Fightstar

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Fightstar

| background = group_or_band

| image = Fightstar2010(nowatermark).jpg

| alt = A man with a guitar singing into a microphone, with another musician playing a bass guitar

| landscape = Yes

| caption = Frontman Charlie Simpson (left) and bassist Dan Haigh in 2010

| origin = London, England

| genre = {{flatlist|

}}

| discography = Fightstar discography

| years_active = {{flatlist|

2003–2010
2014–2015
2024

}}

| label = {{flatlist|

}}

| spinoff_of = Busted

| spinoffs = Gunship

| website = {{URL|fightstarmusic.com}}

| current_members =

}}

Fightstar were a British rock band from London that formed in 2003. The band is composed of lead vocalist, guitarist and keyboardist Charlie Simpson, guitarist and co-vocalist Alex Westaway, bassist Dan Haigh and drummer Omar Abidi. Generally considered a post-hardcore band as a whole, Fightstar are known to incorporate metal, alternative rock and other genres into their sound. Their 2005 debut EP, They Liked You Better When You Were Dead, was released in 2005 and was a critical success.

The band released their debut studio album, Grand Unification, the following year; Kerrang! editor Paul Brannigan called it "one of the best British rock albums of the last decade". Fightstar received a nomination for Best British Band at the 2006 Kerrang! Awards before releasing their second album, One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours, in 2007. A compilation album including B-sides and rarities, Alternate Endings, was released the following year. The band self-funded and co-produced their third album, Be Human (2009), which featured orchestral and choral elements. It was their highest-charting album, peaking at number 20 on the UK Albums Chart.

Fightstar went on hiatus in 2010, allowing its members to concentrate on other projects. Fightstar reunited in 2014 and released their fourth studio album, Behind the Devil's Back, the following year. The record added electronic elements to their eclectic sound. All of their four studio albums charted in the top 40 and received critical praise.{{cite web|title=I Am Fightstar |url=http://thisiswhoiam.kerrangradio.co.uk/Celebrities/View/Fightstar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814180144/http://thisiswhoiam.kerrangradio.co.uk/Celebrities/View/Fightstar |archive-date=14 August 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=5 August 2009 |df=dmy }} In November 2015, Fightstar once again went on hiatus.

On 6 November 2023, Fightstar announced they would be returning for a one-off headline show at OVO Arena Wembley in March 2024 to mark the band's twenty year anniversary.

History

={{anchor|Origins (2003—2004)}}Origins (2003–2004)=

In 2003, when Charlie Simpson was still a member of the pop punk band Busted, he met fellow songwriter-guitarist Alex Westaway and drummer Omar Abidi at a party. During the party, an impromptu jam session took place. Simpson, Westaway and Abidi played a loop of Rage Against the Machine's "Killing in the Name", and agreed to attend a gig a few days later. After the show, they returned to Simpson's flat and played guitars and a v-drum kit; they then wrote their first song, "Too Much Punch". Westaway later invited his school friend Haigh to practise with the band, and they began booking rehearsal sessions. Abidi was studying sound engineering at college, and guitarist Alex Westaway had recently moved to London after dropping out of university. Future bassist Dan Haigh, also based in London, worked for a game development company.{{cite web|url=http://www.crowdsurfer.net/fightstar-in-case-of-fire-liverpool-barfly-2509/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130221115008/http://www.crowdsurfer.net/fightstar-in-case-of-fire-liverpool-barfly-2509/ |archive-date=21 February 2013 |title=Fightstar – Liverpool – 02/05/09 |publisher=Crowdsurfer.net |access-date=2 May 2009 |url-status=dead }}

Simpson was becoming increasingly frustrated with Busted's music because he could not explore his own creative desires. The music he wrote did not fit Busted's established pop style.{{cite web|title=I Am Fightstar ... |url=http://thisiswhoiam.kerrangradio.co.uk/Celebrities/View/Fightstar |author=Guest, Los |publisher=Kerrang! Radio |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814180144/http://thisiswhoiam.kerrangradio.co.uk/Celebrities/View/Fightstar |archive-date=14 August 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=5 August 2009 |df=dmy }} Simpson's time with Fightstar reportedly caused tension in Busted,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4174341.stm|title=Boy band Busted decide to split|work=BBC News|access-date=29 July 2009 | date=14 January 2005 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160110021925/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4174341.stm|archive-date=10 January 2016}} which was amplified when Fightstar announced a 14-date UK tour.{{cite web|url=http://drownedinsound.com/news/11030-fightstar-tour-busted-don-t|title=Fightstar tour; Busted don't|work=Drowned in Sound|date=12 January 2005 |access-date=29 July 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303184024/http://drownedinsound.com/news/11030-fightstar-tour-busted-don-t|archive-date=3 March 2016}} Simpson told Busted's manager in December 2004 over the phone that he was leaving the pop trio to focus on Fightstar,{{cite web|url=https://www.malextra.com/music/musicnews/Charlie+Simpson-2140.html |title=Charlie Simpson Would Quit Busted If Forced To Choose |website=malextra.com |access-date=31 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031192456/https://www.malextra.com/music/musicnews/Charlie%2BSimpson-2140.html |archive-date=31 October 2016 }} and wanted to do something his "heart was in".{{cite web|url = https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/feb/17/popandrock | title = Busted? It was like torture | author = Alexis Petridis | work = The Guardian | date = 17 February 2006 | access-date = 12 February 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170210103606/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/feb/17/popandrock | archive-date = 10 February 2017}} At a press conference at the Soho Hotel in London on 14 January 2005, Busted's record label announced that the band had split up after Simpson's departure several weeks earlier.{{cite web|url=http://popdirt.com/busted-press-conference-on-friday/35833/|title=Busted Press Conference On Friday|publisher=PopDirt|access-date=29 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182607/http://popdirt.com/busted-press-conference-on-friday/35833/ |archive-date=3 March 2016}}

={{anchor|''They Liked You Better When You Were Dead EP'' (2004—2005)}}''They Liked You Better When You Were Dead'' (2004–2005)=

