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Scottish rockers Idlewild formed in Edinburgh in late 1995, originally comprising singer Roddy Woomble, guitarist Rod Jones, bassist Phil Scanlon, and drummer Colin Newton. A year of steady touring preceded the release of the band's 1997 Human Condition label debut single, "Queen of the Troubled Teens," which immediately found favor with Radio 1 DJ Steve Lamacq; the media exposure brought Idlewild to the attention of Fierce Panda, which agreed to issue their sophomore effort, "Chandelier" (their first record with new bassist Bob Fairfoull). A mini-album, Captain, followed on Deceptive in early 1998, and as word spread of their chaotic live shows, the group signed to Food to release Hope Is Important in late October. 100 Broken Windows followed in early 2001 with a subsequent U.S. tour early that spring. The next year, Idlewild issued The Remote Part. "American English" and "You Held the World in Your Arms" were massive hits in Europe, making the album Idlewild's most successful album to date. While touring Europe in fall 2002 in support of their third album, founding bassist Bob Fairfoull was suddenly kicked out of the band. Guitar technician Alex Grant stepped in to fill his shoes for the remaining European dates. Gavin Fox (bass) and Allen Stewart (guitar) were added permanently to the band in 2003, just prior to the American release of The Remote Part in March. Warnings/Promises followed in 2005. Fox left the band the following spring and was replaced by former Astrid bassist Gareth Russell. Woomble made his solo debut with My Secret Is My Silence. It was released in the U.K. in July 2006. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide |
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