Edinburgh Hogmanay Set To Rock New Year With The Enemy

The Enemy will be celebrating New Year in style as they perform in front around 80,000 revellers in Edinburgh. The annual hogmanay celebrations will go ahead tonight despite Inverness having to cancel their celebrations due to appalling weather conditions. Edinburgh is expected to be a chilly -2C but that won't stop the party or the impressive firework display as the clock strikes twelve.

Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins and Liam Watts will rock the New Year in with hits from their We'll Live And Die In The Towns and Music For The People albums and fans will be able to watch the performance because BBC Scotland's annual Hogmanay Live show is being streamed live on the internet . The programme runs from 2345 GMT to 0045 GMT on BBC One Scotland.

BBC Alba's Bliadhna Mhath Ur, which is being screened between 2330 GMT and 0100 GMT, is also being streamed live on the same website.

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Tom Clarke Kept Busy With Farm

THE ENEMY frontman TOM CLARKE is dog tired, reports The Sun - not from too much rock 'n' roll partying but from working on his farm.
The singer, who treated himself to a plot in the Midlands a few months ago, is finding it more work than play.

Tom said: "I've bought a farm and have been renovating it while the band have been on wind-down. But it's so much work! Honestly, I'm having second thoughts now.

"I bought it then realised I'd bitten off more than I can chew.

"It needs loads and loads of work, it's taking up all my time."

Tom admits: "I haven't got any animals yet. I don't really know anything about animals, having grown up in the city. I'm just trying to grow grass at the moment.

"I don't know if I can be responsible to look after animals.

"Pigs smell of their own s***. I reckon cows are going to get trendy soon so I might get some of them - Highland cows, the ones which look like sofas."

Quick tip, Tom: Sitting on Highland cattle is not advisable, especially on the end with the horns.

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy Off To The Pub At Christmas

The Sun report that THE ENEMY frontman TOM CLARKE can't keep away from bandmate ANDY HOPKINS - even at Christmas.
The duo are hooking up for a big day bender in home town Coventry.

Tom said: "Me and Andy meet up in the local at midday, it's tradition. Have a few beers, then I'm going to watch Top Gear at my mum's.

"It's the first time the band have had off in four years so I'm going to enjoy it."

Remaining bandmate, drummer LIAM WATTS, won't be joining in. Tom said: "Liam used to be a madhead, on the KEITH MOON track.

"He won't come to the pub. He's practically married now. I don't want to call him boring but he's very settled."

*Read the story HERE
* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy In XFM Song of the Decade Countdown

*pic: Norman Records

The Enemy were voted 70th in XFM's 'Song of the Decade' with the smash  hit, 'Away From Here'. The band's second single appeared on their debut album 'We'll Live And Die In These Towns', which won Xfm's New Music Award in 2008 as the best debut album of the year.

The single entered the UK charts at #8 in April 2007 and became a firm favourite with the fans.

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy Manchester Apollo Review

The Enemy's Apollo, Manchester review by Rick Martin in the News of the World gave the Coventry band the thumbs up with four out of five stars saying,

They received lukewarm reviews for second album Music For The People, but tonight(29/11) proves The Enemy are still in fighting form.

The crowd bellow back tunes such as Aggro and No Time For Tears like national anthems, while frontman Tom Clarke and co deliver hits such as Away From Here with anger and energy.


There's a gap in the rock 'n' roll landscape, and The Enemy could fill it.

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Emma Skipp Update

Emma Skipp *Pic by Nicky Haines

Emma Skipp provided the unforgettable backing vocals on The Enemy's 'No Time For Tears' and became known as the woman with the red hair and red dress as she was seen by thousands of fans during the 2009 gigs. We have good news for all those who loved Emma's voice (and her on stage performances!) - she has a string of acoustic performances lined up.

We have not one, but SIX chances to hear Emma Skipp perform over the coming weeks as she teams up with Mark Webb on guitar for several of the gigs. The charasmatic singer will also be taking part in a Christmas sing-a-long in Birmingham on Friday 18th December 2009.

Exciting news for 2010 continues as Emma looks set to florish with her musical talents - Ms Skipp has been providing backing vocals on the brand new Ocean Colour Scene album 'Saturday', which is due for release on 1st Feb 2010. You can also view a stunning selection of Emma Skipp pictures on her website: http://www.emmaskipp.co.uk/

Emma Skipp Gigs:

Wednesday 16th December 2009 @ Steps Bar, Headless Cross, Redditch from 8.30pm


Thursday 17th December 2009 @ The Golden Cross, Ardens Graften (near Stratford-upon Avon) 8.30pm


Friday 18th December 2009 @ The Loft Lounge, Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham 6.30pm (x mas sing a long!)


Monday 28th December @ The Jam House, St Pauls Square, Birmingham (several acoustic performers, lineup to be announced) 8.30pm



Thurday 31st New Yars Eve with "Perfect Strangers" pop covers band @ The Bell @ (Tickets only direct from venue)


www.perfect-strangers.co.uk or call the venue direct on 0121 3477408



Friday 22nd January 2010 @ The Three Tuns, Fazeley, Tamworth 9pm
 
 
* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy Win Over Birmingham Audience

Here is a review by James Watkins for the Shropshire Star from their recent gig at Birmingham's O2 Academy.