After Simpson's decision to focus on Fightstar, the band entered Criterion Studios in London with producer Mark Williams to begin work on their first EP, They Liked You Better When You Were Dead.{{cite AV media notes|title = They Liked You Better When You Were Dead|year = 2005|type = Digipack|publisher = Sandwich Leg Records|id = CID887}} It was released as a mini-album, containing nine tracks written during the six months Simpson and Westaway lived together. Recording sessions were often interrupted, since Simpson was in the midst of a sold-out series of Wembley shows with Busted.{{Cite news | title = Charlie Simpson's Treasure Chest – An Intimate Portrait of A Life In Rock | newspaper = Kerrang! | page = 40 | date = 3 June 2009|issue=1264}}

They Liked You Better When You Were Dead, released on 28 February 2005 after a brief UK promotional tour. It was a critical success,{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/music-gigs/INTERVIEW-Fightstar.4925133.jp |title=Interview: Fightstar |newspaper=Yorkshire Evening Post |access-date=29 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215021024/http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/music-gigs/INTERVIEW-Fightstar.4925133.jp |archive-date=15 February 2009 }}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.musicomh.com/singles/fightstar.htm |title=Fightstar - They Liked You Better When You Were Dead EP (Sandwich Leg) |magazine=MusicOMH |author=Bansal, Vik |access-date=28 May 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214111544/http://www.musicomh.com/singles/fightstar.htm |archive-date=14 December 2006 |df=dmy }}{{cite web|last1=Collar |first1=Cammila |title=Fightstar - They Liked You Better When You Were Dead |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/they-liked-you-better-when-you-were-dead-mw0000400598 |website=AllMusic |access-date=9 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611043559/http://www.allmusic.com/album/they-liked-you-better-when-you-were-dead-mw0000400598 |archive-date=11 June 2016 }} though Punknews.org reviewed it negatively.{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/review/5196/fightstar-they-liked-you-better-when-you-were-dead |title=Fightstar - They Liked You Better When You Were Dead |publisher=Punknews.org |author=Shultz, Brian |date=14 April 2006 |access-date=25 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225105259/https://www.punknews.org/review/5196/fightstar-they-liked-you-better-when-you-were-dead |archive-date=25 December 2015 }} Alex Westaway, the band's lead guitarist and co-lyricist, drew its artwork (based on Edward Norton) for the booklet;{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms8x2lbHOXQ|title=Fightstar's "Making Palahniuk's Laughter – Post production"|date=19 September 2006 |publisher=Fightstarmusic|access-date=19 September 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416073921/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms8x2lbHOXQ |archive-date=16 April 2016}} the EP's lead single, "Palahniuk's Laughter", was inspired by David Fincher's film Fight Club (1999), which in turn was based on the novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk. "Palahniuk's Laughter" received heavy rotation on music-video channels and spent many weeks on charts based on video and radio requests.{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsgigs.co.uk/band-fightstar.html|title=Band Biography for Fightstar|publisher=Leeds Gig Guide|access-date=25 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717002650/http://www.leedsgigs.co.uk/band-fightstar.html|archive-date=17 July 2011|url-status=dead}} The track, originally entitled "Out Swimming in the Flood", was renamed after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.{{cite web|last1=Smith |first1=Kelly |title=Fightstar - Interview |url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/whats-on/music/interview-fightstar-1-2203462 |website=pennyblackmusic.co.uk |access-date=31 March 2017 |date=28 October 2008 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170331194109/http://www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk/MagSitePages/Article/4892/Fightstar |archive-date=31 March 2017 |url-status=dead }} The EP's UK version contained five tracks (including a sixth hidden track), and was ineligible for the UK Singles Chart. It was released the following year in North America as an extended mini-album by Deep Elm Records. The release was praised by critics, despite initial scepticism due to Simpson's former pop career with Busted.{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/31305/Fightstar-They-Liked-You-Better-When-You-Were-Dead/ |title=Fightstar: They Liked You Better When You Were Dead |work=Sputnikmusic |author=Knott, Adam |access-date=8 July 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202225233/http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/31305/Fightstar-They-Liked-You-Better-When-You-Were-Dead/ |archive-date=2 February 2013 |url-status=dead }}

={{anchor|''Grand Unification'' (2005—2006)}}''Grand Unification'' (2005–2006)=

After the release and promotion of They Liked You Better When You Were Dead, the band were approached by their management about whom they wanted to produce their debut full-length album.{{Cite news|title=Fightstar |url=http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=395&page=1 |newspaper=Metal Edge |date=August 2007 |author=Steffen, Chris |pages=78–79 |access-date=19 July 2010 |issn=1068-2872 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615110403/http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=395&page=1 |archive-date=15 June 2011 |df=dmy }} They requested Colin Richardson; initially sceptical about their chances, Richardson agreed to collaborate after he listened to their demos. Fightstar entered studios in west London and Surrey with Richardson in October 2005.{{Cite news|title=Fightstar Get Down To Work On Debut Album |url=http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=352&page=1 |newspaper=Kerrang! |date=22 October 2005 |author=Garner, George |issue=1079 |page=30 |access-date=19 July 2010 |issn=1740-9977 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615110158/http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=352&page=1 |archive-date=15 June 2011 |df=dmy }} Richardson, who had previously produced albums for Funeral for a Friend, Machine Head and Fear Factory, was meticulous during pre-production and took five days to tune the drums. When recording began, he called the band "very focused" and said that there was a "real buzz because nobody knows what to expect." Grand Unification is a loose concept album, influenced by and based on the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series. With lyrics loosely based on the personal experiences of Charlie Simpson and Alex Westaway, its underlying concept revolves around two people who experience the last few days of their lives before the end of the world.{{Cite news | title = The Science of Things | url = http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=347 | newspaper = Big Cheese| date = March 2006|author=K, Johnny|issue=73|page=52|access-date=19 July 2010|issn = 1365-358X |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615110527/http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=347 |archive-date=15 June 2011}}

