Tom Clarke (musician)
Tom Clarke | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 11 March 1986 Birmingham, England |
| Genres | Indie rock, punk rock, alternative rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar, piano, strings |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Labels | Warner Music Group Stiff Records (UK) |
| Website | www |
Tom Clarke (born 11 March 1986) is an English multi-instrumentalist known as the lead vocalist of the British indie rock band The Enemy.
Clarke has performed on both albums, playing guitar, piano and strings on We'll Live and Die in These Towns. He appeared as guest on Noel Fielding's team on the first episode of series 23 of Never Mind the Buzzcocks.
Personal life[edit]
In January 2010, Gigwise reported that Clarke had acquired a "ridiculous farm" and was taking a short break from music to decorate. Clarke stated that the band was rehearsing and was writing new Enemy material prolifically.[1]
In October 2016, he finished his last Enemy gig by proposing to unsuspecting girlfriend and tour DJ Kate Frost.[2][3]
Gumball Rally[edit]
In 2009, Clarke drove in the famous "Gumball 3000 Rally" an annual 3,000-mile international road rally which takes place on public roads featuring mostly exotic and powerful sports cars. Monster Energy, one of the rally sponsors, awarded Clarke and his co driver and fellow band member Tom Boddy, the 2009 Monster Energy Award for Bad Behaviour.[4]
Race For Heroes[edit]
On 27 February 2010, Clarke participated in the "Race For Heroes"[5] alongside stars of British motorsport and British soldiers for the Help For Heroes organisation. The six-hour endurance race aimed to raise money and awareness for the charity.[6]
XFM controversy[edit]
In September 2007, Alex Zane, presenter of the XFM Breakfast show broadcast a statement declaring that the band would not be played on his show again. After playing their single "You're Not Alone" for seven seconds, he reasoned that altercations between himself and the band (notably Tom) over a television interview meant that they would no longer be played by him.[7][8] He stated that Clarke said "disgusting, offensive, hateful things". However, during the Xfm Review of 2008, the presenters Sunta Templeton and Matt Dyson commented on the band and Zane making up just after playing their record "Away from Here".
Equipment[edit]
During live performances with The Enemy, Tom can be seen playing a green Fender Telecaster. An aftermarket Seymour Duncan bridge pickup is also clearly visible.[9][10]
Tom uses a Blackstar Amplification Artist 30 model amplifier, and is listed as a confirmed artist by Blackstar.[11] Tom has also appeared on the official Blackstar Amplification YouTube channel, where he discusses the Studio 10 6LB model from the same company.[12]
References[edit]
- ^ "The Enemy's Tom Clarke Takes Break From Music To Work On A Farm". Gigwise.com.
- ^ Hartley, Laura (9 October 2016). "Tom Clarke finishes last Enemy gig by proposing to girlfriend". Coventry Telegraph. Retrieved 8 June 2018.
- ^ "Best Proposal Ever - on stage at The Enemy's last ever gig, lead singer proposes". YouTube. 9 October 2016. Archived from the original on 15 December 2021. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
- ^ "History of the Gumball «". Archived from the original on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
- ^ "Drivers turn out at Daytona to Race for Heroes". Britsonpole.com. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
- ^ "Daytona Motorsport". Archived from the original on 2 September 2021. Retrieved 23 January 2020.
- ^ "The Enemy vs Alex Zane: read the radio show transcript". Nme.com. Retrieved 22 January 2009.
- ^ "Alex Zane Bans The Enemy From Xfm's Breakfast Show – What Really Happened". Xfm.co.uk. Retrieved 22 January 2009.
- ^ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/interviews/tom-clarke-the-enemy-interview-bbc/
- ^ https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/gig-review-the-enemy-at-o2-academy-sheffield-3858948
- ^ https://blackstaramps.com/artist-list/?artist-keyword=tom+clarke
- ^ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk8zZgB14os&t=8s
External links[edit]
- Gigwise article – Tom Clarke acquires a farm
- Gumball 3000 Rally news – Tom Clarke
- Monster Energy Award for “Bad Behaviour”: Tom Clarke & Tom Boddy of The Enemy – 2009 Jaguar XKR
- Tom Clarke backs art fund – Coventry Telegraph
- The Enemy make personal call to fans Clarke Sustains Hand Injury Riding Motorcycle