Indie/punk rockers The Enemy, returned to Birmingham for the third time this year on their latest stop from the Music For The People tour.

Coventry’s finest had previously played the old Academy in Dale End on two sold out dates back in April, but returned to raise the roof on the shiny new Academy in Bristol Street.

Opening with Aggro and Had Enough, frontman Tom Clarke lifted the predominantly young crowd into a mass of moshing and crowd-surfing that only the Enemy seem to capable of inspiring.

Whether it was the thought of playing a home soil gig or the realisation that the fans were in a boundlessly energetic mood, the Enemy produced a classic set list that endeared them to the partisan crowd.

Playing all their hits including Away From Here and This Song Is About You, the crowd were lifted into full song throughout the night.

Offering a much more punky sound with It’s Not OK and Elephant Song, Clarke and co. descended into a rip-snorting cover of the Jam’s classic song In The City.

After an hour of showcasing their ability to thrash out tunes ten times harder than on record, Happy Birthday Jane and Not Alone ended the set to audacious applause. No doubt the Enemy will be back with a third album next year and another sold out date in the Midlands.

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy Signed T-Shirt Up For Grabs

The Enemy have signed a special t-shirt for the Music Beats Mines online auction, which ends on December 6th, so hurry and bid for this extra special piece of memrobilia. The Enemy t-shirt is signed by Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins and Liam Watts and will also help a worthwhile cause.
MAG is one of the world's leading landmine clearance organisations, currently working in 17 countries worldwide including Sudan, Angola, Lebanon, Iraq and Vietnam. They recruit and train local staff, create multi-skilled teams, provide emergency response, promote mine risk education and are one of the few mine action organisations in the world to recruit women and mine survivors as deminers.

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy Sign Guitar For CALM

The Enemy have added their signatures on a electric guitar to raise money  for the Campaign Against Living Miserably.

To enter, head on over to the CALM website and buy as many tickets as you like via the secure PayPal "Buy Now" option, closes Monday 7th December. Prize draw takes place on Friday 11th December 2009:

1st Prize

A beautiful electric guitar signed by Kasabian, Reverend & the Makers, The Enemy and the Holloways, made by independently owned UK-based guitar company Hutchins, worth over £250!!!

2nd Prize


A TOPMAN giftcard worth £150 - get styled up for Christmas!
3rd Prize

A Voodou giftcard worth £100 - haircuts, styling, waxing, hot shaves, massage - get yourself looking good and feeling great @ Voodou...

Tickets cost £1 each and need to be bought by Monday December 7th. The draw takes place on Friday 11th December so you'll get your prize before Christmas!

The Campaign Against Living Miserably (C.A.L.M) was launched as a charity in March 2006. CALM is aimed at men aged between 15 and 35. They offer young men a website, with information about a range of issues including drugs, relationships and debt. CALM also offers information and advice via a phone and web chat where you can talk confidentially and anonymously to an adviser. Anyone, regardless of age, gender or geographic location can call the line and visit the website. They are happy to help anyone and do not turn people away. Their website can be seen at http://www.thecalmzone.net/
 

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com/

The Enemy Portsmouth Review

The Enemy @ Portsmouth by Andy Scaysbrook

Here is the review of  The Enemy's Portsmouth gig, as seen in the Southern Daily Echo:

FRESH from supporting Oasis this summer, The Enemy swaggered onto the stage of a packed Portsmouth Guildhall with the atmosphere more akin to that of a football match.

The Coventry three-piece made up of Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins and Liam Watts, kicked off with high energy tracks Aggro and Had Enough, which had the crowd dancing and singing.

Fans may be surprised to learn that the setlist is heavily weighted with songs from their platinum-selling first album, We’ll Live And Die In These Towns, although they belted out the latest tunes Be Somebody, No Time For Tears and Sing When You’re In Love.

After just 35 minutes the boys left the stage but returned for an encore almost as long as their set, performing tracks including It’s Not Ok and Happy Birthday Jane.

And it looked like they were enjoying the gig as much as the crowd when Andy Hopkins returned to his crowd-surfing ways before their final song of You’re Not Alone.

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

VIDEO: The Enemy - O2 Academy Birmingham

Here are a selection of videos featuring The Enemy live at Birmingham's O2 Academy. Recorded on Thursday 26th November 2009 from the balcony area, the videos capture the crowds as they enjoy the performance.

The Enemy also covered The Jam's 'In The City' and a brand new song, as seen in the collection below.


The Enemy - In The City


The Enemy - La la la la! (new song)


The Enemy - You're Not Alone


The Enemy - We'll Live And Die In These Towns


The Enemy - Away From Here


The Enemy - Sing When You're In Love


The Enemy - Be Somebody

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy - O2 Birmingham Review

The Enemy were back on stage in Birmingham as their Music For The People Tour almost draws to a close and they performed for the first time at the O2 Academy. While Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins and Liam Watts played their hearts out in the packed venue, it seems the most determined people at the O2 were the staff/security - who were determined those seated in the balcony should not enjoy themselves!

