History
2005–2006: Origins and The Fratellis EP
The band's name came from the criminal family in The Goonies and received their first radio playing in 2005, on central Scotland's Beat 106 (later XFM Scotland, now Galaxy Scotland) Beatscene show hosted by Jim Gellatly. They were signed by Fallout Records.
They played their first show on 4 March 2005 in the O'Henry's bar in Glasgow across the road from the Horseshoe bar. The Fratellis EP was released on 3 April 2006, featuring the tracks "Stacie Anne" and "The Gutterati?". "Creepin' Up the Backstairs" was never a single released by the band, even though a video was made for it. The first single released by the band was Henrietta, which was released on 12 June 2006 and charted at number 19 on the UK Charts.
2006–2007: Costello Music and mainstream success
Costello Music was the debut album for the Fratellis and was released on 11 September 2006. It charted at number two in the UK album charts for three weeks. The success of the album led to the Fratellis winning the Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act in 2007, an award that was voted for by BBC Radio One listeners.
The Fratellis perform in Scotland.
The Fratellis supported Kasabian in December 2006 on their UK tour before playing 10 dates by themselves in February and March 2007. The tour of the UK festival circuit, playing at Glastonbury and headlining at festivals such as NME's Rock 'n' Riot tour, OXEGEN 2007 and T in the Park 2007, amongst others. They also opened for The Police Reunion Tour in the summer of 2007 in some of the North America dates. The Fratellis also recorded some cover songs during the year including "All Along the Watchtower" for Radio 1's 40th Anniversary Double Album, Radio 1: Established 1967, and "Solid Gold Easy Action" for the soundtrack of the film Hot Fuzz, which also included the single "Baby Fratelli".
The band released their first live DVD, Edgy In Brixton, in the UK on 1 October 2007, which was recorded at the Brixton Academy in London. The DVD contains a locations included Nottingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and London. Following the release of the album, the Fratellis embarked on a full live performance of the debut album Costello Music, B-sides from various singles and a new song called "Pretty Like a Girl". Extras on the DVD include the band being asked questions by members of the Fratellis' website, and on the deluxe edition, . It was released in the United States on 30 October 2007.
2007–2009: Here We Stand
The band's filmed on 18 June 2008 at the Fillmore, San Francisco; performances of "Milk and Money", "Flathead" and "Mistress Mabel" from Abbey Road Studios and the videos for second album, Here We Stand, was first mentioned in November 2007 on the Fratellis' official website, which stated that work had begun on the album in a rehearsal space in Glasgow. The band said that they were self-producing the album and had their own studio to record in. Recording finished on 13 January 2008.
On 22 February 2008, they played a highlights from the T in the Park 2007 festival small show for fans at Queen Margaret Union to debut new songs from the upcoming album. About eight new going towards the Teenage Cancer Trust. The third single was "A Heady Tale", released on 22 December. The Fratellis released a deluxe edition of Here We Stand internationally songs from their new album were played, including "Mistress Mabel", "Acid Jazz Singer", and "Look Out Sunshine!". This performance introduced two new touring members, a guitarist, Robin Peringer and a keyboard player, Will Foster. However, after the Teenage Cancer Trust show in 2008, Robin departed the tour for unknown reasons. Will Foster subsequently played both keyboard and guitar during live performances.
The album, was released on 9 June 2008 in the UK and 10 June 2008 in the United States. The band marked the US release of the album with sold-out shows in New York City, Boston, and Los Angeles. The first single from the album,"Mistress Mabel", was released on 26 May 2008. The next single, "Look Out Sunshine!", released on 18 August 2008 and with money on 8 December. The CD included a new song titled "Moriarty's Last Stand" and the accompanying DVD which features "The Year of the Thief" (a documentary of the band on the road in the US), a live show the singles "Mistress Mabel" and "Look Out Sunshine!".