File:Fightstarinstore2006.jpg

Grand Unification was released in the UK on 13 March 2006 by Island Records, preceded by the single releases of "Paint Your Target", "Grand Unification Pt. I" and "Waste a Moment". The album debuted at number 28 on the UK Albums Chart, and its first single ("Paint Your Target") reached number nine on the Singles Chart.{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/16879/fightstar/ |title=Fightstar Official Charts |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=20 June 2017 }} That month, Fightstar were listed by the US rock magazine Alternative Press as one of 100 bands to watch in 2006{{cite web|url=http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/post-hardcore-foursome-just-surprises/story-11840255-detail/story.html|title=Post-hardcore foursome just full of surprises|publisher=Express & Echo|access-date=1 May 2009|author=Byrne, Mike|url-status=dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140109174748/http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/post-hardcore-foursome-just-surprises/story-11840255-detail/story.html|archive-date=9 January 2014}} and Kerrang! editor Paul Brannigan called the album "one of the best British rock albums of the last decade". The band played at the Download Festival at Donington Park,{{cite web|last1=Woodman|first1=Chay|title=Download Festival 2006: More Band Added!!!|url=https://www.skiddle.com/news/all/Download-Festival-2006-More-Band-Added/817/|publisher=Skiddle.com|access-date=20 June 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170620235728/https://www.skiddle.com/news/all/Download-Festival-2006-More-Band-Added/817/|archive-date=20 June 2017|date=29 March 2006|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} and followed Biffy Clyro and Funeral for a Friend at the Full Ponty festival in Wales.{{cite web|url=http://efestivals.com/festivals/fullponty/2006/|title=The Full Ponty '06|publisher=eFestivals|access-date=20 March 2006}} Fightstar toured several countries, including Australia, Japan and the UK, with Funeral for a Friend for three months in 2006.{{cite news|url=http://www.gigwise.com/news/14526/Fightstar-To-Support-Funeral-For-A-Friend |title=Fightstar To Support Funeral for a Friend |work=Gigwise |access-date=13 March 2006 |author=Colothan, Scott |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919170436/http://www.gigwise.com/news/14526/Fightstar-To-Support-Funeral-For-A-Friend |archive-date=19 September 2012 }} The band released Grand Unification in North America on 17 April 2007 on Trustkill Records. This version was different from the British and Japanese versions because it features "Fight For Us" (the B-side of the fourth single "Hazy Eyes") as a bonus track.{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/newsOne.asp?newsId=7525 |title=Fightstar Signs With Trustkill And Releases 'Grand Unification' With Bonus Track |publisher=Melodic.net |access-date=23 February 2007 |author=Roth, Kaj |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071109054608/http://www.melodic.net/newsOne.asp?newsId=7525 |archive-date=9 November 2007 }}

={{anchor|''One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours'' (2007—2008)}}''One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours'' (2007–2008)=

After leaving Island Records due to a disagreement over the band's artistic direction,{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a36783/fightstar-end-island-records-contract/ |title=Fightstar end Island Records contract |last=Regan |first=Susanna |website=Digital Spy |date=8 September 2006 |access-date=20 June 2017 }} Fightstar signed with the independent label Institute Records (a division of Gut Records) for their second album.{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/artists/fightstar#biography |title=Fightstar Biography |work=NME |access-date=15 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219174646/http://www.nme.com/artists/fightstar |archive-date=19 February 2009 }} According to Charlie Simpson, the band and Island had come to a "cross road" when the label began pushing Fightstar to create a more "mainstream" record.{{cite web|url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=242409|title=Fightstar – 06.04.07 – Interview|website=AbsolutePunk|access-date=6 May 2007|author=DeAndrea, Joe|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130112002909/http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=242409|archive-date=12 January 2013}} The band recorded One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours in Los Angeles with Matt Wallace, who had produced Angel Dust (1992) by Faith No More (one of Simpson's favorite groups).

To promote the album, Fightstar initially released the free downloadable single "99" in May 2007. The track, about being haunted by the loss of a loved one, was made available on the band's microsite with a music video.{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/fightstar/27835 |title=Fightstar return with free single |work=NME |access-date=21 April 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070523132035/http://www.nme.com/news/fightstar/27835 |archive-date=23 May 2007 }} Its first official single, "We Apologise for Nothing", was released in September and reached number 63 on the UK Singles Chart. The third single, "Deathcar", was the first official UK VinylDisc release.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2007/oct/15/musicnews.music |title=Half vinyl, half CD, all new format |work=The Guardian |access-date=15 October 2007 |author=Allen, Katie |location=London |date=15 October 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204232717/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2007/oct/15/musicnews.music |archive-date=4 December 2013 }} The song, inspired by a harrowing documentary about Chinese execution vans{{cite web|url=http://www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk/magsitepages/Article.aspx?id=4892 |title=Fightstar : Interview |publisher=Penny Black Music |access-date=28 October 2008 |author=Smith, Kelly |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081118032611/http://www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk/MagSitePages/Article.aspx?id=4892 |archive-date=18 November 2008 }} and the end of Simpson's romantic relationship, produced a low-fi music video which cost £500 to make. The VinylDisc single reached number 92 on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number two on the Indie and Rock Charts in its first week. The fourth single, "Floods", was released the following March. The band wrote it amid growing concern about global warming after they saw Al Gore's documentary, An Inconvenient Truth.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rocksound.tv/news/article/fightstar-rock-global-warming |title=Fightstar Rock Global Warming |magazine=Rock Sound |access-date=11 February 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091024040355/http://www.rocksound.tv/news/article/fightstar-rock-global-warming |archive-date=24 October 2009 }} Fightstar performed the song on Colin Murray's BBC Radio 1 live sessions.{{cite web|last1=Fox |first1=Al |title=BBC - Review of Fightstar - Alternate Endings |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/vcqv/ |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=25 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109170829/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/vcqv |archive-date=9 January 2016 }} The band went on a 10-date UK tour in May 2008,{{cite magazine|url=http://www.nme.com/news/music/fightstar-8-1326793 |title=Fightstar announce May UK tour |magazine=NME |date=2008-03-28 |access-date=20 June 2017}} supported by the London four-piece Brigade.{{cite web|author=Marcus Triggs |url=http://alternativevision.co.uk/interview42.html |title=Alternative Vision | www.alternativevision.co.uk - Where Alternative Music Meets Your Vision |publisher=www.alternativevision.co.uk |access-date=20 June 2017}} The tour included dates at the Leeds Slam Dunk Festival on 25 May and Carling Academy Islington on 29 May.{{cite web|title=Fightstar announce May UK tour |url=http://www.nme.com/news/music/fightstar-8-1326793 |publisher=NME |access-date=25 October 2016 |date=28 March 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026081826/http://www.nme.com/news/music/fightstar-8-1326793 |archive-date=26 October 2016 }} One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours{{'}} last single, "I Am The Message", was released on 16 June 2008{{cite web|last1=Crowther |first1=Tom |title=I Am The Message - Fightstar Single Review |url=https://www.allgigs.co.uk/view/review/3071/Fightstar_I_Am_The_Message_Single_Review.html |website=allgigs.co.uk |access-date=11 November 2016 |date=22 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112142116/https://www.allgigs.co.uk/view/review/3071/Fightstar_I_Am_The_Message_Single_Review.html |archive-date=12 November 2016 }} as a double A side single; the other side was a cover of The Flaming Lips' "Waitin' for a Superman", recorded for the Colin Murray Radio 1 show.{{cite AV media notes |title=I Am the Message |year= 2008| type=CD Sleeve |publisher=Gut Records |id=7INSREC09 |location=Norfolk, UK}}