Maybe they thought this was a gig that required people to be seated all evening, well I'm sorry to disappoint them but tonight The Enemy were playing and seating is not required! Most people up in  the balcony would have loved to stand up and enjoy the gig, just like the previous gigs at the Carling Academy, but over zealous security prohibited such enjoyment. I was already on my final warning and I knew it was either be kicked out or sit still - I opted to watch the band I love, glued to my seat until the final track.

The Enemy never fail to deliver the goods and I was pleased to see the crowds below getting well and truly into the music as the lads delivered a combination of songs from We'll Live And Die In These Towns and Music For The People as well as a new track (it might have been two new tracks but I must admit I'm not 100% sober yet!).

I've always believed that The Enemy should be proud of their second album, but somehow I've felt they were afraid to play more tracks from Music For The People. Just because the second album didn't have the same effect as the first doesn't mean we the fans don't want to hear it. How many times have we been to a gig and heard a live track and then gone home appreciating the song more than before?

Nevertheless, it was good to see The Enemy and this gig was made all the more special by seeing familiar faces at the venue. It was a tour I didn't think I would get to partake in, as I'd been taking part in strikes as a postman trying to defend jobs and the service. Thankfully it all worked out in the end and it was a joy to once again watch the lads perform.

Watch the video below of The Enemy as they played their final track of the night, we rebelled and all stood up on the balcony and finally got to really enjoy ourselves...............

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

VIDEO: The Enemy Soundcheck

Tom Clarke spoke to Pepsi Maxcast as The Enemy continued their UK Tour and even performed The Verve's 'Drugs Don't Work' during the soundcheck. You can watch the video below and read what Tom had to say about the tour on the Pepsi Maxcast website, HERE.

The Enemy cover The Verve 'The Drugs Don't Work'

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy Back National Free Music Lessons

The Enemy have joined others in supporting the launch of a national free music lesson scheme. The programme sees Yamaha's national network of  Music Schools offering free music lessons aimed at introducing people of all ages to music making for the first time. Participants will be asked for a voluntary donation of a few pounds for each lesson session and it's expected substantial funds will be raised for ChildLine, the free helpline for children provided by the NSPCC.

The ambitious programme is open to people of all ages and the tuition will be provided by fully trained music teachers via the 90 strong national network of Yamaha Music Schools which already teaches over 9000 pupils every week, reports LSI Online.

The campaign will have an underlying theme aimed at raising awareness of ChildLine, which is currently able to answer just two thirds of the 2m calls it receives every year from children and young people in distress. A point Yamaha's Ricci Hodgson is keen to reinforce: "Yamaha are really proud to be involved with ChildLine Rocks, recognising the hugely valuable work that ChildLine undertakes. Yamaha is founded on a culture of enriching people's lives through music making, whilst ChildLine offers a lifeline to the most vulnerable children in our community. We'd like to think that this partnership will help the more fortunate to help the less fortunate in our community. "

To supercharge participation and fund raising, this year's programme will culminate at the 2010 ChildLine Rocks Gig at the O2 Indigo, where a band formed from Yamaha Music School pupils will be invited to open the show following a public vote. The band will then become Young ChildLine Rocks ambassadors touring schools to raise funds and awareness following the concert.



*Read full story HERE
* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy Visit Jacket Factory

The Enemy might be busy on tour but they took time out to visit a jacket factory, as reported in The Shields Gazette, and reprinted below:

ROCK band The Enemy made a whistlestop visit to a South Tyneside factory after a sell-out gig.

Frontman Tom Clarke, bassist Andy Hopkins and drummer Liam Watts were given a tour of the Barbour factory in South Shields yesterday.

They met the workforce and saw how Barbour's classic wax jackets are made before going into the store at Simonside, where they tried on a selection of jackets from the latest winter collection.

The Coventry-based band, who are touring to promote their second album, Music For The People, dropped in after playing at the 02 Academy in Newcastle on Sunday night.

They were heading to Leeds, where they were playing last night(16/11/09).

Barbour PR manager Sue Newton said "The Enemy are big fans of our brand, and as they were in the area, they asked if they could call in.

"We were delighted to see them, and to show them around the factory and the store."

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

VIDEO: The Enemy @ Sheffield

The Enemy continue their UK tour and rocked Sheffield on Thursday 12th November, our man behind the scenes (Malkit), recorded some videos from his prime location. The video below features Andy Hopkins crowd surfing (4 mins 30 seconds).



Check out Malkit's other videos of The Enemy and Akeal HERE
* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy @ Music Week In Liverpool

The Enemy were in Liverpool performing as part of the cities Music Week and Anthony Mooney took some excellent pictures. The picture above captures Andy Hopkins in full flow as he stage dived into the waiting crowd, just like the old days!

To see more pictures by Anthony Mooney, click HERE or visit his website http://www.anthonymooney.com/

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy To Play Hogmanay

The Enemy have been added to the line up of this year's Edinburgh Hogmanay street party, reports NME magazine.



Taking place in Edinburgh city centre on December 31, the party also features Madness, Noisettes and Frightened Rabbit. The Fratellis' frontman John Lawler's sideproject Codeine Velvet Club are also set to perform at the bash.


Tickets for Edinburgh Hogmanay are on sale now. For more information see Edinburghshogmanay.com.


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

PICTURES: The Enemy on Rock FM

The Enemy visited Rock FM earlier this year for an interview with In:Demand. The pictures are from the Rock FM website and you can listen to Tom Clarke, Liam Watts and Andy Hopkins as they talked about the last tour.