During 2009, the band did a mini-tour of Australia and Japan during February and March. The Fratellis headlined the Island Records 50th anniversary show on 27 May 2009 where they debuted their new track to be included on the Island 50: 50 Years of Island Records which was Bob Marley's "Stir It Up". The band also headlined the Hop Farm Festival 2009 on 4 July, with a gig at the Middlesbrough Empire on 3 July to prepare for the upcoming headline slot.
2009–2012: 'Indefinite' hiatus and side projects
After the Hop Farm show in 2009, the band were going to take an extended break citing exhaustion and relationships within the band turning sour after a series of prolonged touring and working together. Jon went on to form a new band with singer/songwriter Lou Hickey called Codeine Velvet Club. He released an self-titled album with the band in December 2009 and toured during late 2009 and early 2010. The band came to a finish and he decided to become a solo artist. He released his debut solo album, Psycho Jukebox in 2010 and intended to release a second, titled Bright Night Flowers in 2012 but this was shelved due to the Fratellis reuniting. It would eventually be released in 2019, in a re-recorded form after the fifth Fratellis album In Your Own Sweet Time.
Barry initially stated that he was starting his own musical project and would let Fratellis fans know about it via the Fratellis website. He didn't let fans know his musical ventures until November 2011, where he revealed he had joined Birmingham band the Twang, who he played with until August 2012 when he rejoined the Fratellis. He is also a regular on the DJ circuit, and still DJs now when he can.
Mince initially joined a heavy metal band called Throne o' Diablo, before leaving the band for unknown reasons. He would go on to join Jon's solo band as a second drummer, backing vocalist and occasional guitarist during live shows for his Psycho Jukebox tour.
2012–2014: We Need Medicine
The Fratellis played their first show since 2009 to raise money for the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund on 15 June 2012, marking nearly 3 years since they last shared a stage together. They then performed at O2 ABC Glasgow on 26 September 2012 and announced a UK tour in April 2013. During the UK tour, 3 more songs were debuted live; "She's Not Gone Yet But She's Leaving", "Seven Nights Seven Days" and "Whiskey Saga". The band went on to perform dates in Oxford, Leicester and Sheffield with another date at Loopallu festival, forming a small September tour. During the tour, the band debuted 2 new tracks, "This Old Ghost Town" (previously played by and mainland Europe. With 2014, the band played festivals across the world, returning to the US, UK and Europe and also headed over to Japan before finishing the We Jon in a solo show) and "Rock n Roll Will Break Your Heart".
On 4 February 2013, the Fratellis finished recording their third album, which was to be called We Need Medicine with a release date of 7 October 2013. "Seven Nights Seven Days" was released as a single on 29 September. The album was recorded in Glasgow with Jon Fratelli and Stuart McCredie on production duties.
The band saw out 2013 with a highly successful tour of the US, UK Need Medicine album campaign with two shows in Russia in September 2014. The band released a brand new EP in September 2014 called The Soul Crush EP, which was released for free on their website.
2014–2016: Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied
During Christmas break 2013, the band started writing new material, and two of the songs debuted live in 2014. "Too Much Wine" was played on the early 2014 US tour, with "All the Live Long Day" (later to be known as "Impostors (Little By Little)") turning up later on. Upon releasing The Soul Crush EP in 2014, the band stated they would be heading to LA to record their fourth album, with Barry confirming on Twitter it was once again with Tony Hoffer (Beck, Air), producer-architect of both their debut album and of Jon's solo album Psycho Jukebox.
News stayed quiet until 1 June 2015, when the band announced their new album would be called Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied and would be released through Cooking Vinyl on 21 August 2015. The band revealed the first song from the album "Me and the Devil" through their website, and later announced the first single "Baby Don't You Lie To Me" on 29 June. Both tracks were made available as instant downloads with your pre-order of the album. The band shared a new video for "Baby Don't You Lie To Me!" on 24 July 2015.
In late 2016, the Fratellis launched a UK-wide tour to mark the 10-year anniversary of Costello Music, playing 16 shows through November and December.
