Initially, they played at night clubs in the greater London area and recorded some demos under the name of Fleeing New York before changing their name to Band of Skulls in November 2008. Their debut album Baby Darling Dollface Honey, distributed by Shangri-La Music, was released exclusively on the iTunes Store on 6 March 2009, followed by a general release on 20 March. The track I Know What I Am was chosen as iTunes' free Single of the Week to coincide with the digital release. The song was also featured in the soundtrack for TV series Friday Night Lights, Volume 2, which was released on 4 May 2010. The song also appeared in Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. Another track that was not actually on the album, "Friends", was included on The Twilight Saga: New Moon soundtrack in November 2009.
On 23 March 2010, Band of Skulls released Friends EP, which includes the studio-recorded version of "Friends", a live version, and a music video of the song.
Band of Skulls played at the SXSW Festival in early 2010 and toured the Midwest in March in support of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. The band appeared on the French TV show Taratata broadcast in March 2010, where they covered the song "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones with the band John & Jehn.[4] In April 2010, they toured the U.S. and Canada followed by England in May 2010, including a sold-out show at the London Electric Ballroom. On 28 June 2010, Band of Skulls supported The Dead Weather at The Roundhouse in London. In July 2010, the band covered Goldfrapp's "Strict Machine" for Australian radio. They were also one of three bands who opened for Muse on 4 September 2010 at Lancashire County Cricket Ground. In October 2010 they also toured to South Africa to play at the annual Rocking The Daisies festival.
On 26 October 2010, Band of Skulls released a live album called Live on KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic.
On 5 October 2011, the band released "The Devil Takes Care of His Own"—the first single to be taken from the new album—with an accompanying music video. The second studio album Sweet Sour was recorded at Rockfield Studios in Wales. It is produced by Ian Davenport (Supergrass, Badly Drawn Boy), who also produced their debut album, and was released on February 21, 2012 in the US, and February 20, 2012 in the UK and Europe.
On 12 April 2012, Channel 4 broadcast a short documentary starring the band. They discuss the formation of Band Of Skulls through to going from working the bars of their hometown to playing music in front of expansive crowds of adoring fans across the globe. It is a rare and intimate insight into the world of Band Of Skulls, focusing of their success and achievements over the years.
On 13 October 2012, Band of Skulls played the 11th Annual Austin City Limits Music Festival. The show was briefly interrupted by a rainstorm that soaked the front of the stage, including Russell's pedal board, prompting the band to leave the stage while crews dried and moved the affected equipment. The band was able to return and complete their set after about a 10-minute delay.
On 2nd December 2013, the band released the video for "Asleep At The Wheel" - the first track to be shared from their yet unreleased album 'Himalayan'.
In January 2017, it was announced via social media that Hayward had left the band.
Hollywood Bowl
Band of Skulls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was wasted she was out of control
So I said 'well I don't mind' and she's like 'I don't know'
I took my baby to the Hollywood bowl
Hey! Hey!
I found my baby waiting after the show
And I said 'you can have my kisses but get your hands off of my dough'
I found my baby waiting after the show
Hey! Hey!
I found my baby, waiting, after the show
Because you sold your soul at the Hollywood bowl.
The lyrics of "Hollywood Bowl" by Band of Skulls narrates a story of a relationship that revolves around a couple's visit to Los Angeles's famous Hollywood Bowl venue. The singer describes taking his or her partner who was already out of control and being drunk themselves. Despite this, the singer doesn't mind and continues to enjoy the night. The perspective then changes to the partner, who is waiting after the show for some loving gestures. The partner is described as being intoxicated but not willing to let go. The singer, while willing to give affection, warns about money, indicating that it might come in between their love.
The chorus of the song, with the line "because you sold your soul at the Hollywood bowl," suggests that the visit had more consequences than just a night out. It implies that the couple's visit to the Hollywood Bowl changed them in some fundamental way, primarily because the glamour of the place forced them to make choices that went against their values. The song is emotionally charged, and the use of repetition in the lyrics emphasizes the passion and intensity of the couple's relationship. With its hard-hitting drumming and roaring guitar riffs, the song creates a sense of urgency and dependence that complements the lyrical themes.
Line by Line Meaning
Took my baby to the Hollywood bowl
I brought my lover to a place of fantasy, but things got out of hand.
I was wasted she was out of control
I was drunk and she was reckless.
So I said 'well I don't mind' and she's like 'I don't know'
I offered to overlook her behavior, but she was uncertain.
Hey! Hey!
An expression of excitement and enthusiasm.
I found my baby waiting after the show
We reunited after the event was over.
He was wasted and he wouldn't let go
He was drunk and wouldn't release me from his grip.
And I said 'you can have my kisses but get your hands off of my dough'
I offered affection, but demanded he stop trying to take my money.
Because you sold your soul at the Hollywood bowl.
The allure of fame and fortune corrupted us while we were there.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: EMMA RICHARDSON, MATT HAYWARD, RUSSELL MARSDEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sarah Obadi
I saw them open for Muse a few years ago, it was great, was an instant fan!
Francisco Martinez
heard this song when these guys opened up for Muse...Fucking killed it with this one
Nathan
Same here, Muse introduced me to Band of Skulls. This song was awesome live. Best concert ever!
Stealthy Mongoose
Francisco Martinez that sounds amazing! I wish i was there!
clara egrejas
I cant find this song on spotify ):
Meighan
It’s my favourite song by them, and it breaks my heart
sophie macleod
They're from my hometown. So proud. Great band.
Rob Illustrates
my favourite of their songs live when I saw them in the Roundhouse :D
Cody Boyd
They are indeed a damn good band live; they are also working on their third album. The song is on the first CD, I want to say it is track 9 but it could be 7 (don't hold me to that); I bought the physical CD, I don't see why they would remove it from the album itself, maybe iTunes took offense to the selling of souls and inebriation references, but I couldn't say.
Anna Long
No imperfections, just perfect <3 Thaaanks!