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy Tour Kicks Off

*pic by Huffee

The Enemy have already kicked off their latest tour of the UK with two crowd pleasing performances up north (Preston and Liverpool) ahead of the two dates in Scotland. The lads will then return south of the border for more northern dates.

Fans may be surprised to learn that the setlist is heavily weighted with songs from the first album, 'We'll Live And Die In These Towns'. Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins and Liam Watts belted out the latest tunes ('Be Somebody', 'No Time For Tears' and 'Sing When You're In Love'). There was also a surprise new song performed ('In The City'), written by Tom while in Preston.

Andy Hopkins even returned to his crowd surfing ways in Liverpool....................

Setlist (variations):

Aggro



Had Enough


No Time For Tears


40 Days And 40 Nights


Away From Here


Technodanceaphobic


Sing When In Love


We'll Live And Die In These Towns


Be Somebody


It's Not Ok


This Song Is About You


Elephant Song

Happy Birthday Jane


You're Not Alone

 

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy Edinburgh Gig Cancelled

The Enemy have sadly had to cancel tonight's Edinburgh gig after Tom Clarke went down with a sore throat. The gig will be rescheduled for Tues 1st December 2009.

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy Tour Snaps From Pepsi Maxcast

The Enemy have teamed up with Pepsi Maxcast who have compiled a collection of pictures to get fans in the mood for the current tour. The pics include photos from Beachbreak, Glastonbury, Ibiza Rocks  and Summersonic in Japan. Plus check out the pic of two of road crew after Andy and Liam had chucked them in the pool in Ibiza!
Liam Watts also lists The Enemy’s Tour Essentials, which you can read on the Pepsi Maxcast website. Expect more updates on Pepsi Maxcast as the tour rolls on................

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Vote For The Enemy In XFM's Song Of The Decade

Remember how you felt in 2007 when The Enemy released 'Away From Here'? Well now you can vote for The Enemy as part of XFM's 'Song Of The Decade'. The radio station will  be playing the Top 100 Songs Of The Decade on Saturday November 28 between 11am and 7pm and your vote could win you 100 free iTunes downloads. XFM will select 10 winners at random, so head over to the XFM website HERE and cast your votes.

Show your support for The Enemy by voting for 'Away From Here' as your 'Song Of The Decade'

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Who Are Supporting The Enemy On Tour November 2009?

The Enemy are touring the UK during November 2009 and listed below are the support acts that will be performing on stage during those gigs.

Lowline : http://www.myspace.com/thisislowline

17 Nov 2009 - Lincoln Engine Shed – Lincoln
19 Nov 2009 - London HMV Forum – London
22 Nov 2009 - Folkestone Leas Cliff – Folkestone
24 Nov 2009 - Portsmouth Guildhall – Portsmouth
26 Nov 2009 - Birmingham O2 Academy – Birmingham
27 Nov 2009 - Leamington Assembly – Leamington
29 Nov 2009 - Manchester Apollo – Manchester


General Fiasco : http://www.myspace.com/generalfiasco


8 Nov 2009 - Liverpool – University-Liverpool
10 Nov 2009 - Edinburgh - Corn Exchange- Edinburgh
11 Nov 2009 - Glasgow Academy - Glasgow
12 Nov 2009 - Sheffield Academy - Sheffield
15 Nov 2009 - Newcastle Academy - Newcastle
16 Nov 2009 - Leeds Academy - Leeds Academy
17 Nov 2009 - Lincoln Engine Shed – Lincoln
19 Nov 2009 - London HMV Forum – London
22 Nov 2009 - Folkestone Leas Cliff – Folkestone
24 Nov 2009 - Portsmouth Guildhall – Portsmouth
26 Nov 2009 - Birmingham O2 Academy – Birmingham
27 Nov 2009 - Leamington Assembly – Leamington
29 Nov 2009 - Manchester Apollo – Manchester

Akeal : http://www.myspace.com/akeal

7 Nov 2009 - 53 Degrees - PRESTON
8 Nov 2009 - Mountford Hall - LIVERPOOL
10 Nov 2009 - Corn Exchange - EDINBURGH
11 Nov 2009 - O2 Academy - GLASGOW
12 Nov 2009 - O2 Academy - SHEFFIELD
15 Nov 2009 - O2 Academy - NEWCASTLE
16 Nov 2009 - O2 Academy - LEEDS

The Enemy full UK tour is:

Sat 07 Nov 2009
The Enemy @ 53 Degrees Preston Buy Tickets

Sun 08 Nov 2009
The Enemy @ Liverpool University Buy Tickets

Tue 10 Nov 2009
The Enemy @ Edinburgh Corn Exchange Buy Tickets

Wed 11 Nov 2009
The Enemy @ Glasgow O2 Academy Buy Tickets

Thu 12 Nov 2009
The Enemy @ Sheffield O2 Academy Buy Tickets

Sun 15 Nov 2009
The Enemy @ Newcastle O2 Academy SOLD OUT

Mon 16 Nov 2009
The Enemy @ Leeds O2 Academy Buy Tickets

Tue 17 Nov 2009
The Enemy @ Lincoln Engine Shed Buy Tickets

Thu 19 Nov 2009
The Enemy @ London HMV Forum Buy Tickets

Fri 20 Nov 2009
The Enemy @ Norwich UEA Buy Tickets

Sat 21 Nov 2009
The Enemy @ Folkestone Leas Cliff Buy Tickets

Tue 24 Nov 2009
The Enemy @ Portsmouth Guildhall Buy Tickets

Thu 26 Nov 2009
The Enemy @ Birmingham O2 Academy Buy Tickets

Fri 27 Nov 2009
The Enemy @ Leamington Assembly SOLD OUT

Sun 29 Nov 2009
The Enemy @ Manchester Apollo Buy Tickets

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy Booked For Snowbombing Festival 2010