={{anchor|''Alternate Endings'' and ''Be Human'' (2008—2010)}}''Alternate Endings'' and ''Be Human'' (2008–2010)=

On 11 August 2008 Fightstar released the B-sides album Alternate Endings, with live radio sessions, covers and a previously-unreleased track.{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/newsOne.asp?newsId=10253 |title=Fightstar to release 'Alternate Endings' Album |publisher=Melodic.net |access-date=3 May 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517170853/http://www.melodic.net/newsOne.asp?newsId=10253 |archive-date=17 May 2008 }} When Gut Records went into administration at the end of 2008{{cite magazine|url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?storyCode=1035156§ioncode=1 |last=Pakinkis |first=Tom|title=Gut Records' status in question |magazine=Music Week |date=14 August 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402022221/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?storyCode=1035156§ioncode=1 |archive-date=2 April 2012 }} the band decided to release their next album, Be Human, in a joint venture with their management company (Raw Power) on the Search and Destroy label. The album was distributed by PIAS Records.{{cite web |url=http://www.themusicfix.co.uk/content/news/6265/fightstar-will-never-change.html |title=Fightstar will Never Change |publisher=The Music Fix |access-date=7 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091025130056/http://www.themusicfix.co.uk/content/news/6265/fightstar-will-never-change.html |archive-date=25 October 2009 }} Fightstar released their first single from Be Human, "The English Way", on 3 November 2008 and it topped the UK rock chart. Its video was played on Kerrang! and Scuzz T.V., and topped the MTV2 top 10. The album was co-produced by the band and Carl Bown at Treehouse Studios, Bown's Chesterfield studio. In interviews before its release, Fightstar called the new album "quite different" from their previous releases; Charlie Simpson said that they wanted to experiment with a "rock opera" sound, including strings and a choir. Simpson said that although it might be different, it would still be a Fightstar album with their trademark dark, heavy elements.{{cite web |url=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/interviews/Fightstar-59073.html |title=Fightstar do it The English Way |last=Harrison |first=Ruth |publisher=Female First.co.uk |date=27 October 2008 |access-date=20 June 2017 }} The band supported Feeder for the first part of their UK tour, which began on 21 October 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/news/article/Fightstar-Confirmed-As-Feeder-Tour-Support |title=Fightstar Confirmed As Feeder Tour Support | News |publisher=Rocklouder |access-date=20 June 2017}} Drummer Jason Bowld of the British metal band Pitchshifter filled in for Omar Abidi on their UK tour while Abidi recovered from a broken wrist; Abidi returned to touring with the band in early 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfi4mMkyB2U |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/Wfi4mMkyB2U |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Jason Bowld & Fightstar – "The English Way" (live)|publisher=YouTube|access-date=10 May 2008}}{{cbignore}} Due to the drummer's injury, Simpson played drums on six tracks of the new album while Abidi wrote the drum parts and oversaw Simpson's playing.{{cite web|url=http://www.spoonfed.co.uk/spooners/simon827-4248/fightstar-interview-1117/ |title=Fightstar Interview on Spoonfed – Things to do in London |last=Lee | first= Simon |publisher=Spoonfed.co.uk |access-date=7 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312083947/http://www.spoonfed.co.uk/spooners/simon827-4248/fightstar-interview-1117/|archive-date=12 March 2012}}

File:Fightstar Birmingham 270409.JPG

On 4 February 2009, Fightstar announced a 12-date UK tour supported by In Case of Fire and Laruso.{{cite web|title=Fightstar Announce UK Tour! |url=http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/news/article/Fightstar-Announce-UK-Tour |website=rocklouder.co.uk |access-date=12 December 2016 |date=4 February 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220161301/http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/news/article/Fightstar-Announce-UK-Tour |archive-date=20 December 2016 }} Two weeks before the release of Be Human, "Mercury Summer" was released as the next single;{{cite web|url=http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=47451 |title=Single Reviews Released 6 April 2009 |website=Top40-Charts.com |access-date=2017-01-05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220141335/http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=47451 |archive-date=20 December 2016 }} its video debuted on the band's MySpace page on 25 February.{{cite web|title=Mercury Summer Video Is Here! |url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=7378302&blogId=473036526 |publisher=myspace.com |access-date=28 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228074911/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=7378302&blogId=473036526 |archive-date=28 February 2009 |date=25 February 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} "Mercury Summer" was well-received, reaching the A List of the Radio 1 Playlist;{{cite web|title=BBC - Radio 1 - Playlist |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/playlist/ |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=28 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421174429/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/playlist/ |archive-date=21 April 2009 |date=15 April 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} the band was featured on the BBC2 music show, Sound. "Mercury Summer" was added to the daytime playlist at XFM Radio and picked as Ian Camfield's Record of the Week. Emma Scott and Kerrang Radio also made "Mercury Summer" her Record of the Week. Be Human was released on 20 April 2009, reaching the highest chart peak of any Fightstar album: number 20 on the UK Albums Chart.

