Franz Ferdinand at The Wiltern

What's In A Name?

The name Franz Ferdinand brings to mind either a pivotal historical event or the ground-breaking transformative sound of a Scottish post-punk revival art-rock band. In an interview, Franz Ferdinand members explained...

Hardy recollected that "mainly we just liked the way it sounded. We liked the alliteration." Kapranos continued, saying "he was an incredible figure as well. His life, or at least the ending of it, was the catalyst for the complete transformation of the world and that is what we want our music to be. But I don't want to over-intellectualise the name thing. Basically, a name should just sound good ... like music." Thomson concluded, saying "I like the idea that, if we become popular, maybe the words Franz Ferdinand will make people think of the band instead of the historical figure."

Franz Ferdinand In History

True to their name, Franz Ferdinand had their international breakthrough via the lead single "Take Me Out", from their self-titled album which figured prominently in Billboard charts and sold over a million copies in the US alone. Franz Ferdinand also caught the attention and earned rave reviews from top music critics. They scored 9 out 10 from NME, and positioned them as a significant addition to the elite list of art rock school bands which include, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Who, Blur... 

Franz Ferdinand's follow-up 2005 album release "You Could Have It So Much Better" literally did much better as it made it to the number one spot of the UK album charts, and sold 2 million copies worldwide. The album showcases the band expanding their musical horizons. Franz Ferdinand's bassist, Bob Hardy, said "There's more to life than disco-beat guitar music". With a succession of two critically acclaimed albums, Franz Ferdinand earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and Best Alternative Album, and their self-titled album bagging the 2004 Mercury Prize. They are also the recipient of two Brit Awards - Best British Group, and the NME Award.

The Human Fear Album Tour

Franz Ferdinand is kicking off 2025 with the highly anticipated release of the album 'The Human Fear' -- their first album release in seven years. Lead vocalist Alex relates the rationale behind making this album: 

"Making this record was one of the most life-affirming experiences I’ve had, but it’s called ‘The Human Fear’. Fear reminds you that you’re alive. I think we all are addicted in some way to the buzz it can give us. How we respond to it shows how we are human. So here’s a bunch of songs searching for the thrill of being human via fears. Not that you’d necessarily notice on first listen.”

The lead single off the album is "Audacious", which frontman Alex Kapranos says:

“It’s about having an audacious response when you feel the fabric of existence come undone around you. Being bold, contrary. Peering over the edge into the eternity of non-existence and saying Aye! Fuck it! Not today thank you!"

Franz Ferdinand fans are thrilled to the bone about this much-awaited album release and a concert tour to boot! Satisfy that nagging itch of your gang of Franz Ferdinand fans to 'take me out!' to catch Franz Ferdinand at The Wiltern on Saturday 29th March 2025. Tickets are now on sale, book your spot now!