The Enemy are set to rock the Snowbombing Festival in the mountainous Mayrhofen region of Austria. The location will offer a combination of live music and extreme sports from 5 - 10 April 2010 with the Editors, Doves, Friendly Fires, De La Soul and Vitalic all confirmed as performers.

Dizzee Rascal has described the festival, "It's like Ibiza in the snow." Full details can be found on the official website HERE

*PIC: Ed Mills/NME
* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Andy Hopkins Talks About Coventry City Football Club On BBC

The Enemy's bassist, Andy Hopkins met up with BBC's Mark Clemmit from The Football League Show on the BBC. Watch the video as Andy chats about Coventry City Football Club and life in a rock 'n' roll band. Plus he answers the all important, "Who would win in a football match between The Enemy and Kasabian?"


Watch the BBC Video : HERE


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy: Mirror Interview And Video

The Enemy have sparked debate about Radio 1's playlist after being interviewed by The Mirror. Read the full interview below and watch the video below:

The Mirror chatted to the band as part of the celebrations for Guinness's 250th birthday in Dublin. 

The Enemy have launched an astonishing attack on BBC Radio 1, saying it has given up on trying to break new guitar bands.

The Coventry band, who won Best New Band at last year's NME Awards, say that believe the playlist is largely ignoring upcoming acts of a more indie or alternative bent.

Frontman Tom Clarke told us: "I think 2009 has been an awful year for music because in England, Radio 1 for some reason have stopped playing anything with a guitar in it.what’s happened, their balls seem to have retracted into their lower abdomen, and they’re playing what can only be described as shi*te. But there’s always Kerrang! and XFM isn’t there?"

Radio 1 has recently rejigged its playlist criteria and schedule in a bid to attract younger listeners.

The move comes after commercial radio executives called for an overhaul of the station, arguing that it had breached its remit by having an average listener age of 33.

In a report made to the BBC Trust, the commercial radio sector's trade body, the RadioCentre, said the station was eating into their audience instead of targeting the 15- to 29-year-old target age range.

The overhaul started last month.

But Tom stormed: "In trying to alienate all the older listeners in playing sh*t, then yes, they’re going about in completely the right way. They’re just presuming that younger listeners want to listen to sh*t. I don’t understand it. I do think that it’s diabolical at the moment. I can’t listen to it.

"It’s a really hard time for new bands. We’re alright ‘cos we’ve been going for years, so it doesn’t affect you that much, you’re just not on Radio1, but for new bands coming through it must make it absolutely impossible.

"It’s such a shame. It’s so hard for a band to break through anyway and with radio not helping, you know, there’s great bands out there with real talent going completely unnoticed because someone at Radio 1 has decided that he doesn’t like guitars. For god’s sake people get a grip, and get good guitars bands back on the radio."


The band, who's new single Be Somebody has just been released, said they also agreed with Lily Allen's views on filesharing.

Tom said: “I think Lily Allen has a fair point. When big artists moans about it (filesharing), it’s a bit annoying as they don’t really need the money. What, does Bono need a new yacht or something? It affects bands at a grass root level who’re just starting and where every CD sale and every T-shirt sale is whether they can put the fuel in the transit van to get to the next gig. That’s important and on that level it can ruin bands and it destroys new music so it’s a pretty dangerous thing."

He continued: "People do get to hear music that they maybe they wouldn’t have heard and perhaps they’ll go out and buy it, but I think that’s wishful thinking though, I think they’ll just listen to the illegally downloaded stuff.

"It’s bizarre that people think it’s acceptable to steal music, ‘cos that’s what you’re doing, you wouldn’t think it’s acceptable to fill your car up and drive off."

The band spent the summer supporting Oasis on their stadium tour but Tom said they had no idea the Gallagher brothers were seriously on the verge of splitting.

Tom shrugged: “It’s a shame and I’m absolutely gutted. But hopefully….you never know what will happen in the future. Touch wood Their mum will sort it out, yeah, Peggy will get on it, bang their heads together. I’d love to see them get back together, but I’d also like to see a solo album from Noel. I really think he’s got an absolute quality album in him.”

*Story: The Mirror
* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

VIDEO: The Enemy on Soccer AM

Here is the video footage of The Enemy from Sky's Soccer Am on Saturday October 3. The band talk about their new single 'Be Somebody' and FIFA 10, plus the lads talk about football, Tom spills the beans on why he had to miss the Wembley Oasis gig and Andy reveals how he was edited out of the last video.

