Bastille Biography

Bastille is an English indie pop band formed in 2010 in London, originally as a solo project by lead vocalist Dan Smith. The group's lineup expanded to include keyboardist Kyle Simmons, bassist and guitarist Will Farquarson, and drummer Chris "Woody" Wood. After refining their sound and style, the band began to gain traction, particularly following their early singles “Icarus” and “Flaws,” and the self-released EP "Laura Palmer."

In late 2011, Bastille attracted attention with their independent releases, leading to a contract with Virgin Records. Their official debut single, "Overjoyed," was released in April 2012, followed by the title track from their debut album, "Bad Blood." The album was released in March 2013 and debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart. It included the hit single "Pompeii," which reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and became a defining track for the band.

Bastille’s success was further bolstered by their impressive festival performances and extensive touring. They were nominated for several awards, including four Brit Awards in 2014, winning the British Breakthrough Act. The album "Bad Blood" gained international acclaim, leading to significant sales and a growing fanbase. Over the years, the band has sold over eleven million records globally, further demonstrating their impact on the music industry.

In addition to "Pompeii," Bastille has released numerous other well-received singles, such as "Things We Lost in the Fire," "Laura Palmer," and "Of the Night." Their second studio album, "Wild World," was released in September 2016, followed by their third album, "Doom Days," in June 2019. Both albums showcased their evolving musical style and thematic depth.

Continuing their creative momentum, Bastille released their fourth studio album, "Give Me the Future," in February 2022, which reached number one in the UK. The band has also been involved in various projects, including a live album, collaborations with artists across genres, and a double album titled "Bad Blood X" to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their debut album. In 2023, they also collaborated with composer Hans Zimmer to release an orchestral rendition of "Pompeii."