The Enemy - Gimme The Sign (with on screen lyrics)
I've added the studio version of 'Gimme The Sign' to the recent live recording at S7ven nightclub in Coventry, so now everyone can sing-a-long because the lyrics are on the screen.
Enjoy!
Don't forget the track is FREE to download as a thank you from The Enemy to the fans. Visit www.theenemy.com and the Facebook link below.
Coventry band The Enemy are giving fans a very special treat - the first single from the new album 'Streets In The Sky' for free. The single will be 'Gimme The Sign' and fans will be able to download it from the two official websites www.theenemy.com and at www.facebook.com/theenemy.
As we revealed previously, Radio 1's Zane Lowe will showcase the single on his show (21/02/12) and then fans will be able to download the single from the links above. Tom Clarke explained why the band were giving the track away for free, "because we have the most dedicated loyal fans in the world, you've stuck with us through thick and thin, through the highs of Wembley and through complete radio silence. Our way of showing you that we appreciate the support, and that we love you guys is to give you this one, and wet your appetites for the album."
Fans will be able to let Radio 1 and Zane Lowe know what they think of Gimme The Sign by sending a text to 81199 after the track is played on the show. Tom Clarke went on to say, "Let radio know what you think. The only way we'll get guitar music back in the charts is if the public mobilise and make it happen. We can make great albums, but only the public can make great bands."
Gimme The Sign FREE DOWNLOAD will be available from:
The Enemy have finally revealed the name for the third album, they have called it 'Streets In The Sky'. The name relates to a block of flats in Sheffield (Park Hill), completed in 1961 but subject to much controversy ever since. A BBC documentary 'Saving Britain's Past' featured the flats that became a listed building in 1998. The title reflects the gritty real aspect of life in Britain for many people.
The first three tour dates were also revealed with Manchester, Glasgow and London kicking off the tour. Tom Clarke described the dates as 'a little appetiser to the years full explosive live calendar.' with more dates and diverse venues to be announced over the coming months.
23rd May - Manchester Academy, Manchester
24th May - Shepherds Bush Empire, London
25th May - Glasgow Barrowlands, Glasgow
The Enemy will also be performing at Live at Leeds Festival on Saturday 5th May 2012 (Bank Holiday weekend) Tickets for the festival are available from www.lunatickets.co.uk, while tickets for The Enemy tour are available from their official website www.theenemy.com
Tom Clarke told fans on his official blog, "We're making a proper effort to bring you the shows you want to see, not to just start the bus and jump on the standard gig circuit. Don't panic, there will be more live dates announced soon and a full tour. After these select shows we'll be making some festival appearances, because of the nature of festivals we can't announce which ones yet, but let me tell you, I know which ones we're playing, and who with, and it's going to be the best festival season we've ever done!"
The Enemy frontman continued by saying, "After festivals there will be a full on Enemy headline tour. We intend to play the longest set we've ever played. Pretty much the whole of the first album, the special moments off the second that everybody loved, and an absolute barrage of new exciting big songs from Streets In The Sky. The hard part with this album, is deciding which ones we have to leave out, because they're all bangers. Everybody has a different favourite, and every song is a gem!"
Streets In The Sky will be released late spring and follows on from the chart topping debut album 'We'll Live And Die In These Towns' and the #2 follow up album 'Music For The People'. For the latest updates visit www.theenemy.com or click the official website links below.
Follow The Enemy on and
Streets In The Sky - gets inspiration from the Sheffield flats
Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe will be the first radio station to play The Enemy's new single 'Gimme The Sign'. The track will feature during Zane's Tuesday evening programme (Tues 21st February 2012 from 7-9pm) around 7.20pm.
Tom Clarke said, "Seriously, it's an honour to be on @zanelowe again. He was the first Radio 1 DJ to play The Enemy, a long term pioneer of great guitar music." Tom told Zane, "We are all BUZZING for 2012 in The Enemy Camp! Excitement is off the scale!"
Fans were quick to respond to the news on Twitter prompting Tom to respond to all the messages with these words, "We've worked our bollocks off, and when I see you lot on twitter mobilising for the cause it makes me proud as fuck. Thankyou!" More good news for fans of The Enemy is expected tomorrow (Tues 21/02/12) when the band reveal details of their UK tour ahead of the third album release. Tom, Liam and Andy were back in the studio this week putting the final touches to the album with Joby J Ford.
