
Franz Ferdinand (formed 2002) are a Scottish indie pop band from Glasgow, named after Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand, and known for their acclaimed second single, 'Take Me Out'
Formation: Alex Kapranos and Paul Thomson were originally members of a band named Yummy Fur in the 1990s. Kapranos' friend, Bob Hardy, was taking bass lessons from Kapranos, and Nick McCarthy had recently returned to Scotland after studying jazz bass in Germany. The four joined together as Franz Ferdinand in 2002, after The Arch Duke Franz Ferdinand. They chose the name because of the alliteration, and because the death of Ferdinand was one of the key factors in starting the First World War. Franz Ferdinand signed to Domino Records in 2003.
Career: Franz Ferdinand released their self-titled debut studio album on 9th February 2004. The album received tremendous critical praise and brought the singles 'Take Me Out', 'Michael' and 'This Fire' - all of which were well received. The album won the Mercury Music Prize, an Ivor Novello award and two BRIT awards. Franz Ferdinand performed at the 2005 Grammy Awards alongside Gwen Stefani, Black Eyed Peas and Maroon 5.
On 3rd October 2005, Franz Ferdinand released their second studio album, 'You Could Have It So Much Better'. Again, the album received tremendous critical praise, and was the band's first chart-topping album, reaching the top spot in the UK charts. On 19th January 2009, Franz Ferdinand released the first single from their third studio album. The song 'Ulysses' appeared as the first track on 'Tonight: Franz Ferdinand' when it was released on 26th January 2009. The album received mixed to moderate reviews, debuting at number two in the UK charts and number nine on Billboard's 200 list.
Franz Ferdinand began work on their fourth studio album in February 2010. 'Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action' was released on 26th August 2013. Despite rave reviews from critics, the album failed to chart higher than number six in the UK charts and number twenty four on Billboard's 200. 'Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action' was released on 26th August 2013. Despite rave reviews from critics, the album failed to chart higher than number six in the UK charts and number twenty four on Billboard's 200.
Biography by Contactmusic.com