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy On Soccer AM

The Enemy will be appearing on Soccer AM this Saturday (October 3), hoping to follow on from their last appearance on the show. The last time Tom, Liam and Andy were on the show they joined the prestigious Soccer AM hat-trick club and couldn't wait to tour with Oasis and Kasabian.

This time the Coventry fans will be on the show ahead of the release of their new single, 'Be Somebody'. The video for the single was filmed at the Ricoh Arena and the song is even being used on the new FIFA 10 computer game!

The Soccer AM crew will be asking the boys about all of that and lots, lots more! So tune in to watch all the gang, plus this week's Soccerette and our Blackpool fans of the week, 9am, Saturday on Sky Sports 1 and Sky1.


The Enemy on Soccer AM 11/04/09


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

VIDEO: Tom Clarke Pepsi Maxcast Interview

Here is an exclusive interview with Tom Clarke by Smivadee for Pepsi Maxcast. Tom chats about Oasis, how The Enemy got their name and the idea behind the bands new single 'Be Somebody'.

*Video by: Pepsi Maxcast

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy To Perform Charity Gig

The Enemy will be performing a gig as part of Youth Music Week at London's Phillips de Pury Gallery in London on Friday 13th November. The gigs are part of a project by top photographer Rankin for Youth Music, a charity for children.

Little Boots will be performing at the same venue on the 12th and tickets for the events can be bought HERE for £20 (plus 12.5% booking fee). Various musicians were asked by Rankin to customise a picture of themselves as part of the week long events and include REM's Michael Stripe, Blur's Alex James, Jarvis Cocker, Carl Baret and Kasabian.


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy In New Gaming Approach

The Guardian have an interesting Blog about The Enemy's latest release 'Be Somebody' in the promotion of FIFA 10 written by Jack Arnott and printed below:

Fans of football games and The Enemy (a band which I guess I'd be more aware of were I ten years younger or lived nearer to Shoreditch) will be pleased to hear that the band's new single, Be Somebody, will feature on Fifa 2010, released this coming Friday.

The band, it seems, like playing Fifa when they aren't strumming their guitars or growing their hair - you can see them playing the game in the video above.

'What's new?' I hear you shout. 'Who cares?' Well what makes this slightly different from Song 2 from Fifa 98 or that annoying song about Kennedy and King and something else from Pro Evo 09 is that both game and song are being released in the same week - cross-promotion on an scarily well-organised scale.

While the use of films to sell music is now a well established part of the Hollywood blockbuster system (cast rappers to be in soundtrack, or have a single released which has a film trailer as a music video), music and games is a relatively untapped marketing avenue.

If you think about how well you know the songs from your radio station of choice on GTA 4 for example (Fusion FM for me) it's easy to see how the real estate of your ears could be exploited.

Of course, the fact that early consoles couldn't manage CD quality audio is a large factor in this tactic taking a while to catch on, but if you consider how likely the average gamer is to be a music fan it's surprising we haven't seen more of this type of cross-promotion. Cynical it may be, but if in-game music gets better as a result the consumer stands to benefit greatly.

If EA succeed in getting both The Enemy and Fifa 2010 to the top of their respective charts next week, it's a practice we're bound to see much more of. What's to say that at this very moment Take That aren't writing a song with lyrics inspired by BioShock 2?

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

The Enemy Feature In New Coventry Exhibition

Tom Clarke, Liam Watts and Andy Hopkins of The Enemy will feature in a new exhibition celebrating Coventry's musical history. The display at Coventry's Herbert Art Gallery and Museum will demonstrate that the city has more on offer than just The Specials.

The Enemy have once again put Coventry on the musical map during their three years of constant touring and the lads have always been proud to promote Coventry (as seen in their latest video 'Be Somebody').

Martin Roberts, senior curator at the Herbert, said: “An exhibition celebrating the music of Coventry is long overdue. Artists from the city have had an amazing impact around the world and it’s astounding to see the successes and achievements that these artists have had.”

'More Than Two Tone' opens in Coventry on Saturday October 3 and will remain open to the public for free until Sunday 3rd January 2010.

*Read full story in Coventry Telegraph

* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Tom Clarke Backs Lily Allen

Tom Clarke from The Enemy has backed Lily Allen and a host of other singers and bands who want to be paid for music downloaded from the internet, reports Teletext.
"New music doesn't just appear on your radio. People go out and tour for years putting the graft in," he told Teletext.
"So it's right and important people don't rob pennies off bands who need it." Look after the pennies Tom, and the pounds will look after themselves.


The Enemy grafting

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The Enemy To Take World By Storm With Third Album

THE Enemy plan to continue flying the flag for lad rock says the Daily Star. Despite Music For The People not flogging as many copies as their No 1 debut they won’t be turning electro. Tom Clarke, 22, said: “We’ll stick to being a guitar band, and then take the world by storm with album three.”

The Enemy’s latest single features on the soundtrack for EA SPORTS FIFA 10, which is out on October 2.


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Tom Clarke Sunday Mail Interview

THE ENEMY are preparing for tour bus fall-outs when they hit the road in November - over a football video game, according to an interview in the Sunday Mail. The Scottish newspaper interviewed Tom Clarke about the new single, FIFA 10, touring and recording.




