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Luke Pritchard Drops Truth Bombs on 00s Rock Rivalries and the Fake Rockstar Illusion!

BBG News

In the early 21st century, the British rock music world thrived on alcohol, swagger, and fights as musicians strove to surpass each other in their attempts to lead the most reckless lifestyle.

At the heart of it all, there was The Kooks, a spirited group hailing from Brighton, who unexpectedly found themselves with a significant record contract only a few months after their formation in 2004.

Under the leadership of frontman and composer Luke Pritchard, their first album, Inside In/Inside Out, was released in 2006. This record catapulted them into public awareness, earning triple-platinum status and eventually racking up hundreds of millions of plays on streaming platforms.

Additionally, it placed them on a path that was bound to clash with the renowned Arctic Monkeys, who were nearing their pinnacle as the decade came to an end. Stories about these emerging artists from the south often stirred up the established rock nobility in the north and made headlines frequently.

Prior to the launch of The Kooks’ sixth album titled “Never/Know”, Luke, who is now 40 years old, shared insights with TopMob in an exclusive interview about the competition and the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll that has passed.

He mentioned that from his perspective, it turned out coincidentally that our first albums were released on the same day, we were both around the same age, and we shared similar musical influences.

On a personal note, no competition has ever existed between us. However, I hold them in high regard, and I believe the feeling is mutual.

‘We come across them quite a bit, and it’s always fine.’

New bands like The Kooks, as well as those aiming to make a splash in the music world, were frequently matched with their Sheffield contemporaries for comparison. Friendly rivalry occasionally escalated into full-blown conflicts.

One 2007 Kooks gig in their hometown comes to mind. 

Originally, the plan was for this group to accompany the Arctic Monkeys on tour, but unfortunately, that arrangement collapsed unexpectedly right before the concert, leading their lead singer, Alex Turner, to retaliate in a mischievous manner during the show itself.

In a version of events that’s not universally agreed upon, a man from Yorkshire apparently yanked the power cord out of Luke’s guitar. It’s said that this action was met with a kick, but whether it was a playful slap or a hard boot is debated, as people’s memories differ on the matter.

Essentially, Luke asserted that the turbulent evening was merely a reflection of the era, expressing it this way: ‘The “unfulfilled promise” – we were supposed to embark on a tour with them following our debut album, but that didn’t transpire.’

“People showed up at our performance, and surprisingly, something unusual happened. Yet, overall, it was entertaining. It was quite wild, buddy.

No Elton John/Madonna-style embrace then?

Luke chuckled, stating, “There hasn’t been,” he said. “I’ve primarily communicated with Alex, and we used to run into each other frequently in Los Angeles. We also share some common friends.

Such hedonistic behavior can’t continue indefinitely, except maybe for someone like Keith Richards – a fact evident in the song “Never/Know.

On May 9th, their new release is out, featuring the familiar, nostalgic British invasion-influenced sound that The Kooks are known for. Instead of lyrics about cocaine, Luke’s voice croons about marzipan in this album, and it presents a heartwarming picture of family life.

However, the musician reflects without remorse on his past wild times, often gazing back at them affectionately, despite their apparent distance due to his current focus on raising his children with wife Ellie Rose, who is 29 years old.

He mentioned that it had a very communal feel, something he finds himself yearning for. He confessed that it was all quite overwhelming, as a nervous child, he found the whole experience absolutely chaotic when he was thrown into it.

‘I did live quite a debauched life, but it wasn’t to the extremes of some.’ 

To become a rockstar, possessing musical skill is only part of the equation. Aspiring artists must also develop a distinct personality, and ideally, an edgy or unconventional image.

And Luke suggested that some of his peers created rather contrived images. 

He revealed: ‘A lot of people were faking it. It was cool to be “rock and roll”.

‘It’s quite character-based in artistry, playing a character as an artist.’

It’s tough to conceive a period when concerts wouldn’t be extensively documented. In the year 2025, if you observe a concert audience, you’d see nothing but raised smartphones, capturing the viral instant for the digital realm.

Modern-day musicians find it challenging to engage in the unbridled shenanigans as their predecessors did, due to the increased level of public scrutiny.

‘No one had iPhones,’ Luke explained. ‘You weren’t so worried about stuff coming back.