2017–2019: In Your Own Sweet Time and Bright Night Flowers
In 2017, the band headlined posts since 30 April, the band confirmed on Instagram that they were in Los Angeles to record their fifth album with Tony Hoffer once again producing.
On 29 September 2017 the band announced their the Vicar's Picnic music festival 14–15 July, as well as the Lindisfarne Festival, which ran 31 August to 3 September.
On 8 May, after hinting through several fifth studio album, In Your Own Sweet Time which was released on 16 March 2018 and followed by with a UK concert tour in March 2018. The album was released on CD, LP, limited edition orange LP and cassette. They also toured the U.S. in late Spring 2018 and early Summer.
After the recording of In Your Own Sweet Time, Jon had quietly re-recorded his shelved 2012 solo album Bright Night Flowers and after the main bulk of touring was finished for In Your Own Sweet Time, Jon announced his solo album would be released in February 2019, supported with two shows in London and Glasgow. His first solo shows in 6 years featured nearly the entirety of Bright Night Flowers with only one song from his previous solo album showing up along with Fratellis' favourites "Whistle for the Choir" and "Laughing Gas" in rearranged forms and a series of covers.
Creepin Up The Backstairs
The Fratellis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She said "I am Rosie" I said "I thought you were Lucy"?
She said "No, Rosie I told you so?"
Was here with your sister but she was gone when I got back
I wasn't dancin' for fun y'know
Of all the shitty little places I meet you it's here
And now I'm freaking out
But hey it's nothing to shout about
Don't just say yes to tease me
Do your utmost to please me
I don't mean to be sleazy
Being you can't be easy
When you're creepin' up the backstairs
Mother's nightmares
Falling in the front door, my, my
Climbing in the window
Get dressed, let's go
Take your brother's car keys, bye bye
Woo
Well I see your yellow fingers and your crucifix bones
All covered in cellophane
Was there when your best friend said, "Sweetheart
I'm just here to get drunk again"
I wouldn't move if I was you
I wouldn't want to get caught when the lights go out
She said, "You think you're so special" I said
"Sunshine, I'm just bored, I'm just checking out"
Don't just say yes to tease me
Do your utmost to please me
I don't mean to be sleazy
Being you can't be easy
When you're creepin' up the backstairs
Mother's nightmares
Falling in the front door, my, my
Climbing in the window
Get dressed let's go
Take your brother's car keys, bye bye
Woo
Don't just say yes to tease me
Do your utmost to please me
I don't mean to be sleazy
Being you can't be easy
When you're creepin' up the backstairs
Mother's nightmares
Falling in the front door, my, my
Climbing in the window
Get dressed let's go
Take your brother's car keys, bye bye
Creepin' up the backstairs
Mother's nightmares
Falling in the front door, my, my
Climbing in the window
Get dressed let's go
Take your brother's car keys, bye bye
The Fratellis’ song “Creepin Up The Backstairs” is a fast-paced, rock and roll song that centers on a conversation between two people. The first stanza begins with the singer mistaking a woman named Rosie for someone named Lucy, and her correcting him. He then tells her that he saw her sister earlier but she was gone when he returned. The singer seems anxious and nervous to be speaking with Rosie, who he appears to be romantically interested in.
The chorus focuses on the thrill of sneaking around and making mischief, with the singer urging Rosie to take her brother’s car keys and leave with him. The lines “When you're creepin' up the backstairs, mother's nightmares falling in the front door” suggests that their behavior is rebellious and would not be approved of by authority figures like mothers, and the repetition of “bye bye” implies a sense of urgency and mischief.
The second stanza describes Rosie’s appearance in vivid detail, with the imagery of “yellow fingers” and “crucifix bones” suggesting a certain decay or malice. She then mentions her friend’s intention to get drunk, which is another indication of a lifestyle that’s dangerous and perhaps not entirely legal. The singer then admits to Rosie that he is bored and just checking things out, indicating a possible lack of sincerity in his interest in her.
