AS Media Ben Edwards Music Mag

The support act was Damian Okoro, a Nigerian-born Londoner. “He is 23 and possesses a great musical talent. Damian can play the guitar excellently and has an original, croaky voice. “I wanted him support us on the tour because I know how he is capable of building a great atmosphere, the audience love him.” Liam said. As he played his final song, reggae styled rock tune called “Black Streets” there was a solid sense of excitement rumbling throughout the crowd. After the song ended, Damian thanked the crowed for their support, lit-up and walked off stage. The lights dimmed and there was a massive sense of anticipation, after Jay Baines played a short drum roll, an explosion of fireworks erupted from the back of the stage and the other three entered to a rapturous reception. They kicked off the show with their brand new single, ‘Alleyway Grove,’ critically acclaimed and the crowed absolutely loved it, the chilled atmosphere Okoro created was immediately changed to a fever pitched level. Following this song was ‘Torn Up,’ a song written by Paul McCartney. They then went through theirrepertoire with the crowd (and me) loving every second of it. After songs such as ‘Wooden Horse,’ ‘One Long Night’ and ‘Pathfinder,’ they finished with their chart-topping anthem ‘Hard Times Going.’ It had a real ‘Oasis’ feel to it and it was an electric ending to a brilliant evening. Although there was one typically foolish when Liam grabbed a flair that had been thrown onto the stage, controversially and dangerously launched it back into the audience which could, let’s face it, have been a fatal end to luckily, a marvellous night. The Friendly Flies went on from this night to perform in Paris, Berlin, London, Moscow and Madrid. While playing in Madrid, the heavens opened. The rain was torrential and the wind was deafening. Luckily, The Friendly Flies have developed a huge fanbase across the world, and the crowd were fully engaged in the show from the beginning. The atmosphere did not change once, and although the day was grey, (literally,) the crowd lit the day up, along with the excellent performances from the band. During their “Close Shave” performance, there was pandemonium inside the Bernabau. The rain was falling at an intensity many had never experienced. The crowd showed that weather did not bother them and they gave the best support they could, assisting Liam and his 3 friends perform the best show of their career. It had a real ‘Oasis’ feel to it, and it was extremely thrilling to be a part of it. The band performed their chart-topping single with the unhinged intensity that is constantly expected from the four untameable skaterats. Gem Giles met up with the main-man Liam in his Liverpool home, getting the chance to ask him about his and the bands crazy, record-breaking year.
Gem: “So, liam. It’s taken you 4 years to get where you are now. It’s fair to say you had problems, you managed to turn them around and now you’re here. Has all the hard work been worth it?”
Liam: “Of course it was worth it. People have told us we’re not good enough ever since our first gig at the 02 in Liverpool. We’re the one’s laughing now. Yes, i’ve made mistakes. So has everyone. I’m just one of the few people who actually learnt from them.”
Gem: “You’ve been invited to perform at Leeds Festival and you’ve just finished your first European tour and Hard Times Going is sitting at the top of the charts and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be moved. What a year, how do you guys rate it?”
Liam: “I’d say it’s been my favourite year since the bands been together. The band is going from strength to strength. We’re putting the work in, releasing good songs and the work is paying off. Leeds Festival is just what we deserve I think, it’s going to be f*cking mental.”
Gem: (with a giggle) “Do you listen to your own music?”
Liam: “Of course I do. I was listening to Pathfinder on repeat for at least 20 minutes in the bath last night. I own our CD’s and listen to them in the car, I don’t believe cause’ we made it we can’t listen to it.”
Gem: “Who was your influence when you were a youngster?”
Liam: “I was in the house for the majority of my childhood life. I was constantly surrounded by my Dad’s music which I didn’t mind at all. He loved The Specials, he listened to them all the time. I used to get home from school and sit with him at the table while he had the stereo on. I grew up listening to these guys and I still do.”
Gem: “Sorry Liam, but I have to ask, just what is going on with you and The Shades?” Liam: “To be totally honest, nothing has gone on with us. The whole thing has been exaggerated by the press. There have been a few words here and there but nothing worth talking about. Now that’s on a personal level. If I was going to talk in musical terms, lets face it, The Shades will always be in our shadow.”
Liam left the interview with a handshake and a wry smile.