The band introduced "A City on Fire" during Fearne Cotton's Radio 1 show on 19 October;{{cite web|title=Fightstar - A City On Fire |url=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/Fightstar+A+City+On+Fire-9885.html |website=femalefirst.co.uk |access-date=28 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215003003/http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/Fightstar%2BA%2BCity%2BOn%2BFire-9885.html |archive-date=15 December 2012 |date=30 November 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}{{cite web|last1=Tan |first1=Amber |title=Fightstar release new single A City On Fire |url=http://www.purplerevolver.com/bulletin/news/12176-fightstar-release-new-single-a-city-on-fire.html |website=purplerevolver.com |access-date=28 December 2016 |date=30 October 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229033018/http://www.purplerevolver.com/bulletin/news/12176-fightstar-release-new-single-a-city-on-fire.html |archive-date=29 December 2016 }} its video, directed by Sitcom Soldiers, premiered on 24 October.{{cite web |url=http://www.bringthenoiseuk.com/200910/music/news/fightstar-to-release-new-single-a-city-on-fire |title=Fightstar to release new single, A City On Fire « Bring the Noise UK |website=www.bringthenoiseuk.com |access-date=2017-01-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510191628/http://www.bringthenoiseuk.com/200910/music/news/fightstar-to-release-new-single-a-city-on-fire |archive-date=10 May 2017 }} The single was released as a digital download on 20 December{{cite web|url=http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/112334-fightstar-release-brand-new-single.html |title=Fightstar release brand new single |publisher=Alt Sounds |access-date=30 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115050607/http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/112334-fightstar-release-brand-new-single.html |archive-date=15 January 2010 |df=dmy }} and peaked at numbers four and ten on the UK Rock and Indie charts, respectively.{{cite web|title=UK Top 30 Rock Singles Chart |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/rocksingles/ |publisher=BBC Radio One |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015130417/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/rocksingles |archive-date=15 October 2009 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}{{cite web|title=UK Top 30 Indie Singles Chart |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/indiesingles/ |publisher=BBC Radio One |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091014204931/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/indiesingles |archive-date=14 October 2009 |url-status=live |df=dmy }} Fightstar released a deluxe edition of Be Human on 1 March 2010 with five new tracks, including "A City on Fire" and a live cover of Jordin Sparks' "Battlefield" on the iTunes edition.{{cite web|title=Fightstar release 'be human' Deluxe Edition CD/DVD |url=http://www.safeconcerts.com/news/2010/feb/3814-fightstar-release-be-human-deluxe-edition.asp |website=safeconcerts.com |access-date=28 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228182355/http://www.safeconcerts.com/news/2010/feb/3814-fightstar-release-be-human-deluxe-edition.asp |archive-date=28 December 2016 |date=1 February 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}

={{anchor|Hiatus and side projects (2010—2014)}}Hiatus and side projects (2010–2014)=

In 2010, Fightstar announced that they were going on hiatus to focus on separate projects.{{cite web|url=http://teamrock.com/feature/2015-10-23/why-did-fightstar-lose-their-minds-and-split-in-2010|title=Why did Fightstar lose their minds and split in 2010?|date=23 October 2015|publisher=Team Rock|access-date=7 February 2018}} Westaway and Haigh worked on Gunship, a synthwave group devoted to film music,{{cite web|last1=Mak |first1=Melody |title=Interview: Fightstar 'We're going to write new material' |url=http://www.fortitudemagazine.co.uk/music/music-interviews/interview-fightstar-going-write-new-material/23610/ |publisher=Fortitude Magazine |access-date=27 October 2016 |date=16 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220211822/http://www.fortitudemagazine.co.uk/music/music-interviews/interview-fightstar-going-write-new-material/23610 |archive-date=20 February 2015 }} and completed production of the score to Grzegorz Jonkajtys and Bastiaan Koch's short film, The 3rd Letter, with Audrey Riley. The film received several awards from film festivals worldwide.{{cite web|title=The 3rd Letter Client: Marauder Film |url=http://www.horsieinthehedge.com/work3rdletter |website=horsieinthehedge.com |access-date=27 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028020548/http://www.horsieinthehedge.com/work3rdletter |archive-date=28 October 2016 }} Simpson began work on solo material. In December 2010 he released an EP entitled When We Were Lions through PledgeMusic, an organisation which helps artists raise money to record music from fans.{{cite web|title=Charlie Simpson on Apple Music |url=https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/charlie-simpson/431245240 |website=iTunes |access-date=27 October 2016 |quote=Following a group hiatus in 2010, Simpson began work on an acoustic solo record and released an EP, When We Were Lions, through the fund-raising initiative Pledgemusic on Christmas Day. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028023658/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/charlie-simpson/id431245240 |archive-date=28 October 2016 }} His debut album, Young Pilgrim, was released in August 2011.{{cite web|title=Fightstar Interview |url=http://norwichgigs.co.uk/interviews/fightstar-2/ |work=Norwich Gigs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613053834/http://norwichgigs.co.uk/interviews/fightstar-2/ |archive-date=13 June 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }} Simpson's solo work differed from his previous efforts, featuring a sound described as closer to folk music than to rock or pop.{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=review&id=9564 |title=Charlie Simpson - Young Pilgrim |publisher=Melodic.net |author=Spinelli, Tom |date=3 August 2011 |access-date=7 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313202053/http://www.melodic.net/?page=review&id=9564 |archive-date=13 March 2012 }}

He said that Fightstar would record another album, but he first planned to record another solo album while Westaway and Haigh worked with Gunship.{{cite web|title=Charlie Simpson makes his acting debut 'In God We Trust' |url=http://www.nme.com/news/charlie-simpson/63227 |work=NME |date=13 April 2012 |access-date=29 September 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113222852/http://www.nme.com/news/charlie-simpson/63227 |archive-date=13 November 2012 }} In a December 2012 Digital Spy interview, Simpson confirmed his plan to finish writing (and record) the second solo album in February 2013. After an intended US release and tour in the summer of 2013 promoting the album, he planned that Fightstar would reunite and begin writing for their fourth album.{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a444401/charlie-simpson-confirms-new-solo-album-us-tour-plans/ |title=Charlie Simpson confirms new solo album, US tour plans |last=Corner |first=Lewis |website=Digital Spy |date=11 December 2012 |access-date=20 June 2017 }} Simpson's second solo album, Long Road Home, was released in August 2014.{{cite web|last1=Davidson |first1=Amy |title=Charlie Simpson: Long Road Home album review |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/review/a587957/charlie-simpson-long-road-home-album-review/ |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |access-date=29 October 2016 |date=4 August 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030094730/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/review/a587957/charlie-simpson-long-road-home-album-review/ |archive-date=30 October 2016 }}

={{anchor|Return from hiatus and ''Behind the Devil's Back'' (2014—present)}}Return from hiatus and ''Behind the Devil's Back'' (2014–2024)=