VIDEO: The Enemy - Gimme The Sign
Hundreds of fans were treated to the first public performance of several new tunes at a special homecoming gig in Coventry last Thursday (16/02/12) at S7ven nightclub, the setlist included Gimme The Sign - which will be featured on Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show. The video for Gimme The Sign is currently being prepared for release alongside the single, but amateur footage recorded at the gig has already appeared on YouTube(watch the video above to get an idea of what the track sounds like). The Enemy are also expected to announce festival dates over the coming weeks.
Here are all 14 videos from The Enemy gig at S7ven nightclub in Coventry, recorded on Thursday 16th February 2012.
The Enemy returned to Coventry with a bang - a gig fans would never forget! Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins, Liam Watts and Tom Boddy did what The Enemy do best ..... they played great tunes that fans love.
S7ven nightclub was crammed full and the atmosphere was electric as The Enemy took to the stage. There were no barriers, no heavy handed security - this was a date with The Enemy and their fans. No-one left disappointed because The Enemy know how to deliver on what they do best.
Fans from around the world tuned in for the live stream of the event, hosted on the official website www.theenemy.com and other websites. The following videos were recorded by robmacca - the aim was to try and capture the excitement within the crowds. Even when everyone is jumping up and down, singing along and enjoying every moment, the videos show just how lively The Enemy performances are. While the sound/picture quality of the videos do not do The Enemy justice, hopefully you will get a flavour of what the upcoming tour and festivals will be like.
VIDEOS: The Enemy @S7ven, Coventry - all 14 songs in one playlist.
The local newspaper published this article about what the fans thought of The Enemy's comeback gig at S7ven in Coventry. Warren Manger who was at the gig and wrote the story, has championed the music scene in Coventry for a long time. His review of The Enemy at S7ven is also reproduced below (read The Music Abyss for more from Coventry's music scene)
COVENTRY kids The Enemy stepped back onto the stage to treat hundreds of fans to a compelling comeback show.
A capacity crowd packed bar S7ven at the old city fire station for the momentous show, which saw The Enemy debut five tracks from their eagerly-awaited third album.
Meanwhile, an estimated 30,000 fans tuned in online to watch the gig – which was recorded for the band’s new music video, Gimme The Sign.
They were treated to a host of classic Enemy tracks, plus five new tracks from their third album, due later this year.
After the show on Thursday night, many fans took to Twitter hailing it a huge success.
Rob McArdle, from The Enemy unofficial blog, said: “The crowd went wild – lots of crowd surfing and new tunes are mint.
“The band ripped it up, the place was exploding with energy.”
The Enemy announced the intimate gig online three weeks ago.
Tickets went on sale immediately and sold out in seconds.
Fans began queuing outside the venue long before the doors opened at 8pm to secure a spot at the front and get their faces on the video.
During the show they were treated to a sneak peak at five new tracks including This Is Real, Saturday and Bigger Cages, Longer Chains.
After the gig The Enemy frontman Tom Clarke tweeted: “Thank you to everyone at the video shoot.
“Amazing, you lot made it epic! Can’t praise you enough.”
The comeback gig prompted such excitement The Sun’s showbiz editor Gordon Smart even sought some relief from the scandal that has engulfed the newspaper by heading to Coventry to see the show.
He saw the band – Clarke, bassist Andy Hopkins and drummer Liam Watts – produce arguably their most thrilling show since their Godiva Festival slot in 2007.
After the gig, he tweeted: “Fair play to Tom, Andy and Liam. Rock’n’roll spirit is alive and well in Coventry tonight.”
The gig was hosted by the Panic rock and roll club night at S7ven.
It was organised by promoter John Dawkins, who also works with and is a close friend of the band.
It is the second big name he has attracted to the venue in a week.
Last Friday, Reverend & The Makers played an intimate set there to warm up for their slot supporting Noel Gallagher on his solo arena tour.
Coventry music historian Pete Chambers tweeted: “The Enemy are back, they nailed it tonight.
“Made me proud to be from Cov all over again, thanks to Dawks.”
THERE is something special in the air as the crowd at S7ven in Coventry wait for The Enemy to take to the stage for their big comeback.
It evokes memories of the trio's famous slot at the Godiva Festival in 2007.
On that occasion both the band and their fans knew they were celebrating the dawn of a new era, with their debut album We'll Live And Die In These Towns set to enter the charts at number one the next evening.
