Nekosite had the chance to watch a preview today – so here the details….
The film is advertised as capturing the band’s biggest show ever, in Milton Keynes last summer; however it does actually start with footage from their shows in Brazil in late 2009, starting with the band discussing their experiences when touring – using live footage and sound from Spitfire as backdrop, very similar in style to the clips we have seen on the band’s web site. There are scenes from their surroundings, Rio and Sao Paolo, intense scenes from the live show, clips of their crew setting up the stage, the band talking about touring – all on big screen in the cinema! My first thought was this is a must for each Prodigy fan, it’s so different to see this in this environment! Brazil continues with Mescaline. Yes, the b-side track that is a live favorite of many fans. But cut back to the band and Keith is showing us their no expenses spared tour bus, which is definitely the funniest part of the whole film. It’s an old van and they call it ‘Bluey’. Memories of Electronic Punks…?

Soon we realize Brazil was an opener and the main part, the Milton Keynes show is due to start. It begins with the trailer we have seen online before the actual show last year, with the woman from the Milton Keynes tourist office discussing ‘the arts’ in MK and the huge contrast to the band’s live show.
The live show starts with Breathe. We get full live sound, multiple camera angles in quick succession, views of the huge audience in the bowl as well as the band. Omen, then Colours, Thunder follow and the sound is good, makes me notice elements of tracks I can’t always hear in a live environment. It’s all edited, but not too over-edited; each effect has a point and supports the live show rather than trying to change it.
The film continues through the live show and unlike in Electronic Punks and on the previous clips on the band’s site there are no further interruptions, no more shenanigans, its all about the band’s live show now from start to end.
Warriors Dance next; it’s great, but it’s weird, sitting in our seats in the cinema, drink in hand, sitting quietly watching this intense live show. I keep catching myself wanting to tap my feet and after each track I instinctively want to clap my hands and jump up; but then notice in the last minute I’m actually in a cinema in Portobello Road.
Firestarter is followed by Run with the Wolves – a live favourite of mine and the recording doesn’t disappoint. Just like when I was at the actual live show in Milton Keynes, Weather Experience is fantastic. I remember this being the first time it was played in a long time and it felt special – and still does in the recording.
Voodoo People is followed by Omen Reprise and Invaders, the latter another live favourite that works well on the screen too. Throughout the film we see shots of the audience from different angles, both close up and capturing the entire bowl and if the objective of the video is to make you feel like you missed a good party if you weren’t there it definitely achieves this. SMBU is another fantastic live track, but in this show Take me to the Hospital works especially well, one of the highlights for me. The show closes with Everybody is in the Place (yay!), Their Law and Out Of Space.
The show is finished; Milton Keynes Bowl experienced The Prodigy. The closing credits come on screen and are followed by one last clip; one we have seen online before of Keith running through Brixton Academy to SMBU being followed by his security guards, bringing the film to an end with a glimpse into the band’s excellent shows in Brixton Academy.

Overall seeing the film makes me want more. It is fantastic and good enough to make me remember what a great live band they are, but at the same time doesn’t quite satisfy in the same way as attending an actual show – nothing ever will – it makes me want to go see the band live now.
Those who expected more of the offstage scenes with the band, these are limited to the first part of the film in Brazil – after that the focus is on what the band is really all about; their music, their live show and the immense energy they create when playing live.

21st January – Doncaster Dome
22nd January – Bridlington Spa
23rd January – Blackpool Empress Ballroom
25th January – Plymouth Pavilion
26th January – Southend Cliffs Pavilion
27th January – Bournemouth BIC

For those of you on The Prodigy’s mailing list, you will have also seen a special pre-sale link – valid today. Get these pre-sale tickets while you can here.

Tickets will go on general sale on 14th August 2009.

For all other tourdates by The Prodigy, also check out our gigs section!

The Prodigy are also releasing their next single ‘Take me to the Hospital’ on 31st August. The video to the single is available now, on the band’s official YouTube channel:

Quite incredibly, the song is actually already on #16 in the UK charts one week before its actual release. It’s assumed that this is due to it being bought as individual track digitally already.

