Stats
Biography
Having been friends since the age of twelve, the Pigeon Detective is comprised of lead vocalist Matt Bowman, guitarists Oliver Main and Ryan Wilson, bassist Dave Best, and drummer Jimmi Naylor. The band formed in 2002, however began to earn praise and critical response from 2004 for their impressive live shows and brand of rock & roll. In 2006 the Pigeon Detectives made their recording debut with the 7” vinyl “I’m Not Sorry”, which the success of led to supporting Dirty Pretty Things on their UK tour. The band subsequently released the limited edition single “You Know I Love You” in 2006.
The band’s exposure to UK fans and music critics was growing to the extent the Kaiser Chiefs asked them to fill the support slot on their UK and European tour towards the tail-end of 2006. This led to the release of Pigeon Detective’s two subsequent singles “I Found Out” and “Romantic Type”, both of which charted well and earned significant radio airplay.
The Pigeon Detective’s debut full-length album “Wait for Me” arrived in mid-2007, entering the UK Top 40 chart at No. 3. In promotion of the album the band toured around the UK, performed an acoustic set in the BBC Live Lounge, and played a number of festivals including Ireland’s Oxegen and Jersey’s JerseyLive. As soon as the band had dialled down the tour in support of “Wait for Me”, the Pigeon Detectives recorded their sophomore album “Emergency” with producer Stephen Street.
The album was released in May 2008, led by the single “This Is an Emergency”, which peaked at No. 14 in the UK singles chart. With greater recognition in the UK music scene the band were able to secure impressive slots on main stages at Glastonbury Festival, T in the Park and V Festival. The band has subsequently released the albums “Up, Guards and at ‘Em!” in 2011 and “We Met At Sea” in 2013.
Live reviews
The Pigeon Detectives first burst into the mainstream in 2006, after an unbelievable performance at that years Reading and Leeds festivals. NME sang their praises and in predicted they’d be the next band to be hitting the main festival stages in the years to follow.
Their prediction wasn’t far off! They were dominated for ‘The Best New Act’ at The Q. Awards the following year, but sadly lost out to the band ‘The Enemy’. Since the bands birth they have been a live act in the highest class. With unbelievable enthusiasm, and an infectious energy they can get a venue rocking! With audiences mostly engrossed in a mosh pit and environment perfect for the seasoned crowd surfer there is no doubt they can offer a fun, sweaty and crazy experience.
They have great tracks such as ‘I’m Not Going to Take This’, I found out’ and I’m Not Sorry,' as well as a number from their latest album “We Met At Sea’. Despite this record taking a bit of hammering from the critics, (many of them claiming it doesn’t live up to their previous records) it still has a number of good tracks and is well worth a listen. The band have found themselves with a cult following and with their ability to perform live it’s not difficult too see why!
It was amazing! Great venue and great music! Matt fell over apart from that it was good and the communication with audience was amazing! Although people behind me were ramming me into the bar and pushing me apart from that brilliant birthday experience!
Incredible show. I've been to more than my fair share of gigs at the thekla and this was truly one of the most insane. The energy in the room was electric from start to finish. I'd have happily paid double for a night like that again.
The Pigeon Detectives were amazing at StereoGlasgow! Matt Bowman was on top form as usual and you won't see another bands front man put more effort in than him! I'll definitely be going to see them again!
Sorry but the gig didn't quite do it for me. Couldn't make out any of the lyrics. This is was probably the sound system although a couple of the support acts seemed better
Fantastic gig for my 12 year old son. Band were excellent live and full of energy. Matt Bowman gave my son a copy of the playlist as a souvenir before leaving the stage.