Tonight is all about rebirth.
Second album Music For The People featured some stunning highlights but failed to capture the public's imagination in the same way as their first.
So the band went away and regrouped, enlisting the help of punk rocker Joby Ford to reinvigorate their music and capture their live sound on record.
(Ford's influence is acknowledged tonight by bassist Andy Hopkins, who wears a t-shirt promoting his band The Bronx).
The crowd sense they are about to be treated to a momentous occasion.
They are the privileged few hundred who happened to be online at the moment the show was announced and tickets immediately went on sale.
Thousands more only heard about the intimate comeback gig after it had sold out.
Promoter John Dawkins - a close confident of the band and organiser of Panic, the rock and roll night at S7ven which is hosting their comeback - is quick to remind them of that.
"There are 30,000 people watching this online," he says, goading the crowd to go wild for the cameras.
"We're the lucky ones."
This gig may be designed to debut new material, but The Enemy are seasoned enough to know they need to lay the groundwork first.
Entering to the familiar refrain of Too Much, Too Young the band launch straight into the unbridled antagonism of Aggro before merging seamlessly into the hit singles Had Enough and Away From Here.
By the time they have ripped through that titanic trilogy the crowd are whipped into enough of a frenzy for the band to reel out Gimme The Sign - the new single for which they are filming the video.
More new tracks follow - the full throttle Bigger Cages, Longer Chains, the yearning This Is Real (already released as a demo), Saturday and 1234 Ready To Go.
These are interspersed with established favourites such as This Song Is About You, No Time For Tears and Happy Birthday Jane.
Frontman Tom Clarke has previously promised the new tracks are the most muscular the band have penned to date - a welcome return to their hard rocking roots.
On this evidence he was not exaggerating.
These new tracks - fuelled by the same spirit of rebellion that inspired their earlier highlights - are uncompromising to say the least.
In light of Clarke's recent comments on the state of the charts you might easily brand them a rallying cry for rock and roll - even a declaration of war against the insipid singles of polished pop that currently dominate the airwaves.
Lighters aloft sing-a-long We'll Live And Die In These Towns was always one of The Enemy's more measured moments.
Now, nestled alongside their breakneck new material, it seems positively slow and sentimental.
This draws a wry joke from Clarke as the acoustic guitar kicks in.
"Right, now we're gonna play you some James Blunt," he quips, before swiftly assuring the crowd this is not the case.
In The Enemy camp the sense of excitement surrounding their third album is reaching fever pitch. (Dawkins in particular is emphatic when describing how far superior it is to their previous work).
However, the band inevitably return to perennial favourite You're Not Alone to close the set.
It is more than just their standard, it is the very embodiment of their shared identity with every other frustrated Coventrian who still mourns the decline of this great city.
As such it will always mean more to those fervent fans going doolally on the dancefloor at S7ven than it will to crowds in any other city.
By the time the song reaches its climax the venue is bouncing so violently it seems the city walls visible from the window - which have stood for 700 years - could come crashing down under the force of the shockwaves.
It ends the gig on a fitting high and sees bassist Hopkins swept out into the crowd to surf across a sea of bodies before returning to the stage, carried aloft like a scene from Danny The Champion of the World.
As the band reluctantly leave the stage Clarke turns to the crowd, raises his beer bottle in silent salute and mouths the words, "We Love You Coventry."
The success of their first two albums has taken the Enemy around the world, bringing them fame and fortune.
However, their ferociously intense bond with the city remains undiminished.
You get the feeling the notion of living and dying in their hometown no longer carries the sense of dread and frustration that it did five years ago.
All that matters right now is that they enjoy the journey.
And on the evidence of this compelling comeback the boys are clearly having the time of their lives - as are they hundreds of fans they are taking along for the ride.
The Enemy ripped it up at S7ven in Coventry and almost brought the stage down as the packed venue was treated to the bands new tunes and classic tracks. Crowd surfing and arm waving was the order of the night as Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins, Liam watts and Tom Boddy treated the audience to a night to remember. People had come from far and wide, and close friends and family were on hand to support the Coventry band.
The gig was streamed live for worldwide fans, with over 30,000 tuning in at the start of the performance. We'll be uploading videos from the gig as soon as possible......