The following formats and remixes will be available next week:

CD Single:
1. Warrior’s Dance (Edit)
2. Warrior’s Dance (South Central Remix)

12″ Single:
A. Warrior’s Dance (Benga Remix)
AA. Warrior’s Dance (South Central Remix)

Downloads:
1. Warrior’s Dance (Edit)
2. Warrior’s Dance (Album Version)
3. Warrior’s Dance (South Central Remix)
4. Warrior’s Dance (Benga Remix)
5. Warrior’s Dance (Kicks Like A Mule Remix)

You can preorder it now from the Prodigy’s store [HERE].

You can also watch the video on The Prodigy’s YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voBNpdXkLnU

Update March 22nd: The Prodigy have added another date to their UK tour in April and will now finish at their legendary home in Brixton, the O2 Academy on Saturday April 18th. Support comes from very special guests Dizzee Rascal, Kissy Sell Out & Chase & Status.

Tickets go on sale on Thursday Mar 26th at 10am GMT via
http://www.gigsandtours.com/?a=the+prodigy&site=theprodigy

This show is over 18s only and runs from 9pm to 3am.

The Prodigy Invade Europe
The Prodigy have just completed touring Europe and I had the chance to attend some of the shows – and it’s been fantastic!

Read fan reviews from the shows:
26th Feb Stockholm, Berns
27th Feb Oslo, Sentrum
28th Feb Copenhagen, The Grey Hall
2nd Mar Berlin, Huxleys
3rd Mar Cologne, E-Werk
4th Mar Amsterdam, Melkweg
6th Mar Munich, Tonhalle
7th Mar Bratislava, PKO
8th Mar Vienna [Special Report by ant40000b]
9th Mar Zurich, Maag Event Hall
15th Mar Paris, Zenith

New Festival Shows

The Prodigy have also announced a number of fetsival shows throughout this summer. Below a summary of the latest announcements:

Frequency Festival, St Poelten, Austria
The Prodigy will be headlining Austria’s Frequency Festival and closing the event on 22nd August. For tickets visit: www.musicticket.at / T: +43 1 96 0 96

19th June ­ Live In The Park, Donard Park, Newcastle, County Down, N Ireland / www.planetlovemusic.com 5th July – Heineken Open’er Festival, Gdynia, Poland / www.opener.pl

The Prodigy join Oasis in line up for Rock Werchter Festival The Prodigy join the likes of Kings of Leon, Metallica, Placebo & Oasis for Belgium¹s biggest rock festival – Rock Werchter in Rotselaar. Taking place over 4 days, The prodigy play the main stage on the opening night, July 2nd. For more info & tickets visit www.rockwerchter.be & www.proximusgoformusic.be or telephone 0900 2 60 60 (within Belgium) 0900 45 000 45 (within Holland) +32 34 00 00 34 (all other countries)

GLOBAL GATHERING
The Prodigy will headline the UK’S Global Gathering festival, alongside Orbital & Pendulum on Friday July 24th. The event takes place over two days at Startford Upon Avon’s Long Marston Airfield. Click here for line up & tickets www.globalgathering.co.uk/tickets

SOS 4.8 Festival, Spain
The Prodigy kick off the festival season at SOS 4.8 on May 1st in Murcia, Spain. A 2 day festival of music & contemporary art, The Prodigy will be joined by Underworld & 2 Many DJs amongst others. For more info & tickets visit: www.ticktackticket.com / www.atrapalo.com

DOWNLOAD 2009
The Prodigy will be appearing at the UK’s premier rock festival Download at Donington Park on Saturday June 13th. For more information & tickets visit www.downloadfestival.co.uk

The Prodigy return to play Germany’s most popular festival event ­ Rock am Ring & Rock im Park in June. This year they will play Centrestage prior to Slipknot.

June 6th – Rock Am Ring – Nurburgring
June 7th – Rock Im Park – Nurnburg

For info & tickets visit: www.rock-im-park.com / www.rock-am-ring.com / www.eventim.de

Yes, that is right, The Prodigy have entered the UK album chart at number 1 with their newest studio album ‘Invaders Must Die’! What an amazing result, congratulations!

The Prodigy Invade Europe
The Prodigy are currently touring Europe and I have been to two of the shows so far (Stockholm and Copenhagen) and it’s been fantastic. They’re small and intimate venues and the band have been varying the setlist to include tracks from the new album, similar to the UK club shows late last year.

