Following the shock release of their second album, NATIONAL AVERAGE., the unstoppable duo BIG SPECIAL have returned with their latest gritty anthem, "SLUGLIFE." Premiered by Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music, the track is a raw exploration of the "self-hate that comes through hard times," according to frontman Joe Hicklin. But while the single captures the struggle of "living low to the ground," the band’s trajectory is doing quite the opposite.
The Rise to the Stage
The ascent of Joe Hicklin and Callum Maloney has been one of the most compelling stories in the current British scene. In just two years, they have evolved from a debut headline set at Camden’s tiny Dublin Castle to selling out the massive O2 Forum Kentish Town. This rapid growth sets the stage for their highly anticipated UK headline tour, kicking off next month.
Known for their explosive live chemistry, BIG SPECIAL’s performances are a masterclass in stark honesty and razor-edged humor. Their live show isn't just a concert; it’s a communal release of the "emotional weight of lived experience" that the pair refined during the isolation of lockdown.
What to Expect on Tour
Fans heading to the upcoming dates can expect a setlist packed with recent heavy-hitters. Alongside "SLUGLIFE," the band will likely showcase:
"PLAINTIVE NATIVE" (A BBC 6 Music B-List staple)
"DRAGGED UP A HILL"
"The Good Life" (Their acclaimed collaboration with Sleaford Mods)
With a reputation for relentless energy and unfiltered conviction, these shows are set to solidify BIG SPECIAL as a vital voice in modern music. As they move from obscurity to national headliners, the upcoming tour marks a victory lap for a band that refuses to slow down.
"SLUGLIFE" is available to stream now. Don't miss your chance to catch one of the UK's most formidable live acts as they hit the road next month.
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