Idlewild biography

Memorably described as the sound made by “a flight of stairs falling down a flight of stairs”, Scottish band Idlewild has certainly left an impression. And not just on flights of stairs. The band formed a decade ago – singer Roddy Woomble, guitarist Rod Jones, bassist Phil Scanlon (later replaced by Bob Fairfoull) and drummer Colin Newton completed the line up – and a 1997 single ‘Queen Of The Troubled Teens’ found favor with Radio One DJ Steve Lamacq. Media attention increased – and the mini albums ‘Chandelier’ and ‘Captain’ were released – as did the ferocity of the act’s live performances.

Food Records signed them to a major deal and ‘Hope Is Important’ came out in October 1998. Comparisons were quickly made between them and R.E.M, particularly Woomble’s knack for obscuring his lyrics. Subsequent albums have been more user friendly: ‘100 Windows’ was released in early 2001 and had a US tour in support and the following year’s ‘The Remote Part’ remains their biggest hit to date. Singles such as ‘You Held The World In Your Arms’ and ‘American English’ were heard all across Europe but as Idlewild looked set to take the band to the next level, internal problems kicked in. Founding member Fairfoull was kicked out during The Remote Part’s European tour in 2002 and was replaced by the guitar technician. A new bassist (Gavin Fox) and guitarist (Allan Stewart) have now made the band a settled five piece and 2005 saw the Scots release ‘Warnings/Promises’. Flights of stairs everywhere have been warned.