Courteeners fans are in for a treat as the Manchester indie rockers unleash a brand-new single that's guaranteed to get your heart skipping beats – and it's not just because it's about love. 'Plus One Forever' is a swoon-worthy declaration of devotion, with Liam Fray's trademark lyrical style shining brightly on this romantic anthem. "Tell me girl, can I be your plus one forever?" he asks, capturing the awkward yet endearing moments that come with falling in love.
The new single is just the beginning for Courteeners, who are gearing up to release their first 'best of' compilation, 'God Bless The Band', on August 28. Co-produced by Fray and James Skelly of The Coral (who they've recently collaborated with on the track 'The Luckiest Man Alive'), this milestone album marks a significant moment in the band's career: it's been 20 years since their first live performance.
Fray has reflected on the timing of the compilation, saying that with new material fresh from the studio and this major anniversary, it felt like the perfect moment to bring together some of their most beloved tracks. And what a gift it is for fans – he's expressed his gratitude, saying "If we mean half as much to people as they have done to us over the years, then we’ve not done too bad".
The release coincides with a whirlwind touring schedule that promises something for everyone: next month, Courteeners will play a massive homecoming concert at Manchester's Wythenshawe Park, backed by acts including The Vaccines and The Coral. Before that, they'll be headlining Tramlines in Sheffield, plus dates in Stoke-On-Trent and Leicester – and get ready for their full UK arena tour in November, taking in Leeds, Cardiff, Liverpool, London, Glasgow, and Birmingham.
Courteeners have built a remarkable career over two decades, with their debut album 'St. Jude' reaching number one in the UK charts in 2023 (no mean feat, given it was originally released 15 years ago!). Last year, they dropped a surprise live album, capturing the magic of a sold-out hometown show at Co-op Live – part of their massive 2024 UK arena tour supporting their seventh studio album, 'Pink Cactus Café'. Fray has spoken proudly about the band's longevity in an industry where relevance can be fleeting.
So what's behind Courteeners' enduring appeal? It's down to honest songwriting that speaks directly to their fans – and live performances that pack a punch. With 'Plus One Forever', you'll get a fresh taste of their signature sound, and we can't wait to see where this new chapter takes them.
Source: NME