Bastille

Europe United Kingdom Pop Rock

Community

Follow Your Favorite Band Today!

Be the first one to follow Bastille!

Band Timeline

2010

Formation and Early Releases

Bastille formed in 2010 in London as a solo project by lead vocalist Dan Smith. That July, the band debuted with a limited edition 7" single featuring the tracks "Flaws" and "Icarus," released through the independent label Young & Lost Club in a run of only 300 copies. They initially built an audience through platforms like YouTube and Myspace. Later in 2011, Bastille self-released an EP titled "Laura Palmer." By December 2011, Dan Smith signed with Virgin Records, transitioning the project into a full band with keyboardist Kyle Simmons, bassist/guitarist Will Farquarson, and drummer Chris "Woody" Wood. During this period, Bastille also performed at major UK festivals, including Glastonbury and Reading, which helped establish their presence in the indie pop scene.

2012

Early Singles and Growing Popularity

In 2012, Bastille released their first official single "Overjoyed" through Virgin Records in April, which helped gain critical recognition. Later that year, they released the single "Bad Blood" and were named "New Band of the Day" by The Guardian. The band garnered wider attention with performances at UK festivals such as Reading and Leeds and support slots for established artists like Emeli Sandé. They undertook a headlining tour, 'Flaws Tour,' in October 2012 and performed their first show outside Europe at the Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival in Hong Kong. Their re-release of the single "Flaws" became their first UK Top 40 entry, reaching number 21, marking their transition from emerging band to mainstream recognition.

2013

Breakthrough with Debut Album 'Bad Blood' and Hit Single 'Pompeii'

2013 was a milestone year when Bastille released their debut studio album "Bad Blood" on March 4th. The album quickly reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, signaling a major breakthrough. Their single "Pompeii," released in February, was a standout success, peaking at number two in the UK and number five on the US Billboard Hot 100, propelling Bastille to international fame. The album's blend of synth-pop and indie rock, combined with catchy anthems, garnered widespread acclaim. The band's energetic performances and innovative music videos further increased their popularity. This period also led to Bastille receiving four Brit Award nominations in 2014, winning the British Breakthrough Act, confirming their status as a leading new act in contemporary pop music.

2016

Release of Second Album 'Wild World'

Bastille released their sophomore album "Wild World" in September 2016. The album showcased a more mature sound, mixing pop with electronic and alternative influences. It was well-received by fans and critics and reinforced the band's ability to evolve artistically while maintaining chart success. "Wild World" included singles that resonated with listeners for their themes of global uncertainty and personal reflection. Following the album release, Bastille embarked on worldwide tours and festival appearances, solidifying their fan base across multiple continents. This period emphasized the band's commitment to deepening their musical and lyrical complexity while retaining catchy melodies.

2019

Third Album 'Doom Days' Released

In June 2019, Bastille released their third studio album, "Doom Days." The album presented a concept-driven exploration of contemporary anxieties and escapism, blending dark lyrical content with upbeat, danceable music. It received critical praise for its cohesion and thematic ambition. Bastille continued to tour extensively in support of "Doom Days," engaging fans with immersive live shows that featured multimedia elements to complement the album's narrative. The release demonstrated Bastille’s evolving artistry and their ability to address timely social themes through accessible pop music.

2022

Fourth Album 'Give Me the Future' Released

Bastille released their fourth studio album, "Give Me the Future," in February 2022. The album embraced futuristic and electronic sounds, reflecting on modern life, technology, and hope for what lies ahead. The music incorporated new sonic textures and experimental production, signaling a fresh chapter in the band's musical journey. This release reinforced Bastille’s reputation for innovation and conceptual depth. The band supported the album with tours and media appearances, continuing to expand their global audience and maintain relevance in the fast-changing musical landscape.

2024

Fifth Album '&' Released

In October 2024, Bastille released their fifth studio album titled "&." Continuing their trajectory of artistic growth, the band fused various influences, blending indie pop with layered production and emotive songwriting. This album further exemplified Bastille’s evolution and their commitment to pushing creative boundaries. The release was met with interest from longtime fans and new listeners alike, adding to the band’s extensive catalogue. "&" exemplified Bastille’s sustained presence in the music industry over more than a decade, highlighting their adaptability and enduring appeal.

Albums

Sponsor content

Members

Current

Name

Begin

Occupation

Charlie Barnes

2015

Kyle Simmons

N/A

Band Aid 30

N/A

William Farquarson

N/A

Bass guitar

Chris “Woody” Wood

N/A

Membranophone

Dan Smith

N/A

Percussion

Lead vocals

Keyboard

Story of Bastille

Bastille: From Indie Roots to Global Success

Bastille, the English indie pop band, burst onto the scene in 2010 with frontman Dan Smith's solo project. The group quickly expanded, adding keyboardist Kyle Simmons, bassist/guitarist Will Farquarson, and drummer Chris "Woody" Wood.

Their debut single, a limited edition 7" release featuring "Flaws" and "Icarus," caught the attention of Alex Baker, a presenter on Kerrang! Radio's unsigned/independent artists show. This early exposure helped propel Bastille to sign with Virgin Records after releasing a self-produced EP.

Their breakout moment arrived in March 2013 with their debut album, "Bad Blood," which topped the UK Albums Chart. The album spawned the hit single "Pompeii," reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and cementing Bastille's status as a major force in the music industry.

Their success continued, earning them four Brit Award nominations in 2014, including a win for British Breakthrough Act. Bastille's music resonated globally, with sales exceeding eleven million records by August 2021.

From Humble Beginnings to Chart-topping Success

Bastille's journey illustrates the power of independent artistry and the impact of early support. Their limited edition debut single, a mere 300 copies, ignited their rise, proving that even in the digital age, raw talent and passionate fans can fuel a band's success. From their early days as an independent act to their chart-topping achievements, Bastille's story exemplifies the enduring appeal of genuine music and its ability to connect with audiences worldwide.