THE LATEST UPDATES
Take a look below for all the latest news, features, interviews, photos and more
Florence Welch covers 'New York Times' Magazine
The New York times has featured Florence Welch in their latest (17th October 2024) issue, highlighting ‘The Greats’: influential people in music, fashion and art who have influenced their respective industries.
Interviewed by prolific writer Lauren Groff in Florence’s South London home, the article explores Florence’s past struggles with alcohol, her ‘internal monster’ which is both destructive and creative, and the boundaries and tensions between normal life and performance. This is, possibly, one of Florence’s most intimate and candid interviews to date. As Groff concludes: Oh, you gods who power her, oh, you humans who make her life hum, just let the woman sing.
Gallery below:
Photography by Luis Alberto Rodriguez.
Hair by Anthony Turner at Jolly Collective. Makeup by Thom Walker at Art + Commerce. Set design by Afra Zamara at Second Name. Production: Farago Projects. Lighting technician: Jack Symes. Digital tech: Sam Hearn. Photo assistants: Daiki Tajima, Federico Covarelli. Manicurist: Emily Rose Lansley at The Wall Group. Hairstylist’s assistant: John Allan. Makeup assistant: Samanta Falcone. Set designer’s assistant: Ollie Kariel. Tailor: Pip Long at Karen Avenell. Styling assistants: Andreea Georgiana Rădoi, Sam Wright
'Symphony of Lungs' to be released digitally and on vinyl
Florence + the Machine have announced the upcoming release of a stunning vinyl, a physical album, and digital tracks from their remarkable performance, titled ‘Symphony of Lungs,’ at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall during the BBC Proms in September 2024. This performance features exquisite orchestration by the talented Jules Buckley, enhancing the already captivating sound of their debut album ‘Lungs’.
Notably, one of the vinyl editions will come in an exclusive red colour, which will be available for purchase through the official Florence + the Machine Store. Make sure to mark your calendars and secure your copy for this unique musical experience. Digital release will be on 25th October 2024, with physical editions on 14th March 2025.
You can preorder here.
![Florence + the Machine stun at the BBC Proms with orchestral 'Symphony of Lungs' [Review and Gallery]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cae446dda0f6000019a5769/1726151493368-4X57WGF6O6C9FVTDL4FD/Florence1%402000x1270.jpg)
Florence + the Machine stun at the BBC Proms with orchestral 'Symphony of Lungs' [Review and Gallery]
When The BBC announced that Florence + the Machine would be returning to the stage for their one and only live performance in 2024 at the BBC Proms (69), we knew it would be something unmissable. Last night’s spectacle proved us right, and a whole lot more!
Photo: Andy Paradise / BBC
Set at the Royal Albert Hall (a venue Florence + the Machine have played twice before for the Teenage Cancer Trust, last in 2012), the band took the audience - both in-person and on BBC Radio 3’s live stream - on a whirlwind of nostalgia.
Florence herself noted the throwbacks the band had lined up for the gobsmacked audience:
“So many of these songs were written when I was a teenager or in my very early 20s… we threw so many good songs off the album and they became bonus tracks!”
She also stated the incredible range of the album, and we witnessed this first hand through the gentle plucking of an acoustic abridged version of ‘Hurricane Drunk’, to the swelling violin and organ of ‘Blinding’, and power of ‘Howl’.
Photo: Andy Paradise / BBC
At many occasions, the audience just couldn’t stay seated any longer - ‘Rabbit Heart’ saw most of the hall leap to their feet, ready to receive Florence’s offering as she raised it (and the roof) up. ‘Dog Days’ and ‘You’ve Got the Love’ received equally energetic receptions. Even as songs came to their close, there were several standing ovations as tears were brought to the eyes of many of the onlookers; the gentle ebbs and powerful flows of Jules Buckley’s orchestral arrangements heightening an already hard-hitting album.
Not only did Buckley’s orchestra so poignantly and carefully reimagine the entirety of ‘Lungs’ with medieval undertones, they also stepped up to the challenge of some special treats, including ‘Bird Song’, ‘Hardest of Hearts’, ‘Swimming’ and ‘Falling’ - many of which Florence had not played since 2010. A treat to behold.
You can listen to the full performance now on BBC Sounds.
The video version will be available to watch at the conclusion of the Proms on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two, available for 1 year.
-
'Drumming Song’
‘My Boy Builds Coffins’
‘You Got the Love’
‘Bird Song Intro’
‘Bird Song’
‘Swimming’
‘I’m Not Calling You a Liar’
‘Kiss With a Fist’
‘Howl’
‘Girl With One Eye’
‘Hardest of Hearts’
‘Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)’
‘Blinding’
‘Hurricane Drunk’
‘Cosmic Love’
‘Between Two Lungs’
‘Dog Days Are Over’
‘Falling’
Florence Welch joins Taylor Swift for 'Florida!!!' on the Eras Tour
Tens of thousands of fans who were at Wembley Stadium on 20th August for Taylor Swift’s record-breaking 8th Eras Tour show in London were treated to a couple of special surprises…appearances from Raye, Jack Antonoff, and none other than Florence Welch herself…
Fans were audibly shocked when the opening lines of ‘Florida!!!’ began echoing throughout the stadium. “What? WHAT?!” exclaimed excited fans in one video; this was the first time Taylor had played this song live. Then, as the end of the first chorus concluded, Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine emerged from beneath the stage, rising as if resurrected for this special moment.