New video recorded at S7ven
The Enemy setlist at S7ven
Fans get ready for The Enemy
John Dawkins introduces The Enemy
The Enemy at S7ven, Coventry
Tom Clarke listens to the crowds singing along
Liam Watts and Andy Hopkins on stage
Fans enjoy a post-gig drink
The party goes into the night
Fans came from around the country for exclusive gig
The live video stream of The Enemy performing at S7Ven in Hale Street, Coventry at 9pm on Thursday 16th February 2012 is being streamed on Muzu.TV and on the official website www.theenemy.com. Fans will hear the first play of new tracks for the forthcoming third album, set for release late spring.
Coventry newspaper The Observer carried a story this week by Matthew Bates with a feature on Tom Clarke entitled 'We'll Live And Die By Our Fans'. The article is reproduced below (please visit The Coventry Observer website for more stories) for fans to read:
IF THERE'S one thing you expect to hear from The Enemy front man Tom Clarke, it's honesty.
The confident, and sometimes outspoken, Cov kid has always made his views clear on the band's chances of success as well as the current state of British music.
So when Clarke says he's more excited about the band's next album than their platinum debut, it's time to sit up and listen.
Speaking to the Observer's Matt Bates before Thursday's gig at city nightclub S7VEN, the 25-year-old predicted 2012 could be the biggest in the band's six-year history.
Along with a new album, they are even planning their biggest ever show in their home city. He remained tight lipped on details, but said it was not going to be at the Ricoh Arena or see them return to headline the Godiva Festival.
Tomorrow's (Thurs 16/02/12) show is a little smaller, with a capacity of 600, but will see the filming of the video for their latest single, Gimmie The Sign.
Fans were so desperate for tickets they sold out in 90 seconds and in a sign of gratitude Clarke and band mates Andy Hopkins and Liam Watts even plan to give the single away for free.
It's a typically bold move from Clarke, who hasn't been shy of making sweeping statements since the band flew onto the scene with debut album We'll Live and Die in These Towns in 2007.
In December, he caused controversy by saying the music industry was in an 'appalling' state, even claiming - in half jest - that it "looks like we'll have to save music again".
The Enemy's second album Music for the People, released in 2009, was rushed, according to Clarke, and although it reached number two in the charts it failed to reach the heights of the first.
"Our fans are some of the most loyal fans in music," said Clarke.
"We were the secret band at V Festival last year and only expected a half-full tent but when it was announced just hours before we had 60,000 people trying to log on to our website which pretty much made it crash.
"We owe them a debt which is why we're giving the first single away for free. Bands need to realise without their fans they are nothing."
However, his controversial comments have undoubtedly heaped more pressure on the trio's shoulders to get it right this time around. Not that it bothers them.
With time on their side, they have whittled down a shortlist of tracks from 30 to 13, with two more set to be axed before the album is released.
Clarke said it made no apologies for being a staple Enemy album, adding: "It's upbeat, exciting, guitar heavy music and I've never worked so hard in my life.
"Me and Andy sat down for five minutes the other week and said 'this is more exciting that then the first time round'. We had ideas but didn't know it was possible. Now it is because the fans are so passionate."
The unnamed album is not expected to be released until the end of the summer.
The Enemy front man gives us his views on the music industry, social networking and the city band's love away from music - the Sky Blue Army.
ON using twitter - @tomclarke_enemy:
"When we first started, the Arctic Monkeys had just begun their MySpace revolution.
"And it took me a while to understand what Facebook was and how to use it, but twitter is a whole different ball game.
"I try and make the time to talk to every fan who gets in touch although I might not get the chance to reply to everyone.
"But it's important because without the fans we're just three lads playing some tunes."
On music in the charts:
"The charts are full of insipid, manufactured rubbish.
"Take X Factor as an example; Simon Cowell has manufactured it so the show gets a Christmas number one every year.
"Thankfully it's popularity is dwindling at best after the last series but it saddens me that the chart is full of pre-existing songs written decades ago.
"There are thousands of brilliant bands and artists in the UK and the way you cement a career in music is to put the hard graft in, that's been shown ever since the Beatles.
"Now people are just a flash in the pan lasting five minutes and it's preventing real musicians from being in the chart."
On the band's second album, Music for the People:
"The second album was a brilliant album with brilliant moments on it, but it wasn't what people wanted.
"We borrowed too heavily from our own influences and it was rushed. It took just a month to mix it and that's why we've taken so much time on the third.
