December 13, 2012 10:19

Friendly Fires headline charity gig for late friend

Kindness were secret guests at the show at London's XOYO

Photo Gallery: Friendly Fires
Photo: Richard Johnson

Friendly Fires played a special charity gig at London’s XOYO last night (December 13) in memory of their late friend Adam Connolly, who took his own life in November.

Connolly’s body was found on Hackney Marshes in east London on November 17 after he had been missing for four days. The intimate show was put on to celebrate the 29-year-old's life and raise awareness of male suicide.

Friendly Fires performed a 12-track set, drawing on last year’s LP 'Pala' and their self-titled 2008 debut album, and were joined by a trumpet player, saxophonist and backing vocalist. Although the trio elected to keep the talking to a minimum, singer Ed Macfarlane took the time before set-closer 'Kiss Of Life' to show his appreciation for the crowd’s support. Macfarlane said:

Thank you all for coming down to support this. It’s wonderful.

Earlier, London lo-fi band Cheatahs joined in proceedings, while Kindness were revealed to be the event’s secret special guests, playing songs from their 'World, You Need A Change Of Mind' album. DJ sets were provided by Erol Alkan, The Horrors and Sexbeat.

All proceeds from the gig will be donated to the Maytree sanctuary, a "non-medical respite centre for people actively thinking about suicide".

Suicide is currently the biggest killer of men under 35 in the UK. According to the charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), 1,240 men aged between 15 and 35 died as a result of "suicide and undetermined intent" in 2011. That figure is three times higher than in women.

Friendly Fires played:

'Lovesick'
'Jump In The Pool'
'Blue Cassette'
'True Love'
'On Board'
'Skeleton Boy'
'Live Those Days Tonight'
'Hurting'
'Pull Me Back To Earth'
'Paris'
'Hawaiian Air'
'Kiss Of Life'

Video: Friendly Fires: Our Dance Music Heroes

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