Read fan reviews from the shows so far:
26th Feb Stockholm, Berns
27th Feb Oslo, Sentrum
28th Feb Copenhagen, The Grey Hall

Next Gigs:
2nd Mar Berlin, Huxleys
3rd Mar Cologne, E-Werk
4th Mar Amsterdam, Melkweg
6th Mar Munich, Tonhalle
7th Mar Bratislava, PKO
8th Mar Vienna
9th Mar Zurich, Maag Event Hall
15th Mar Paris, Zenith

see you there!

You all already know this – Omen has been released today so you can get it now in all formats, from the shops, online etc.

The Prodigy are back on tour!

Below the latest dates, all announced over the last couple of days. For full listings please go to the ‘tour’ pages.

Roseland Ballroom in New York City on
March 26th. Click here for tickets:

http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/403751

The Prodigy return to play Germany’s most popular festival event ­ Rock am Ring & Rock im Park in June. This year they will play Centrestage prior to Slipknot.

June 6th – Rock Am Ring – Nurburgring
June 7th – Rock Im Park – Nurnburg

For info & tickets visit: www.rock-im-park.com / www.rock-am-ring.com / www.eventim.de

DOWNLOAD 2009
The Prodigy will be appearing at the UK’s premier rock festival Download at Donington Park on Saturday June 13th. For more information & tickets visit www.downloadfestival.co.uk

SOS 4.8 Festival, Spain
The Prodigy kick off the festival season at SOS 4.8 on May 1st in Murcia, Spain. A 2 day festival of music & contemporary art, The Prodigy will be joined by Underworld & 2 Many DJs amongst others. For more info & tickets visit: www.ticktackticket.com / www.atrapalo.com

GLOBAL GATHERING
The Prodigy will headline the UK’S Global Gathering festival, alongside Orbital & Pendulum on Friday July 24th. The event takes place over two days at Startford Upon Avon’s Long Marston Airfield. Click here for line up & tickets www.globalgathering.co.uk/tickets

Throughout 2008 the band then introduced more and more of the new material in their live shows. ‘Run with the Wolves’ in Barcelona in October and then ‘Omen’ and ‘Take Me to The Hospital’ on their UK tour in December.

The big news soon followed, they had finished the album and it would be released on 23rd February 2009! Like most fans of the band, I couldn’t wait to hear not only the studio versions of the live tracks we were all so excited about, but was also eager to hear what the rest of the album sounded like.

Then, in early January 09 I got to hear it, the full new Prodigy studio album. In full length, from start to finish, one chance to listen to it all. Yay!

So here it is; my initial review of the album. And while this is an initial impression, one thing that’s for sure is that there is still so much more to discover on this album…

1. Invaders Must Die

The album kicks off with its title track, ‘Invaders Must Die’. We have all heard this one, as it was the first track made available online to everyone as a free download in late 2008, complete with professional video. (You can watch it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiqFcc_l_Kk).

While some of us said it wasn’t a very accessible track when we heard it the first time, it has not only impressed me a lot at the live shows but it is a real grower and stays around almost like an anthem. It’s a great album opener and title track. And while it’s got a clear influence by Pendulum, it is of course also very Prodigy.
I noticed also that the album version has a different outro than the downloadable single of the track had, and was leading rather seamless into the next track, …

2. Omen

We heard ‘Omen’ for the first time at the live shows in the UK in late 2008 and it is set to be the first single off the album to be released mid-February 2009. The video is now available online as well on the Prodigy youtube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMVTKOoy1uk.

This track is just so very melodic and the vocals by Maxim and Keith are much more ‘singing’ than any other Prodigy track we’ve heard. It’s such a mix of styles, from old school, to punk rock, techno and breakbeats – where do I even start! The result is a track that is in places heavily produced, but to the extent that it works just perfectly and as a whole is just pure energy.
Like on the track ‘Invaders Must Die’, effects are used over the voices and the combination of Keith and Maxim on vocals sounds fantastic. What a great single to return with!

3. Thunder

‘Thunder’ is a track not yet played at the live shows and brand new to us all. It starts with an initial build up leading quickly into its main reggae-like sample “I hear Thunder but there is no rain. This kind of Thunder breaks walls and brings pain” which leads into the main chorus “Thunder, Thunder”. It’s an amazing track. Great breakbeats with a real old school vibe that still sounds very fresh. The vocal sample sounds brilliant and makes it very catchy. I’m here almost two weeks later after hearing this track just once, and I still have it in my head!