Line by Line Meaning
She said "I am Rosie" I said "I thought you were Lucy"?
She introduced herself as Rosie and I mistook her for someone else named Lucy.
She said "No, Rosie I told you so?"
She corrected me and reminded me that her name is Rosie.
Was here with your sister but she was gone when I got back
I was here with your sister earlier but she left before I came back.
I wasn't dancin' for fun y'know
I wasn't dancing just for fun, but for a specific reason.
Of all the shitty little places I meet you it's here
Out of all the terrible places where I've run into you, it's here.
And now I'm freaking out
And now I'm getting anxious and nervous.
I heard you got a brand new name, selling E's in the dark
I've heard that you got a new name and are now selling illicit drugs in secret.
But hey it's nothing to shout about
But I don't think that's anything to be excessively proud of.
Don't just say yes to tease me
Don't just agree to mess with my feelings.
Do your utmost to please me
Try your best to satisfy me.
I don't mean to be sleazy
I don't intend to be vulgar or inappropriate.
Being you can't be easy
I imagine that being you must be quite difficult.
When you're creepin' up the backstairs
When you're sneaking around and going up the back stairs.
Mother's nightmares
Something that the mother would be very unhappy about.
Falling in the front door, my, my
Falling through the front door, oh my goodness.
Climbing in the window
Climbing into the house through a window.
Get dressed let's go
Put clothes on and let's get out of here.
Take your brother's car keys, bye bye
Take your brother's car keys and let's leave quickly.
Well I see your yellow fingers and your crucifix bones
I notice your yellow-colored fingers and your bony fingers in the shape of a cross.
All covered in cellophane
All wrapped up in clear plastic film.
Was there when your best friend said, "Sweetheart
I was there when your best friend called you "Sweetheart".
I'm just here to get drunk again"
I'm only here to drink heavily again."
I wouldn't move if I was you
I wouldn't want to trade places with you.
I wouldn't want to get caught when the lights go out
I wouldn't want to be caught doing something wrong when the lights turn off.
She said, "You think you're so special" I said
She questioned my sense of superiority and I replied.
"Sunshine, I'm just bored, I'm just checking out"
"I'm not special, I'm just bored and curious."
Creepin' up the backstairs
Sneaking up the back stairs.
Mother's nightmares
Something that the mother would be very unhappy about.
Falling in the front door, my, my
Falling through the front door, oh my goodness.
Climbing in the window
Climbing into the house through a window.
Get dressed let's go
Put clothes on and let's get out of here.
Take your brother's car keys, bye bye
Take your brother's car keys and let's leave quickly.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: John Lawler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ArturoDavidXoticaPuebla
She said "I'm Rosy"
I said "I thought you were Lucy"
She said "no Rosy, I told you so!"
Was here with your sister
But she's going out the back
I wanna dance and have fun y'know
Of all the shitty little places
I meet you it's here and I'm freaking out
I heard you got a brand new name
Selling E's in the dark
But hey it's nothing to shout about
Don't just say yes to tease me
Do your utmost to please me
I don't mean to be sleazy
Being you can't be easy
When you're creeping up the backstairs
Mother's nightmares
Falling in the front door - my, my
Climbing in the window
Get dressed, let's go
Take your brother's car keys - bye bye
See your yellow fingers
And your crucifix bones
All covered in cellophane
Was there when your best friend said
"Sweetheart, I'm just here to get drunk again"
I wouldn't move if I was you, wouldn't want to get caught
When the lights go out she said
"You think you're so special, " I said
"Sunshine I'm just bored I'm just checkin' out."