{{quote box|width=25em|align=right|quote=[Busted are] the ones who sell millions of records. Fightstar were never selling millions of records. The rest of Fightstar work for a living (Haigh and Westaway run a production company, Abidi works as a tour manager), and now Simpson does as well, it’s just that he works for Busted.|source=—Teamrock.com journalist Tom Bryant, 11 November 2015{{cite web|last1=Bryant |first1=Tom |title=Why this Busted reunion isn't as evil as you think |url=http://teamrock.com/feature/2015-11-11/why-this-busted-reunion-isn-t-as-evil-as-you-think |website=teamrock.com |access-date=31 October 2016 |date=11 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101041039/http://teamrock.com/feature/2015-11-11/why-this-busted-reunion-isn-t-as-evil-as-you-think |archive-date=1 November 2016 }}}}

On 24 September 2014, the band's website was updated to include a countdown timer accompanied by text reading "News ...".{{cite web|last1=Patadia |first1=Shukti |title=Fightstar reveal mysterious countdown |url=http://www.onrecordmag.com/news/3885-fightstar-reveal-mysterious-countdown |publisher=On Record Magazine |access-date=28 October 2016 |date=24 September 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028085154/http://www.onrecordmag.com/news/3885-fightstar-reveal-mysterious-countdown |archive-date=28 October 2016 }} The timer ended on 13 October with the announcement of a ten-year anniversary show at the Forum in London. A statement from the band followed: "It has been 10 years since the inception of this band and we wanted to celebrate it with a bang. We want to thank you all for your love and support over the past ten years and we can't wait to commemorate this milestone with you guys."{{cite web|last1=Davidson |first1=Amy |title=Fightstar announce live London show to celebrate 10th anniversary |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a603113/fightstar-announce-live-london-show-to-celebrate-10th-anniversary/ |website=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |access-date=29 October 2016 |date=13 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030091722/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a603113/fightstar-announce-live-london-show-to-celebrate-10th-anniversary/ |archive-date=30 October 2016 }} The concert sold out in minutes; due to demand a second concert was scheduled at O2 Academy Brixton for December,{{cite web|last1=Hilson |first1=Chris |title=Fightstar Release Video for Acoustic Version of 'Open Your Eyes' |url=http://www.punktastic.com/news/fightstar-release-video-for-acoustic-version-of-open-your-eyes/ |website=Punktastic.com |access-date=29 October 2016 |date=7 November 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030082154/http://www.punktastic.com/news/fightstar-release-video-for-acoustic-version-of-open-your-eyes/ |archive-date=30 October 2016 }} which was later postponed until February 2015. With news of the postponement came an announcement of additional dates in Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester.{{cite web|title=Fightstar Announce New Tour Dates|url=http://www.kerrang.com/25961/fightstar-announce-new-tour-dates/|website=Kerrang!|access-date=29 October 2016|date=8 December 2014}} On 25 February, it was confirmed that the band would be third-stage headliners at the 2015 Download Festival.{{cite web|last1=Bradley |first1=Alexander |title=Fightstar on Their Return to Music and Touring |url=http://gigsandfestivals.com/features/fightstar-on-their-return-to-music |publisher=gigsandfestivals.com |access-date=29 October 2016 |date=26 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030082858/http://gigsandfestivals.com/features/fightstar-on-their-return-to-music |archive-date=30 October 2016 }}

On 12 May 2015, Simpson posted on Instagram that Fightstar had returned to the studio to work on new material with producer Carl Bown and began using Twitter for updates on the progress of the album.[https://twitter.com/charliesimo/status/605749199360159744 Charlie Simpson - Recording first guitar parts for new Fightstar album] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110021925/https://twitter.com/charliesimo/status/605749199360159744 |date=10 January 2016 }} Twitter.com. Retrieved 3 June 2015 On 22 July it was announced that the band would release Behind The Devil's Back on 16 October, with a string of UK dates promoting the album to follow.{{cite web|title=Fightstar announce new album and headline tour |url=http://www.kerrang.com/33938/fightstar-announce-new-album-headline-tour/ |website=Kerrang! |access-date=31 October 2016 |date=22 July 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101103415/http://www.kerrang.com/33938/fightstar-announce-new-album-headline-tour/ |archive-date=1 November 2016 }} On 26 July the BBC Radio 1 Rock Show introduced "Animal", the band's first new song in five years{{cite web|title=Fightstar Unleash Comeback Single, Animal |url=http://www.kerrang.com/34040/fightstar-unleash-comeback-single-animal/ |website=Kerrang! |access-date=31 October 2016 |date=26 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120171657/http://www.kerrang.com/34040/fightstar-unleash-comeback-single-animal/ |archive-date=20 November 2015 }} which was released digitally on iTunes on 7 August.{{cite web|title=Animal - Single |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/animal-single/1024516214 |publisher=iTunes |access-date=31 October 2016 |date=7 August 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101041115/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/animal-single/id1024516214 |archive-date=1 November 2016 }}

On 10 November 2015 Simpson reunited with Busted to record new music and tour,{{cite news|last1=Denham |first1=Jess |title=Busted reunion: 2016 tour confirmed as Charlie Simpson returns |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/busted-reunion-band-confirm-2016-gigs-with-charlie-simpson-a6728301.html |website=The Independent |access-date=31 October 2016 |date=10 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101044850/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/busted-reunion-band-confirm-2016-gigs-with-charlie-simpson-a6728301.html |archive-date=1 November 2016 }} saying that Fightstar would continue to tour and release music as a "passion project" for its members.{{cite web|last1=Bryant |first1=Tom |title=Why did Fightstar lose their minds and split in 2010? |url=http://teamrock.com/feature/2015-10-23/why-did-fightstar-lose-their-minds-and-split-in-2010 |website=teamrock.com |access-date=31 October 2016 |date=23 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101041405/http://teamrock.com/feature/2015-10-23/why-did-fightstar-lose-their-minds-and-split-in-2010 |archive-date=1 November 2016 }} Some music journalists, such as Team Rock's Tom Bryant, speculated that it was due to Fightstar never being particularly financially successful (while Busted remained profitable), but in a Newsbeat interview, Simpson stated that he was swayed due to the chemistry in the studio.{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/34776292/how-charlie-simpson-came-round-to-a-busted-reunion|title=How Charlie Simpson came round to a Busted reunion|date=10 November 2015|work=Newsbeat|publisher=BBC Online|access-date=17 April 2016}}

