Review: One last salute to Funeral for a Friend
After 15 years the band bow out on a high
"Raise your fingers for one last salute and bleed this skyline dry. Your history is mine." These are the lyrics from 'History' and were perfect for Funeral for a Friend's last ever song of their last ever show.
The band have seen a few line up changes over the years, but sadly for fans current members lead vocalist Matthew Davies-Kreye, guitarists Kris Coombs-Roberts and Gavin Burrough, bassist Richard Boucher and drummer Casey McHale announced back in September 2015 that they were breaking up after one last tour. The final ever shows (rescheduled from the 15th and 16th April due to venue issues) were completely sold out.
As the band took to the stage in London at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, Matt told fans that "Dancing is optional, singing is essential and it's ok to cry." A similar sentiment which he tweeted to their 38,000 followers before the show.
Having previously released two EPs, Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation was their first full album and what an incredible one it was. With fan favourites 'Juneau' and 'Escape Artists Never Die' featuring on the album and a spot at number 12 on the official UK charts, it set a high standard with fans, critics and the record label for future releases. The band managed to maintain momentum for the 2005 release of Hours that featured the band's highest charting single 'Streetcar'. It was therefore not surprising that they had decided these would be the albums to send them off. (Full setlist at the bottom of this article).
The atmosphere was simply electric. At every gig you experience moments where the crowd sings along to every word so loudly you can hardly hear the artist but this happened from start to finish.
Kicking off with high tempo 'Rookie of the Year', the crowd had their hands up in the air and were shouting out every word. There was barely a moment to catch a much needed breath before they launched into 'Bullet Theory'. Fans then decided to take on the challenge of tearing the roof off the venue as 'Juneau' was played. It was hard to hear Matt's vocals as the crowd roared out every word.
One thing that was so special about this gig was hearing the band describe the exact meaning behind the songs. You can always read in interviews about the inspiration but rarely do you get the emotional, uncut story of how these songs were born.
It was clear from the band's expressions that they were truly grateful to have the chance to go out with a bang and not simply fade away. As 'History' the song came to an end so did their time together as a band. As fans raised their hands for 'one last salute' it all became too much for some members who broke down in tears.
After the show the band tweeted their gratitude to fans.
As the crowd streamed out so did the tears on many faces of those who had spent up to 15 years loving these Welsh rockers, there had been so many highs during the gig and it was such a low to say goodbye. Surely the only solution for all those already missing the band is to go home, put the album on and smile at all the angsty years the band saw you through. Setlist May 20th: Hours All the Rage Streetcar Roses for the Dead Hospitality Drive Monsters History Recovery The End of Nothing Alvarez Sonny Encore: I Am the Arsonist Sixteen Conduit 1% Into Oblivion (Reunion) Juneau (Featuring Darran Smith and Ryan Richards) Escape Artists Never Die Setlist May 21st: Casually Dressed and Deep in Conversation Rookie of the Year Bullet Theory Juneau Bend Your Arms to Look Like Wings Escape Artists Never Die Storytelling Moments Forever Faded She Drove Me to Daytime Television Red Is the New Black Your Revolution Is a Joke Waking Up Novella Encore: This Year's Most Open Heartbreak (with Darran Smith and Ryan Richards) Kiss & Make Up (All Bets Are Off) 10 Scene Points to the Winner You Want Romance? 10:45 Amsterdam Conversations The Art of American Football Roses for the Dead History