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Biography
With a name derived from the criminal family in The Goonies, The Fratellis are formed of vocalist/guitarist Jon Fratelli (John Lawler), bassist Barry Fratelli (Barry Wallace), and drummer Mince Fratelli (Gordon McRory). The band’s debut performance came in March 2005 at the O’Henry’s Bar in Glasgow and earned their first radio play on Scotland’s Beat 106’s Beatscene show hosted by Jim Gellatly. The Fratellis subsequently signed with Fallout Records and released their debut EP “The Fratellis” in April 2006.
Ahead of their debut album “Costello Music”, the band released the single “Henrietta” in June 2006, which charted at No. 19 on the UK Singles Chart. “Costello Music”, released in September of that year, debuted at No. Two in the UK Albums Chart, and spawned the singles “Chelsea Dagger”, Whistle For The Choir”, and “Ole Black ’n’ Blue Eyes”. After supporting Kasabian on their UK tour, the Fratellis embarked on their own headlining tour, which included the UK festival circuit where the singles “Henrietta” and “Chelsea Dagger” really showcased the band’s punk-rock sensibilities. The live DVD “Edgy in Brixton” appeared in October 2007, featuring live performances and b-sides of various singles.
In June 2008, the band released their second studio album “Here We Stand” to mixed reviews from the music press. The album charted at No. Five on the UK Albums Chart and marked the arrival of keyboard and guitar player Will Foster to the group. The album was led by the single “Mistress Mabel”, followed by “Look Out Sunshine”, and “A Heady Tale”.
After a three years hiatus, the Fratellis returned in 2012 to raise money for The Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund, and subsequently played a number of dates around the UK. “We Need Medicine” the band’s third full-length album arrived in October 2013, led by the singles “She’s Not Gone Yet But She’s Leaving”, “Seven Nights and Seven Days”, and “Whiskey Saga”. The release was supported by a successful world tour including dates in the U.S., Europe, Russia, and the British Isles. The EP “The Soul Crush” was announced and released in September 2014, available for free download via their website.
Live reviews
Among the likes of fellow indie rockers The Vines, The Strokes, and The Black Keys, Scottish indie rock trio The Fratellis are the epitome of indie-rockers; just as comfortable commanding the festival stage as they are in more intimate venues. Their lives performances diverge little from their studio albums, showcasing both their talent and their technical skills with seemingly effortless instrumental and vocal performances that are just as energetic as their music. Lead vocalist Jon Fratelli most closely fits the indie-rock persona, frequently donning the token skinny jeans and dark sunglasses while casually moving around the stage, belting out seemingly effortless vocals. Drummer Mince Fratelli rocks out fervently in the background, while bassist Barry Fratelli exudes the stoic and controlled tempo that all good bassists possess. The Fratellis are no strangers to the festival circuit, having played at T in the Park and V Festival, showcasing a variety of music from all three of their studio albums. The crowd sways back and forth to hits like "Whistle for the Choir," while their biggest single "Chelsea Dagger" always elicits excitement from the crowd.
After a short hiatus that saw each member pursue other projects, the band regrouped in 2013 to record their third studio album and continue performing the festival circuit, as well as selling out out venues on their own.
suzieblaszq
Around the same time that The Fratellis took an "indefinite hiatus" back in 2009, frontman Jon Fratelli commented that "Chelsea Dagger" “belongs to the terraces now,” in reference to its popularity amongst crowds at football matches. The truth, though, is that it really belongs in sweaty rock clubs, and perhaps that’s why the trio only took three years away before reconvening in 2012, after a period in which they saw their attempts at new projects flounder (‘Codeine Velvet Club?’... anyone?) The truth is that with their debut record, 'Costello Music,' The Fratellis set themselves up as the perfect festival band; "Chelsea Dagger," of course, ticked the huge, raucous singalong box, but "Whistle for the Choir" provides the perfect lighters-in-the-air moment and "Henrietta," "Doginabag" and "Baby Fratelli" all seem as if they were crafted purely to have crowds bouncing. The follow-up, 'Here We Stand,' was undoubtedly a flop, but last year’s return to UK stages suggests that the direction of the forthcoming 'We Need Medicine' will have the Glaswegians going back to what they know; if they can recapture the spirit of those 'Costello Music' gigs, we might yet have on our hands that same band that made it to Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage back in 2007.
Joeg_67
I was waiting for this concert since they had announced it about three months before and I was not disappointed. The club was packed with fans and the long-awaited (the band started playing only at 9 p.m., though the doors had been open since 7 p.m.) appearance of Johnny and the guys on the stage made the audience burst in applause and screams. The set list was just perfect as they played everything I had been hoping for. Although the show was to support their new album “We need medicine”, lots of their old things were played. Their new songs were also met warmly as the show in Moscow was the last but one on the tour and the album was released a year ago so fans had quite enough time to take a liking to the new material. The venue is not very large which is good as the stage was clearly visible from any part of it. However, the organizers should have made use of the side screens as I bet the close-ups would have been greatly appreciated. Besides, the sound sometimes was really crappy which is weird for a venue hosting events of the kind almost every night.
julia-sergeeva
This was a fairly intimate little show in the middle sized room at the O2 in Birmingham with no more than 500 die hards moshing and bopping along to all the old favourites and all of the new album too.
The show was billed as 'The New Album Launch Show' so the newer stuff whilst excellent and greeted with plenty of enthusiasm didn't quite hit the heights of the likes of 'Chelsea Dagger'.
The Fratellis are stunning live, alot better than I expected playing with an amount of passion and energy only matched by the amount of sweat flowing from Jon Fratelli from about the third song in.
These cheeky Glaswegian lads really love playing live and you can feel the connection between the band and the audience.
This was a top gig, a proper gig and if you get the chance to see The Fratellis near you, you'd be a bit daft to miss out :)
jim-nsno-thompson
The Fratellis were amazing at Party at the Palace, as they always are!
Kicking off with 'We need medicine' they smashed through classics from all 4 albums.
Finishing with Dagger and then their cover of Run around Sue, completing a fantastic set. Proving again that they are one of the best bands (THE best in my opinion) to come out of Scotland in the past 10 years.
Love love love The Fratellis. If you haven't seen them live, do yourselves a favour and make sure you do!
mari-asher
Very boisterous and fun-filled rocking evening! Lots of full-on moshing, so best stay back from the pit unless you're up for that - but if jostling around into each other is your thing, then you'll be right at home. Really friendly atmosphere too, everyone's there totally to have a good time. The Fratellis themselves clearly enjoyed it a lot too, their grinning charm is infectious. Highly recommended for all the cheery hook lovers out there.
rick-procter
This is the second time I"'ve seen them and they were amazing!! The energy this time they had (same venue) was fantastic! they played all of the new album and many of the old favorites as well! Can't wait to see them again! Jon is absolutely charismatic and this was an unforgettable show! :)
andrea-hunt-3
Absolutely excellent concert. Incredible new album that's about to come out. Had a dance and a sing and enjoyed every minute when the fratellis were on stage! It's a Shame about the support act but who goes to see them!
sammi-ingram
They never let me down! This is the second time I have seen them and they sound awesome every time. They play a good blend of their new music, but they don't neglect their famous hits! I will for sure see them again.
danielle-lepage