In an interview in April 2019, Simpson confirmed that Fightstar will return at some point in the future, and that he'd also been writing some material for it recently.{{cite news|url=http://www.deadpress.co.uk/news-charlie-simpson-confirms-fightstar-isnt-dead-writing-new-materi|title=NEWS: Charlie Simpson confirms Fightstar isn't dead; writing new material!|date=8 April 2019|work=DEAD PRESS!|access-date=8 April 2019}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On 6 November 2023, Fightstar announced they would be returning for a headline show at OVO Arena Wembley in London on 22 March 2024. Their return marks the band's twenty year anniversary.{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Skinner|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/fightstar-say-theyre-always-open-to-making-new-music-ahead-of-reunion-show-3532976|title=Fightstar say they're "always open to making new music" ahead of reunion show|work=NME|date=7 November 2023|access-date=10 November 2023}}

Musical style and influences

{{Listen

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}}

Fightstar has been described as post-hardcore,{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p756622/biography|pure_url=yes}}|last=Apar| first=Corey|title=Fightstar Biography|website=AllMusic|access-date=29 January 2009}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sputnikmusic.com/album.php?reviewid=35294&genreid=3|title=Fightstar: Be Human Deluxe Edition|work=Sputnikmusic|access-date=2 March 2010|author=Ponton, Jared}}{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsmusicscene.net/article/10730/ |title=Fightstar: Be Human |publisher=Leeds Music Scene |access-date=14 May 2009 |author=Thornsby, Jessica |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809102054/http://www.leedsmusicscene.net/article/10730/ |archive-date=9 August 2011 }} alternative rock,{{cite web|first=Amaka|last=Inyese|url=http://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/fightstar-uk-rock-band-set-to-release-new-album-behind-the-devils-back-id4250214.html|title=Fightstar: Uk rock band set to release new album 'Behind The Devils Back'|publisher=Pulse.ng|date=November 10, 2015|access-date=June 5, 2018}} emo,{{cite web|last1=Long|first1=Chris|title=Fightstar are Charlie Simpson's proper grown-up band, a full-on rock machine complete...|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/vmzf/|publisher=BBC|access-date=30 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115081731/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/vmzf/|archive-date=15 January 2016}} and alternative metal.{{cite web|first=Anurag|last=Tagat|url=http://rollingstoneindia.com/fightstar-frontman-charlie-simpson-on-comeback-reunion/|title=Fightstar Frontman Charlie Simpson on Comebacks, Reunions and New Projects|publisher=Rolling Stone India|date=February 18, 2016|access-date=June 5, 2018}}{{cite web |last1=Dearie |first1=Emma |title=Fightstar smash it once again with new song 'Sink With The Snakes' |url=http://www.revivalmedia.co.uk/fightstar-smash-it-once-again-with-new-song-sink-with-the-snakes/ |publisher=Revival Media |date=10 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030081629/http://www.revivalmedia.co.uk/fightstar-smash-it-once-again-with-new-song-sink-with-the-snakes/ |archive-date=30 October 2016 }} According to Kerrang!, the band's influences are post-rock, heavy metal and hardcore punk. Simpson echoed this, describing their musical aim as trying to "combine the light and dark shades, to make something utterly brutal and really heavy and on the other side have something really delicate and beautiful. The fusion of those things is what Fightstar does."{{cite web|last1=Morgan|first1=Grace|title=Our whole aim in music is to combine the light and dark shades|url=http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=380|website=trustkill.com|access-date=3 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070706105255/http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=380|archive-date=6 July 2007}}

Though the band have been labelled emo, they have tried to avoid writing in that fashion.{{cite web |url=http://www.themusicfix.co.uk/content.php?contentid=2420 |title=Fightstar - Waste A Moment Video |publisher=The Music Fix News |access-date=2 February 2006 |author=Kane, Jon |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203054831/http://www.themusicfix.co.uk/content.php?contentid=2420 |archive-date=3 December 2013 }} Grand Unification and One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours{{'}} themes were apocalyptic,{{cite web|last1=Taylor |first1=Luke |title=Review – Fightstar: "Grand Unification" |url=http://www.artsawardvoice.com/magazine/reviews/review-fightstar-grand-unification |website=artsawardvoice.com |access-date=25 October 2016 |date=2 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026081354/http://www.artsawardvoice.com/magazine/reviews/review-fightstar-grand-unification |archive-date=26 October 2016 }}{{cite web|last1=Powell |first1=Daniel |title=Fightstar |url=http://www.leedsmusicscene.net/article/9001/ |website=leedsmusicscene.net |access-date=25 October 2016 |date=18 November 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026080157/http://www.leedsmusicscene.net/article/9001/ |archive-date=26 October 2016 }} and subsequent work varied from patriotism ("The English Way"){{cite journal|last1=Griffiths |first1=Gail |title=Exclusive Interview: Fightstar |journal=Plugged in Magazine |date=17 January 2011 |issue=9 |page=34 |url=https://issuu.com/plugged_in_magazine/docs/plugged_in_magazine_issue_9 |access-date=26 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026170312/https://issuu.com/plugged_in_magazine/docs/plugged_in_magazine_issue_9 |archive-date=26 October 2016 }} to self-loathing ("Damocles" and "Animal").{{cite web|title=Behind The Devil's Back Review |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/compact_discs/fightstar/behind_the_devils_back/index.html |website=ultimate-guitar.com |access-date=26 October 2016 |date=24 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026164510/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/reviews/compact_discs/fightstar/behind_the_devils_back/index.html |archive-date=26 October 2016 }} Fightstar have been influenced by the works of author Chuck Palahniuk, as well as films and comics such as the Neon Genesis Evangelion series.