4. Colours

There’s something in the beats of ‘Colours’ that reminds me in a slight sense of AONO, but in a very good and fresh way. I can’t put my finger on what it is, but there’s something here that bridges the style from the last album to this whole new sound in this track. It’s all electronic, sexy with a catchy melody in the instrumental and had some production work by Morgan from ‘Does it offend you, yeah?’. The vocals are by Maxim and Keith and they fit the IMD theme perfectly and go something like “I’m ready for the war, bring your colours to the floor!”. This track is a grower I think. It doesn’t have as much of that instant intensity when hearing it the first time as some of the others on the album, but you can tell it has so much potential and that you’ll get to love it.
When I listened to this track I just thought I’d gotten the full flavour of it when all of a sudden this amazing build-up just brings another new dimension to it, the beats speed up and it all releases in some amazing break down. In fact, this happens on many tracks on this album, and every time manages to keep the tracks fresh and keep surprising you, yet make them sound so Prodigy!

5. Take me to the Hospital

‘Take me to the hospital’ – what a track. This was played live for the first time at some of the later shows on the UK tour in Dec 08 and became a fan favourite then. The studio version just confirms what we knew then already – this really rocks.

Starts with these amazing old school synths just like taken from the early rave days, then erupts into these rocking beats. Throughout the track there’s a play on the siren sounds, which suits the “welcome to the scene of the crash …” lyrics.

6. Warriors Dance

Now this is a tune we’re all familiar with in its live version since it’s been played at the live shows most of last year already. It’s such a danceable summer tune, so easy to get into, I can’t imagine how anyone could not love this track.
Of all the tracks we’ve heard live, the studio version of this one is in some ways the most predictable as it’s still so very close to the live version. Which is a good thing. The massive bass, the female voice sample, the horns, it all works so well.
Towards the end, like with other tracks on the album, there is a break and then the horns come back in, breaking the silence, building up once more to the voice sample and full on beats.

The outro of the track is a spoken sample, which I couldn’t make out if it was taken from a film or someone talking.

7. Run with the Wolves

‘Run with the Wolves’ is another real favourite of mine on this album, it’s the most punk rock of it all and a really fast tune.
Keith’s vocals work amazingly and to me this is the track ‘Warning’ never got to be, it’s even better and more dark and dangerous, pure adrenaline, the kind of track you can’t sit still to.
And once more, just towards the end as you think you’ve got this track figured out; it leads into a soft synth line that adds a whole new touch to this tune, before it continues again with its heavy military beats.
Rocking!

8. Omen Reprise

‘Omen reprise’ is obviously as its name suggests a retake on ‘Omen’. Starting off with siren it contains distorted samples from ‘Omen’ but yet is different than a remix. It’s almost cinematic in its feel and purely instrumental. Works very well and after the loudness of ‘Run with the Wolves’, this track brings you back down to earth.

9. Worlds on Fire

“3 – 2 – 1 – 0….” Many of us have heard this track live now as it was played at most all of 2008’s shows. The studio version has even more of an edge than what we heard live. It builds on a repetitive voice sample of “Worlds on Fire” with clever piano lines, vocals by Maxim and yet again some old school influences that pay tribute to Prodigy’s roots.

10. Piranha

‘Piranha’ is the track that contains the most vocals and is the typical Maxim track. While he performs vocals on ‘teeth gripping’, the pounding beats are a just setting the right tone to visualise the piranha’s power . “P-P-P-Piranha” is pure attack.
Towards the end again a sudden unexpected breakdown, that goes quieter on you for just a bit before then leading to even faster and harder beats, bringing this powerful tune to its end.

11. Stand Up

I said a number of times in this review that parts of tracks just went down an unexpected path. But nothing could have prepared me for the surprise ‘Stand Up’ would be.
The intro begins like an atmospheric theme but then leads into this completely different track. It’s a happy track, with chilled, slow beats and melodic synths that will just bring a smile to your face.
Some people said they were hoping for another ‘Narcotic Suite’ on this album. That’s not what this is; instead think something like David Holmes’ 69 Police, but with an edge.

And so it ends. Wow.

