The Kooks Surprise Camden with Busking Gig for New Album Launch

Camden Town Buzzes as The Kooks Surprise Fans with Impromptu Busking Session

Indie rock band The Kooks delighted fans in Camden Town on Monday with an unexpected busking performance to celebrate the release of their seventh studio album, "Never/Know." The surprise gig saw vocalist Luke Pritchard and guitarist Hugh Harris perform tracks from the new record, alongside some of their most beloved hits, creating a memorable experience for the gathered crowd.

Key Takeaways

• The Kooks launched their new album "Never/Know" with a surprise busking session in Camden Town.

• Vocalist Luke Pritchard and guitarist Hugh Harris performed new songs and fan favourites.

• The band engaged with fans, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

• Never/Know" is The Kooks' seventh studio album, self-produced by Luke Pritchard.

• The band is set to embark on a US tour and play at Reading and Leeds Festivals, culminating in a major show at The O2.

A Special Album Launch

The intimate performance took place at an interactive billboard on Castlehaven Road, which featured life-size images of the band adorned with roses that fans could take home. Pritchard and Harris treated the audience to a rendition of "Sunny Baby" from the new album, followed by their classic hit "Naive." The band members then spent time interacting with their fans, signing autographs and taking photographs, adding a personal touch to the album's launch.

"Never/Know": A Return to Roots

"Never/Know" marks The Kooks' seventh studio album since their formation in Brighton in 2004. Self-produced by Luke Pritchard, the album is described as an effort to reconnect with the band's original creative drive, reminiscent of their 2 million-selling debut, "Inside In/Inside Out." Pritchard explained the album's philosophy, stating, "It’s not about going back to the first album’s sound, but to the roots of our influences and asking, ‘What is the identity of this band?’"

Looking Ahead: Tours and Festivals

Following the successful album launch, The Kooks are preparing for an extensive tour. Their upcoming schedule includes dates across the US, appearances at Reading and Leeds Festivals, and their largest headline show to date at London's O2 arena in October. The band expressed their excitement for the tour on Instagram, thanking fans for their support and anticipation for the new music.

Sources

• The Kooks busk in Camden Town to launch their new album, HamHigh.