‘A lot of people struggled, and really bad things happened to people I knew.

I’m thankful for the individuals in my life, such as my spouse, who have assisted me. I have no regrets, only gratitude for having navigated through this experience successfully.

Every rock musician is shaped by the era they come from, and contemporary artists are increasingly open to discussing topics such as mental health and the challenges associated with late-night parties and touring.

Luke, too, has changed his pace and leads a peaceful existence approximately eleven miles west of lively Brighton, nestled in the tranquil coastal town of Worthing.

As an ardent supporter, I am thrilled to see a growing emphasis on mental health issues. In the realm of sports, this focus is particularly pronounced, and it’s not merely about monetary matters. It encompasses mental well-being, as well as other significant aspects.

‘In the music industry, we’re all ready to start thinking a bit more like that.

While it’s not required that you become mundane, if we consider individuals such as David Bowie, they lived vibrant lives filled with health and vitality.

I view him as a significant inspiration. He managed to balance being a devoted family man with creating extraordinary music, even in the latter stages of his life. However, he chose to step away from that particular lifestyle.

Through the fame of their band on TikTok, Luke’s connection with today’s youth has grown stronger. Many young admirers have encountered songs like “Naive” and “She Moves In Her Own Way” for the very first time in this generation.

Originally, the star expressed his opinion that X-Factor was devaluing music. However, he later softened this contentious stance, graciously stating, “Things evolve over time.

As a die-hard enthusiast, I can’t help but rave about TikTok! Unlike other platforms, it seems to me that this app truly democratizes the entertainment industry. It’s not just another social media site; it’s the new pulse of creativity, the hidden gem beneath the surface – the ‘new underground’ if you will.

Additionally, he’s been actively building connections with rising stars in the rock scene, particularly young Cruz Beckham, son of Victoria and David. At 20 years old, Cruz is eager to establish a presence in the music industry.

A new album seems to be upcoming, and last month, Cruz hinted at his first single on Instagram with a video snippet where he sings lyrics expressing a desire to emulate the spirit of John Lennon.

Luke faced varied critiques, often being labeled as a “nepotism kid,” yet he remains steadfast in his belief that he has the potential to thrive in this ruthless profession.

He remarked that the individual is quite wonderful. They attended our performance in Los Angeles, which led us to form a friendship. I’m simply eager to impart some of my knowledge, and I believe they wouldn’t require much assistance from me.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but express my awe for this incredible artist. He’s not just an outstanding guitarist, but also an exceptional vocalist. His talent is a double-edged sword that he wields with grace. I implore everyone to give him a fair chance and truly listen to his work. Trust me, I’ve had the privilege of hearing his upcoming album, and it’s nothing short of amazing! The anticipation I feel for its release is palpable.

‘And we’re working on some stuff. Hopefully we’ll be coming to a town near you soon.’

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled at the prospect of joining Luke and his trusted partner, Hugh Harris, for a hearty sing-along during The Kooks’ extensive UK tour. With an impressive lineup of nine shows scheduled before and after their album release, this tour promises to be a packed affair that I won’t want to miss!

On Friday, tickets became available for the acoustic renditions of their classic songs, set to take place at locations such as Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Bristol.

The Kooks’ latest album, “Never/Know,” harks back to their characteristic British wit and combines it with sun-soaked melodies, resulting in a buoyant record designed to lift spirits amidst challenging circumstances.

Luke shared that he penned it while his children were playing at home. After traversing the path from heaven, enduring hell, and returning alongside Hugh and the group, we’ve experienced quite an adventure.

This music has a significant shoegaze influence within the indie genre, something I enjoy, yet it carries a rather somber tone. It seems we’re constantly fed the message that things are terrible.

That one came unexpectedly. I can’t say for sure if it’ll happen again, but it was quite a ride! It felt like a span of five days where I produced ten songs – wild, isn’t it?

‘I strongly believe that music plays a significant role, especially during challenging times. It seems people tend to be drawn toward creative pursuits such as art, as it offers a sense of optimism and hope.’

Tickets to The Kooks ‘Never/Know’ acoustic tour will be on sale from Friday 11th April at 10am. 

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2025-04-13 12:25

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