The band's forthcoming single Be Somebody is the theme song for hit FIFA 10 game and they are getting their bus kitted out with an Xbox 360 so they can play.



But frontman Tom Clarke admits there will be arguments between himself and bandmates Liam Watts and Andy Hopkins over who gets to be their beloved Coventry City.



Tom said: "It's one of those things that's a bit of fun. Electronic Arts wanted to use one of our tracks on the game and Be Somebody immediately came to mind.



"The single is out the week before the game so it all just fell in to place really nicely.



"The best thing is it looks like they're going to sort us out with an Xbox so we can spend all those hours on the tour bus playing FIFA10...but there will be rows over who plays as Coventry."



He joked: "Not over who GETS to play as them but who HAS to!"





The Enemy play Glasgow's 02 Academy on November 11 as they wrap up last album, Music For The People, and prepare to start work on the next one.



The album marked a radical and risky departure from the raw, undiluted energy of their breakthrough CD, We'll Live And Die In These Towns. But Tom is confident they got away with it because the new songs worked well live.



Tom said: "That surprised us because we didn't think about that at all when we were making the record. It just happened."



However he admits they plan to return to their roots and the sound which first made them stars for their third album.



He said: "We're really happy with how Music For The People went but there was something missing, that raw, energetic sound that came from the three of us in a rehearsal room. I want that back on the next record.



"We finish the tour in November then we're going to take a month off for Christmas and get stuck into the album in the New Year."



The Enemy's Be Somebody features on the soundtrack for EA SPORTS FIFA 10, available from October 2. For more information go to www.easports.co.uk/fifa


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com

Andy Hopkins and Tom Clarke Interview

Sport.co.uk caught up with Andy Hopkins and Tom Clarke from Coventry rockers The Enemy, and challenged them to a game of FIFA 10, which is soundtracked by the band's new single 'Be Somebody'...



Are you guys experienced FIFA players?



AH: Yeah, I’ve got FIFA 09 at home. I tell you what, I think the controls are a lot better [on the new one]. It feels a lot easier to play. ‘Cause I was rubbish at 09, to be honest.



Well I’m going to challenge you to a game, if that’s alright.



Both: (General muttering indicating that the challenge is accepted)



Should we play Rangers vs Celtic? Because they’re the Auld Enemy. And you’re the new Enemy.



(Lets slightly lame suggestion hang in the air for a moment or two, before we end up choosing our respective clubs of choice: Everton and Coventry City.)



So, do you follow the Sky Blues closely?



AH: We used to.



TC: I only moved to Coventry when I was 16. I grew up in Birmingham. When we’re back, we try and get to games but it’s f***ing impossible to follow any sport when you’re never home and essentially living on a bus.



(I deviate from the real Everton’s regular 4-5-1 line up, pairing Saha and Yakubu up front in a sophisticated 4-2-2-2 formation. Joleon Lescott is of course removed from the starting XI, and the virtual Mikel Arteta is fit enough to take his place on the right of midfield. Andy leaves his Coventry side unchanged and plays the first half.)



TC: I like the fact that you’re serious about this.



I’m representing my club; of course I’ve got to take it seriously. Why is there only one player and one goalkeeper on the pitch?



AH: Oh, that’s just while it’s loading. You get to practise. They’ve thought about it.



Oh right. That’s a good feature. So are you not massive Coventry fans, then? I was hoping to natter about ‘Cookie’ Coleman and Clinton ‘Goal Machine’ Morrison…



TC: I tend to say I like to see Cov do well, which happens rarely.



Did you follow them during their Premier League years?



AH: Yep. That’s when I was a massive fan. But it’s hard to follow it when you’ve been away for three years and you’ve got other things on your mind. But I’ve got a Fantasy Football team this year so I’ll probably keep up with it a bit more.



We interviewed Steve Froggatt a while ago. He once scored a blinding goal against us live on Sky.



AH: I played a charity football match with him the other day. It was against loads of ex Cov players, like David Busst.



Nice to hear that Busst was involved. That was an horrific injury he suffered.



AH: He’s still limping. But he put in a good performance. Compared to us lot, anyway.



You had some memorable names at Highfield Road back in the day. Dion Dublin, Robbie Keane, Darren Huckerby, Peter Ndlovu, Roy Wegerle. Who’s the best you ever saw?



AH: Micky Quinn. Or Roy Wegerle, yeah.



Have you read Micky Quinn’s autobiography, ‘Who Ate All the Pies?’ ?



AH: No.



Do you recall the game on the last day of the 97/98 season where you very nearly sent us down?



AH: Earl Barrett?



Don’t think he played that day but, yes, it would have been roundabout the Era of Earl Barrett. What about that famous final day escape when you won 2-1 at Spurs? Any memories of that?



AH: Erm…who scored?



Can’t remember but I think Gordon Strachan was manager at the time. Did you used to go to the games at all?



AH: Yeah. I used to play for this football team who always took us to away games. But I never really used to go to Highfield Road.



This is a dreadful game so far. Please accept my apologies; I play quite an attritional game. (Trying desperately) Coventry have had one or two exciting results in the last few years though, haven’t they? Like winning 4-1 at Blackburn in the cup?



(Silence)



Er…so what are you up to with the band at the moment?



