthew Benjamin "Benji" Blakeway, guitar tech Josh "Larry" Lau, and former members Robert "Bob" Hall and William "Billy" Bibby grew up in Llandudno, North Wales.

Bibby, Blakeway, Hall and McCann originally hail from Accrington,{{Cite news |date=19 September 2016 |title=Billy's band will raise a smile |url=https://www.lep.co.uk/news/billys-band-will-raise-a-smile-1199424 |access-date=18 February 2024 |work=LEP}} Chester, Sheffield{{Cite web |last=Rowlands |first=Geoffrey |date=2016-06-13 |title=Nine years to become the Best British Breakthrough Act |url=https://www.gulf-times.com/article/210813 |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=www.gulf-times.com |language=en}} and Widnes,{{Cite web |last=Mansfield |first=Brian |title=On the Verge: Catfish and the Bottlemen |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/ontheverge/2015/02/22/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-on-the-verge/22745785/ |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2014-04-15 |title=Catfish and The Bottlemen hope for a bit of monkey magic as their debut album takes shape |url=https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/leisure/interviews/11148857.catfish-and-the-bottlemen-hope-for-a-bit-of-monkey-magic-as-their-debut-album-takes-shape/ |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=Warrington Guardian |language=en}} respectively, all of which are located within the North of England. They all moved to Llandudno when they were "kids at the age of about 2 or 3".

McCann, along with former member Bibby, attended Ysgol John Bright in Llandudno. Drummer Bob Hall attended Rydal Penrhos School.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailypost.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/llandudno-band-catfish-bottlemen-nominated-10895373|title=Llandudno band Catfish and the Bottlemen nominated for BRIT Award|first=Mari|last=Jones|date=15 February 2016|website=Dailypost.co.uk|access-date=2020-06-06}}{{cite web|last=McElroy |first=Stephen |url=http://johnbright.uk/blog/2016/02/26/yjbs-catfish-the-bottlemen-brit-success/ |title=YJB's Catfish & The Bottlemen Brit Success! |website=Johnbright.uk |date=2016-02-26 |access-date=2020-06-06}}

Johnny Bond is from North Shields in North East England.{{Cite web |last1=Meechan |first1=Simon |last2=Updated |date=2019-04-26 |title=Catfish and the Bottlemen announce Newcastle Arena gig |url=https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/catfish-bottlemen-announce-newcastle-arena-16180593 |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=Chronicle Live |language=en}}

McCann calls himself Van after his and his father's musical hero Van Morrison.{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/27307823/introducing-catfish-and-the-bottlemen |title=Introducing... Catfish and The Bottlemen - BBC Newsbeat |website=Bbc.co.uk |date=1970-01-01 |access-date=2020-06-06}}

McCann is a supporter of Manchester United,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/29163212 |title=Premier League predictions: Lawro v Catfish |website=BBC Sport |date=14 September 2014 |access-date=15 March 2021}} whilst Blakeway supports rival side Liverpool FC.{{Cite web |last=Abrams |first=Jonny |date=2015-06-17 |title=Talking Liverpool with Catfish & The Bottlemen |url=https://footballburp.com/interviews/talking-liverpool-with-catfish-the-bottlemen/ |access-date=2024-02-18 |website=Football Burp |language=en}}

• The Balcony Tour (2014–2015)
• The Ride Tour{{cite web|url=http://www.setlist.fm/setlists/catfish-and-the-bottlemen-63d03e63.html|title=Catfish and the Bottlemen Concert Setlists|website=Setlist.fm}} (2016–2017)
• Revolution Radio Tour (2017), opening act for Green Day
• The Balance Tour{{Cite web |title=Catfish And The Bottlemen add more UK dates to 2019 tour |url=https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/catfish-and-bottlemen/more-uk-arena-dates-2019-balance-album/ |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=Radio X |language=en}} (2019)

{{Reflist}}

• [http://catfishandthebottlemen.com/ Official website]

{{Commons category|Catfish and the Bottlemen}}

{{Catfish and the Bottlemen}}

{{Brit British Breakthrough}}

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Category:Musical groups established in 2007

Category:2007 establishments in Wales

Category:Brit Award winners

Category:Welsh indie rock groups

Category:Welsh musical quartets