TWO decades ago this hard rocking group dropped their pulverising debut single Palahniuk’s Laughter.
The band was thrust into the limelight following the collapse of its frontman’s other more mainstream band, Busted.
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Charlie Simpson left the pop punk group in 2024 in order to focus on Fightstar, which consists of pals Alex Westaway on guitar and co-vocalis, Dan Haigh on bass and Omar Abidi on drums.
Though there was much sneering when he first tried to make his mark in a heavier scene, it soon faded when the haters heard the music.
Ferocious riffs, pounding drums and a melodic loud/quiet vocal dynamic quickly established them as a force to be reckoned with.
More than anything, Charlie needed to do it for his own wellbeing.
He previously explained: “I only really told my family and close friends but I think Matt [Willis] and James [Bourne] had an idea I was unhappy.
“At the time the real life I was leading was with Fightstar.”
Twenty years on from the band’s origins, Charlie is now at a place where he can happily balance life in Busted, who recently earned a number one album and delivered a huge UK arena tour, with Fightstar harmoniously.
The latter will play their first show together in nine years on Friday night at London’s Wembley Arena.
It comes days after debut album Grand Unification celebrated its 18th birthday.
When announcing the surprise comeback, the band wrote: “We’re SO EXCITED to be back!! It’s with great honour that we get to invite you all to our biggest ever headline show at OVO Arena Wembley with our friends @twinatlantic and @loatheasone next year as a very special celebration of our 20th Birthday.”
The group has been drip-feeding footage from rehearsals and asking for requests for what will be a fan focused reunion.
Busted reveal new album and music eight months after reuniting for tour
They asked: “How have you been? We have been busy behind the scenes working on what we hope is going to be an insane show to share with you guys.
“Not long to go now, we cannot wait. We are finalising the set list as we speak, any last minute requests? FSx.”
And the band harmony appears stronger than ever, with one rehearsal shot carrying the caption: “Magic to be back in a room together.”
Fans can’t wait, with one writing: “This gig is going to be really special.”
While another said: “Oh man I can’t explain how excited I am.”
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