Don't just say yes to tease me
Do your utmost to please me
I don't mean to be sleazy
Being you can't be easy
When you're creeping up the backstairs
Mother's nightmares
Falling in the front door my my
Climbing in your window
Get dressed, let's go
Take your brother's car keys
Bye bye
Don't just say yes to tease me
Do your utmost to please me
I don't mean to be sleazy
Being you can't be easy
When you're creeping up the backstairs
Mother's nightmares
Falling in the front door my my
Climbing in the window
Get dressed let's go
Take your brother's car key
Bye bye
Creeping up the backstairs
Mother's nightmares
Falling in the front door my my
Climbing in the window
Get dressed let's go
Take your brother's car key
Bye bye
@estebanquintero8231
She said “I am Rosie” I said “I thought you were Lucy”
She said “No Rosie I told you so”
Was here with you sister but she was gone when I got back
I was up dancin for fun y’know
Of all the shitty little places I meet you it’s here
And now I’m freaking out
I heard you got a brand new name selling E’s in the dark
But hey it’s nothing to shout about
Don’t just say yes to tease me
Do your up most to please me
I don’t mean to be sleazy
Being you can’t be easy
When you’re creepin' up the backstairs
Mother’s nightmares
Falling in the front door, my, my
Climbing in the window
Get dressed let’s go
Take your brother’s car keys, bye, bye
Well I see your yellow fingers and your crucifix bones
All covered in cellophane
Was there when yer best friend said “sweetheart”
I’m just here to get drunk again
I wouldn’t move if I was you
I wouldn’t want to get caught when the lights go out
She said “you think you’re so special” I said
“Sunshine I’m just bored I’m just checking out"
@profelibardo6814
Ok let me try "my one" if makes bit more sense:
She said I am Rosie I thought you were Lucy and she turned and say I have already told you so..
whats the name of your sister, she is gone at the back on a dance to find about you know, what the hell is spreading a little,
Ladies and geekies are getting on freaking out.
What the heck is round to your nature, hey, listen my child, I am not gonna show you a butt.
Don´t you say yes she seems me
do your art must to please me
as I need to be sleazzy
do your new job be easy
Creepin Up the backstair´s mother´s nightmare´s phone
and the front door, my mind
climbing on the window
get dressed, le´ts go,
taking out with this car keys
bye bye!
See hell of friends there
when they re crossing fringy walks
an come around to celebrate
what´s the hell with your best man
since we are out just near to get drunk again
what about if I was you
you want to get drunk analyse what you have to say
You think you are so special as
sunshine out just wanna to take in out
Don´t you say as it´s eats me!
Do your art must to please me
as a "miss" should be sleazy
be a new chauve, be easy
Creepin Up the backstair´s mother´s nightmare´s phone
and the front door, my mind
climbing on the window
get dressed, le´ts go,
taking out with this car keys
bye bye!
Don´t you say as it seems me!
Do your art must to please me
as a "miss" should be sleazy
be a new chauve, be easy
When you are creeping on the backstair´s nightmares´s mother´s phone
and the front door, my mind
climbing on the window
get dressed, le´ts go,
taking out with this car keys
bye bye!
Creeping on the backstair´s nightmares´s mother´s phone
and the front door, my mind
climbing on the window
get dressed, le´ts go,
taking out with this car keys
bye bye!
@acdcRIPBon
There's not a single bad song on Costello Music
@Razorbass
Couldn't agree more!
@drguy12345678
@@Razorbass its a rare thing that some bands dont ever achieve
@Shebeast3
Amen to that
@boabknox7425
prob one o best albums i cud listen to all waeoot skippin a shit track
@biggerlion4960
Adam VanCott there isn’t even a one good song on Costello Music.
They’re all amazing songs
@kimota47
How did I ever not hear of these guys. Their fuckin' great.
@FriskyTrikshoTz
i said the same shit 5 days ago haha there like my new favorite band of all time this one is my favorite song too :p
@Jennaration12
They really never where popular. Honestly I don't understand why they weren't cause they are amazing!
@FriskyTrikshoTz
Are you kidding? ^^ Lol I started listening to them late January and I still do I've learned a lot and trust me they were fucking popular as shit.