"We know we made mistakes but, having said that, it still got to number two in the charts and it's still something I'm proud of. There are mistakes on every album; if there weren't what would be the point of making another one?"
On Coventry City Football Club:
"These are fairly troubled times at the club obviously and that's reflected in the football.
"It needs to get better and there needs to be change from the top down.
"I haven't got involved because it's such an emotive topic but the club needs an owner that cares about its fans and about football.
"It has to be impossible for the players to put their all into the club with everything that's going on in the background."
Fans of The Enemy who missed out on tickets for the exclusive gig at S7VEN in Coventry on Thursday 16th February 2012 will be able to view the performance online at www.theenemy.com. The website is being relaunched in time for the event and will give fans the opportunity to hear some new tunes, as well as classic tracks by The Enemy.
Tom, Liam and Andy will be recording their brand new video at the popular Coventry venue and then giving the single away on Facebook for all their loyal fans to enjoy as a thank you. Tickets for the gig sold out within minutes and The Enemy were subsequently besieged by fans still wanting tickets. Tom Clarke has been trying to answer fans questions on his Twitter account and a set of final tickets were given away during the weekend via a treasure hunt.
In the final of three blog posts, Tom Clarke answers random questions asked by fans on Twitter. Our two previous stories covered questions about the new album and touring. Tom told fans, "I love and respect all our fans. They make the band what it is."
It looks like 2012 will be a busy year for The Enemy, with some special announcements coming in the coming weeks. Tom hinted about a special future Coventry gig saying, "I really can't wait to announce the big Cov gig. We're working incredibly hard to make it something special." In the meantime, Tom answered YOUR questions via his Twitter page.....
Michael Mccloskey: Do you think Cov will stay up this year?
Tom: "Let's not be pessimists!"
David Roberts: If you were standing on the moon, would you look up or down at the earth?
Tom: "I'd look out into space, it's far more fascinating."
Tom Piontek: You still got the E-type man?
Tom: "Yep :) fucking love it."
Jack Davis: Do you own any of the following albums Noel Gallagher 's solo album or Beady Eye 's?
Tom: "Got Noel's, and seen BDi about five times now. Love both!"
Jack Davis: Oasis are no longer together what do you make of the whole situation?
Tom: "I hope they get back together. They provided the soundtrack to my life and supporting them was a huge huge honour."
skybluevinny: Which of u worked at fedex again?
Tom: "That was Liam."
Jack Davis: How's you and the band Tom?
Tom: "All excited and in better spirits than ever!"
Adam Dickman: What's the chances in you bringing out a headphone range?
Tom: "Zero. I'll leave that shit to Dr Dre, who is not a qualified doctor, but did blow a speaker in my mums Renault in the 90's."
Alexander Morris: Who did you listen to most growing up?
Tom: "The Rolling Stones The Who and Bowie."
Ryan Stanton: Was it Paul Potts who beat you to the last album being number one? wtf really #guitarsareback
Tom: "Nope, it was Bob Dylan, which I can deal with to be honest!"
AloneOnTheRope AKA... Kriss: Can't wait for your new album. Until it's out though are they any new bands you recommend i listen to?
Tom: "The Antics are great! Working on their album now, they're about to announce live dates."
James 'Greeno' Green: What advice would you give to a new band starting out?
Tom: "Belief. All about belief and taking the time to craft good songs, and practise until you can play them well and with passion!"
Neil Claxton: Favourite clothing brand?
Tom: "Starting to love One True Saxon stuff... Well smart!"
Paula Perry: What's the best venue you've ever played at?
Tom: "The London Astoria. Sadly now gone. We hold the record for most consecutive nights!"
James 'Greeno' Green: What effect pedals do you use?
Tom: "I use a supercharger GTO pedal, but I'm about to do away with em all. Tele, into a fender amp. Vol and tone control on the guitar!"
Kit Lavis: How long did it take you and the rest of the lads to get signed? And any advice for new bands about getting out there?
Tom: "We had some cracking singles already written and it took about three to six months. Very hard work, which is the only way!"
Joe Clarke: Tom if you could only play one guitar for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Tom: "A cheap Mexican tele. That's all you really need."
Andy Higgins: Did the rehearsals go well today pal?
Tom: "Very well :) ta"
Tom keeps fans updated on his official blog and his Twitter page, so don't miss out on the latest news as it happens. Feel free to contact Tom or The Enemy.
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