TC: Liam’s been on holiday for the last three weeks. We’ve had three weeks off, which is the longest we’ve had in three years. We’re doing a UK headline tour in November.



What festivals did you play this summer?



TC: We just did V, which was f***ing brilliant.



Did you ever used to go to any festivals?



TC: No, I could never afford it. Just look at how expensive Glastonbury is.



(Finally, some incident – I concede a sloppy penalty which Leon Best converts with aplomb to put Coventry 1-0 to the good.)



It’s nice that you can play as Championship teams on this now.



TC: They’ve had that for years.



Oh right. Sorry – I’m still playing off muscle memory from World Cup 98!



TC: That was the best!



These games have come a long way. I remember being amazed by Striker on the SNES. But it looks ridiculous now. When you scored, a clown would appear on the scoreboard and applaud you. (Realises during the ensuing silence that the SNES was quite possibly before their time and feels old.)



TC: (Assuming control for the second half) Sorry, it’s kind of sad that Cov are 1-0 up and I’m gonna take over half way through. Probably lose 3-1.



(One of my boys goes down in the box. I appeal for a penalty but it falls upon virtual ears.) Do you follow any other sports?



TC: I’d like to but it’s f***ing impossible.



AH: You do F1 a bit, don’t you?



TC: I’m bang into Formula 1 but I can’t follow it.





Roland Nilsson, eh? He was the man. What a player.



(Silence. A sublime through ball puts me one on one with Keiren Westwood but the ‘keeper comes out on top.)



So. What’s your favourite pizza topping?



TC: Andy’s just f***ing weird; he puts everything on pizzas.



AH: At the moment, I’m loving spicy chicken, pepperoni and jalapeno.



I’ve discovered that jalapenos and pineapple go brilliantly together on pizza. You should try it.



AH: Nah.



TC: You can’t put pineapple on pizzas. That’s out of order. It’s too sweet.



AH: I was served pineapple with a White Russian last night. Did you see that? Gave me a White Russian with a f***ing slice of pineapple in it. What the f*** is that about? It was f***ing horrible.



A lion versus a tiger, in a fight to the death, each beast covered in gravy in order to ensure optimum savagery. Who wins?



TC: Liam’s thought about this a lot. It’s a shame he’s not here. I’d say that a tiger’s probably gonna be more vicious. I don’t think they cohabit though, so it’s highly unlikely.



It’s hypothetical. Gorilla versus a grizzly?



AH: Grizzly.



TC: Yeah. Grizzly’s got claws, hasn’t he? One swipe and…I mean, gorilla’s got strength, but…



(Just then, the Yak, appropriately fed, breaks free and scores.) Oh, what a beauty!



TC: This is the beginning of the end, man. This is what happens to Cov.



(At that point, I’m informed that I have three minutes left. Time to go for the jugular.) So, out of all the bands and artists you’ve met, who have you disliked the most?



TC: To be quite honest with you, you meet c***s all the time. You’ve just got to f***ing ignore them, frankly. When you’re in this position, there’s always someone who wants to cut you down.



You must have met some amazing people too, though.



TC: We’ve toured with f***ing amazing bands. We’ve just done the Oasis tour…Manic Street Preachers, Stereophonics…





TC: Probably Noel [Gallagher]. I know it’s an obvious one but…oh shit…(gets player sent off for a professional foul)



Off! Off! Off! (I make a total mess of the resulting free-kick.) Do you guys play football?



TC: Yeah. There’s always a football on tour.



What positions do you play?



AH: Right-wing.



TC: I’m not good enough to say I play any position.



(Proceedings degenerate into general swearing, grunts of frustration and the occasional “Oh no!” as the final whistle of an error-strewn game approaches, with the score still locked at 1-1.)



Let’s get vaguely topical. How would you celebrate if you scored a last-minute winner for Coventry against Villa? Bear in mind that the Villa fans have been giving you stick all game.



TC: [I’d celebrate] quietly. The Villa fans can be a bit nasty. Depends if we’re home or away.



You’re at the Ricoh Arena.



AH: I’d just do a Klinsmann or something. I can’t do backflips.



Who’s gonna win the World Cup?



AH: I actually do think it’ll be England. They’re mint at the moment. Last World Cup, I didn’t think they’d do it.



TC: I’m gonna throw it out there: I don’t think England will win.



Yes, generally. Any tips for good new bands?



TC: Twisted Wheel. They’re a Manchester band…(trails off into mumbling as I break through again…only to screw it up again. Further non-conversation ensues before the Yak strikes again to give me a last-ditch 2-1 lead. I emit a rather undignified roar in celebration.)



So how did ‘Be Somebody’ come to be used on the game? Did they just approach you and say, “We like the song. Can we use it?”



TC: Sort of, yeah. That was a foul, surely.



Ah, I think he made contact. With the ball, that is. Do you have a favourite football cliché?



TC: “Game of two halves” is a classic, innit? I like saying it about gigs: “it was a gig of two halves”.



(The whistle blows. Final score: Sport.co.uk 2-1 The Enemy)



TC: Congratulations. Convincing win.



The Enemy's latest single features on the soundtrack for EA SPORTS FIFA 10, available on all formats from October 2nd. For more information go to www.easports.co.uk/fifa


* OFFICIAL Enemy website: http://theenemy.com