The album flows perfectly from start to finish. It’s one where you should disable your shuffle features for a change and play it from beginning to end. At the same time I think each of the tracks can stand their own and there aren’t really any fillers. Be prepared for a sudden rush of energy and excitement, too …

Welcome back, The Prodigy.

[Discuss in the forum]

By Andrea Schnepf

Note: Change on 25 Jan to reflect that vocals in Colours are by Maxim and Keith, NOT the guy from ‘does it offend you, yeah?’

As reported previously on nekosite, The Prodigy have ‘taken over’ Radio 1 for two hours tonight and, oh boy, was it great!

Not only did they premiere their new single Omen (yes! the studio version! of the new single!) but also they played some of their own all time favorites. Each of the tunes played throughout the 2 hours of the show had influenced the band in some way.

Reading all the fan comments I think I am also not the only one who thought Keith ran this show and seemed to feel very much at home on the radio. They were in good spirits and Liam even promised a new competition giving away his 303 on www.theprodigy.com over the next days. Yet to be seen if that happens of course

So now, you can of course listen to it all again, courtesy of the BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00gkkry/Zane_Lowe_Presented_by_The_Prodigy/

‘Omen’ is 30min in (if you really cannot wait) but i really recommend listening the full thing from start to finish.

And Omen, well it’s fantastic, a really strong track. Just to post some of your comments from the forum:

“Fucking Hell. How good is OMEN? Amazing” - Gunthrax
“omen sounds like the fucking bomb man.” - tomlad
“the album looks like its going to be a banger.” - Retroboy
“very very…excellent.deffo a very strong single!!!” - Andy_Peters

Discuss all this with other fans [HERE].

Omen Video Premiere

According to Channel 4′s TV listing, the new Prodigy video will be shown on 18th January at 00:05.
Source: www.channel4.com/tv-listings/daily/2009/01/17

The Dates to know

As reported before, the new Prodigy single ‘Omen‘ is released on 16th February and the new album ‘Invaders Must Die‘ on 23rd February. For more details go [HERE].

More Soon!!!

Via their official newsletter from www.theprodigy.com Prodigy have today announced the release date of their fifth studio album ‘Invaders Must Die’ for 23rd February 2009 (UK). [pre-order]

The first single ‘Omen’ will be released on 16th February 2009 (please note this was incorrectly stated as 16th January in the newsletter), which means we should watch out for the first airing of the video soon as well.

And to keep us going until then, The Prodigy have just released the album artwork to their fans too.

The track listing has also been announced:

Invaders Must Die
Omen
Thunder
Colours
Take Me To The Hospital
Warriors Dance
Run With The Wolves
Omen (Reprise)
World’s On Fire
Piranha
Stand Up

Exciting times ahead! And, make sure you keep your eyes peeled on nekosite as we’ll be posting a review of the full album soon…

You can find more info and discuss the new album here: www.nekozine.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1225879444

Prodigy Take Over Radio 1!

Make sure you tune in to Radio 1 on Monday 12th January for an evening hosted by The Prodigy 7pm – 9pm (UK). You can listen to the show online on www.bbc.co.uk/radio1.

Discuss this here www.nekozine.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1229505359

I was lucky enough to attend four of these amazing six shows and have seen them gradually bring in more and more new stuff, building up to a spectacular set list for the two final shows in Brixton Academy in London that were probably the best and most exciting sets they’ve played in years. It’s been amazing to see them reveal so much of the album and see this new stuff just work so well, despite being new and unfamiliar to the majority of the audience.

The set list varied slightly between shows, but here what they played during the last two shows:

Intro
Worlds on Fire (new track that will be on the album)
Their Law
Breathe
Breathe DubStep (new fill)
Omen (new track that will be on the album & first single to be released in Feb 09)
Spitfire
Warriors Dance (new track that will be on the album)
Firestarter
Action Radar Riff
Run with the Wolves (new track that will be on the album)
Voodoo People
Comanche (New track that will be on EP)
-
Invaders Must Die (new track that will be on the album)
Diesel Power
Smack My Bitch Up
Out of Space
Take me to the hospital (new track that will be on the album)

So we have now heard 7 new tracks, 6 of which will be on the album.

To get detailed reviews from other fans (including my own) written after the shows, visit the live section on the forum [HERE]

The Prodigy have also been posting some official clips from the shows, make sure you check them out on YouTube [HERE]

Exciting times ahead, for sure.