In his review of Grand Unification (2006), Vik Bansal of musicOMH wrote about their varied dynamics: "Where others are happy to be one-dimensional, Fightstar are not content unless a song moves fluidly through seemingly incongruous but ultimately coherent moods and musical dynamics. The interspersion of thoroughly heavy metal sections within the otherwise widescreen rock of 'Grand Unification Pt I' and 'Sleep Well Tonight' encapsulates this perfectly".{{cite magazine|url=http://www.musicomh.com/albums/fightstar_0306.htm |title=Fightstar – Grand Unification (Sandwich Leg) |magazine=MusicOMH |first=Vik |last=Bansal |access-date=13 March 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214185852/http://www.musicomh.com/albums/fightstar_0306.htm |archive-date=14 December 2006 |df=dmy }} One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours showed the band expanding their sound and pushing further into both lighter and heavier territories, with a mixture of more melodic soundscapes and heavier metallic styles.{{cite web|last1=Spencer|first1=Toni-Michelle|title=Interview: Fightstar|url=http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/articles/3941/Interview-Fightstar.html|publisher=Rocklouder.co|access-date=30 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122043028/http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/articles/3941/Interview-Fightstar.html|archive-date=22 November 2008}} According to Q magazine, "The intricate instrumental passages, multi-tracked vocal harmonies and pounding riffs hint at Muse-scale ambition and intellect".{{Cite news | title = Fightstar – One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours (Gut) ****| newspaper = Q magazine | date = September 2007|issue=91|page=59|issn =1717-287X }}

Fightstar's third album, Be Human (2009), featured choral and orchestral elements.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymusicguide.com/Reviews/fightstar-be-human-26042009-1614.aspx |title=Fightstar – Be Human (Search Destroy) |publisher=Daily Music Guide|author=Melissa Lewis|access-date=16 September 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807203109/http://www.dailymusicguide.com/Reviews/fightstar-be-human-26042009-1614.aspx|archive-date=7 August 2012}} Emma Johnston of Kerrang! emphasised this in her review: "Fightstar throw as many orchestral and choral flourishes at their muscular, solemnly heavy rock as it could take without drowning".{{Cite news|title=Fightstar: Be Human (Search & Destroy) KKKK. London crew pile on the drama with album three |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/42277775@N03/4128306448/sizes/l/ |newspaper=Kerrang! |page=52 |date=8 April 2009 |author=Johnston, Emma |issue=1256 |access-date=2 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110021925/https://www.flickr.com/photos/42277775%40N03/4128306448/sizes/l/ |archive-date=10 January 2016 }} Anton Djamoos of AbsolutePunk wrote that the album has a "certain symphonic quality" which is "a departure from the general body of work we've seen in the past. They break from their own norm with several orchestral elements to make the album sound more full and let the music hit even harder".{{cite web|url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1006362|title=Fightstar – Be Human|website=AbsolutePunk|author=Djamoos, Anton|access-date=19 April 2009|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20090424030426/http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=1006362|archive-date=24 April 2009}} Matt Shoemaker of 411mania.com described the album as typical Fightstar ("[a] range from pure metal to alternative rock to bordering on emo at times"), influenced by progressive rock, acoustic and country pop in addition to its orchestral and choral elements.{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/music/album_reviews/102505|title=Fightstar – Be Human Review|author=Shoemaker, Matt|publisher=411mania.com|access-date=21 April 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607014832/http://www.411mania.com/music/album_reviews/102505|archive-date=7 June 2011}}

Behind the Devil's Back (2015) was noted for a heavier use of electronics than in the past, said by some critics to be reminiscent of Westaway and Haigh's side project Gunship. The Edge and Rocksins.com reviewers remarked in particular the album's 1980s-style synths,{{cite web|last1=Whitehead|first1=Philip|title=Fightstar – Behind the Devil's Back|url=http://www.rocksins.com/reviews/fightstar-behind-the-devils-back/|website=rocksins.com|access-date=3 November 2016|date=13 October 2015}}{{cite web|last1=Cooper-Smith |first1=Lizzie |title=Review: Fightstar – Behind The Devil's Back |url=https://www.theedgesusu.co.uk/records/albums/2015/10/20/review-fightstar-behind-the-devils-back/ |website=The Edge |publisher=Wessex Scene |access-date=3 November 2016 |date=20 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120025720/https://www.theedgesusu.co.uk/records/albums/2015/10/20/review-fightstar-behind-the-devils-back/ |archive-date=20 January 2017 }} while NE:MM writer David Smith drew comparisons to American alternative rock supergroup Angels & Airwaves.{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=David|title=Behind The Devil's Back – Fightstar|url=http://nemm.org.uk/magazine/rpm/rpm-review/fightstar/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014164047/http://nemm.org.uk/magazine/rpm/rpm-review/fightstar/|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 October 2015|website=nemm.org.uk|access-date=3 November 2016|date=14 October 2015}}

Fightstar have said that they are influenced by a variety of music (particularly film scores), citing Nirvana, Deftones, Radiohead, Silverchair, Pantera, Thrice, Mono, Explosions in the Sky, Elliott Smith, Funeral for a Friend, The Cure and Jeff Buckley as inspirations.{{cite web|url=http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=407&page=1 |title=Fightstar – London Band Ready To Rock America! |work=AMP|access-date=1 September 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615105739/http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=407&page=1 |archive-date=15 June 2011 |df=dmy }}{{cite web|url=http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=357|title=On The Record – Fightstar|publisher=Rocksound|access-date=1 September 2009|url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120303233638/http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=357|archive-date=3 March 2012}} Abidi called Deftones the band with whom he would most like to perform: "If I got to play with (them), that'd be it, you could stick a fork in me."

{{anchor|Band members}}Members

Charlie Simpson – vocals, rhythm guitar, piano
Alex Westaway – vocals, lead guitar
Dan Haigh – bass guitar
Omar Abidi – drums, percussion

;Touring members

Will Simpson – additional guitars

Discography

Grand Unification (2006)
One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours (2007)
Be Human (2009)
Behind the Devil's Back (2015)

{{anchor|Accolades}}''Kerrang!'' Awards

| 2006 || Fightstar || Best British Band || {{nom}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4780000/newsid_4781000/4781007.stm |title=Fightstar up for best band award |publisher=CBBC |access-date=15 July 2009 |date=10 August 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070221060623/http://news.bbc.co.uk/cbbcnews/hi/newsid_4780000/newsid_4781000/4781007.stm |archive-date=21 February 2007 }}

References

External links

{{Official website|http://www.fightstarmusic.com}}
{{allMusic}}

Category:Musical groups established in 2003

Category:Rock music groups from London

Category:British musical quartets

Category:British post-hardcore musical groups

Category:English alternative rock groups

Category:PIAS Recordings artists

Category:Gut Records artists

Category:Island Records artists

Category:Busted (band)

Category:Trustkill Records artists

Category:British alternative metal musical groups

Category:English heavy metal musical groups