“The national treasure” (as Taylor herself said) paraded and twirled ethereally for her appearance alongside Swift, serving some incredible vocals as she did. The performance was complete with moving stage parts and choreography.
Were you there to witness it? Let us know in the comments what your thoughts were / are! Watch the full video below:
Florence + the Machine to perform 'Lungs' at BBC Proms
Photo by Lillie Eiger
Exciting news has broken for all Florence + the Machine fans.
Florence + the Machine will be performing at the BBC Proms 2024, at the Royal Albert Hall. Their performance will be accompanied by an orchestra, including with medieval instruments, conducted by Jules Buckley.
The band are set to perform the entirety of their debut multi-platinum-selling album ‘Lungs’.
Speaking to Vogue, Florence states she’s most excited to rework lesser-known songs like ‘My Boy Builds Coffins’ and ‘Girl With One Eye’ - “it’s actually the ones you’d think wouldn’t work orchestrally that I’m interested to figure out”. It will mark her only gig for this year, and despite being on a hiatus, she couldn’t let the opportunity pass: “When [the invitation] came in, they were like, ‘We know you’re off, but would you…?’ and I was like, ‘Yes!’”
The BBC Proms is one of the world’s most renowned classical music festivals, and amongst the highlights in the Royal Albert Hall’s annual calendar.
Photo by Something For Kate via Flickr
Florence + the Machine last performed at the Royal Albert Hall in 2012 for the Teenage Cancer Trust, also alongside an orchestral ensemble that is widely regarded as one of their best live performances to date.
Tickets on sale from 18th May 2024 at 09:00 BST. The band will be performing on 11th September 2024 from 20:00 BST.
Taylor Swift and Florence + the Machine release Florida!!!
Florida!!!, taken from Taylor Swift’s new album ‘The Tortured Poets Department’, has been released today!
Talking of the track to iHeartRadio, Taylor describes how Florida is often to where convicted criminals flee to start a new life. She described how heartbreak conjures a similar feeling in her, and extended this to create Florida!!!.
The track features beautiful harmonies, dramatic drums and percussion, and an epic climax. Florence Welch performs on piano, drum, vocals and percussion on the track. Listen here:
Florence + the Machine collaborate with Taylor Swift on new album
Exciting news for fans of both Taylor Swift and Florence + the Machine!
Florence and the Machine are set to feature on a track from Taylor Swift’s new album ‘The Tortured Poet’s Department’.
It is Florence’s first feature on a track since she featured on Lady Gaga’s ‘Joanne' track, ‘Hey Girl’. It’s also the first feature on a track as the band, rather than a solo artist.
The song, titled ‘Florida!!!’, will be released on 19th April 2024. More information to follow.
Florence + the Machine set to release new song for 'The New Look'
Florence + the Machine have recorded a new song, titled ‘White Cliffs of Dover’, for the upcoming ‘The New Look’ Apple TV+ series. The show looks at the life of Christian Dior and associated contemporaries.
Produced by Jack Antonoff and also featuring the likes of Lana Del Rey, Nick Cave, Perfume Genius and Bleachers, the soundtrack is due to be released on 31st January 2024.
Florence + the Machine's new song 'Mermaids' out now
Florence + the Machine release new track ‘Mermaids’ complete with an epic brass beat, and live discussion on STATIONHEAD on 22nd April 2023.
Florence + the Machine have released a new track to add to the Dance Fever Universe!
The new song, titled ‘Mermaids’, sees Florence struggle with what it means to be sober, and the ‘cheerful oblivion’ that drinking used to offer her. Florence has been very candid in recent years about the dangerous allure that alcohol has previously had upon her, and ‘Mermaids’ reflects the ongoing relationship she has with
The track was produced by Dave Bayley (who also produced songs such as ‘My Love’ and ‘Daffodil’). Take a listen below.
We will also be hosting a very special streaming event on Stationhead on Saturday 22nd April at 6pm BST / 1pm EST so be sure to tune in!
Florence + the Machine to reschedule UK and Ireland Tour
Florence + the Machine will be rescheduling their UK and Ireland 2022 Dance Fever Tour, after Florence Welch fractured her foot at her first O2 Arena (London) show on 18th November 2022.
Fans in attendance of the O2 show expressed anticipation after watching Florence trip up following her interaction with fans at the barrier during ‘What Kind of Man’. Florence later took a brief break from the show to get her foot checked by medics backstage after noticing a significant amount of blood on stage, and being unable to bear weight on her foot.
To the initial relief of fans, Florence reappeared stating she had not broken anything and continued with the show, prancing around on stage and completing the show by doing a full lap of the arena.
The following day, Florence released the following statement on Instagram:
“Im so sorry to say that after an X ray it seems I was dancing on a broken foot last night. 🩰
It is not in my nature to postpone a show, and certainly not a UK tour, but I’m in pain and as dancers know, dancing on an injury is not a good idea. And have been told not to perform to avoid further damage. 🩸
Please hang on to your tickets. We are working our hardest to reschedule these dates for next year and we will let you know as soon as possible.
I’m heartbroken as the Dance Fever tour has been my favourite show we have ever put on.
The communion with you. Your beautiful faces shining. 🩸
I love you so much, and I’m so sorry to anyone who is disappointed. My heart is aching. I can’t wait to be back on my feet and back in your arms. X x”
The injury marks the second time that Florence has fractured her foot, the first being following her Coachella appearance in 2015.
Wishing her a speedy recovery back to the stage!