Editing Fightstar (section)

==History==
==={{anchor|Origins (2003—2004)}}Origins (2003–2004)===
In 2003, when [[Charlie Simpson]] was still a member of the [[pop punk]] band [[Busted (band)|Busted]], he met fellow songwriter-guitarist [[Alex Westaway]] and drummer Omar Abidi at a party.<ref name="IamFS" /> During the party, an impromptu [[jam session]] took place. Simpson, Westaway and Abidi played a [[Loop (music)|loop]] of [[Rage Against the Machine]]'s "[[Killing in the Name]]", and agreed to attend a [[music concert|gig]] a few days later. After the show, they returned to Simpson's flat and played guitars and a [[Roland V-Drums|v-drum kit]]; they then wrote their first song, "Too Much Punch".<ref name="Omar"/> Westaway later invited his school friend Haigh to practise with the band, and they began booking rehearsal sessions.<ref name="IamFS"/> Abidi was studying [[sound engineering]] at college, and guitarist Alex Westaway had recently moved to London after dropping out of university. Future bassist Dan Haigh, also based in London, worked for a [[game development]] company.<ref name="Omar">{{cite web|url=http://www.crowdsurfer.net/fightstar-in-case-of-fire-liverpool-barfly-2509/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130221115008/http://www.crowdsurfer.net/fightstar-in-case-of-fire-liverpool-barfly-2509/ |archive-date=21 February 2013 |title=Fightstar – Liverpool – 02/05/09 |publisher=Crowdsurfer.net |access-date=2 May 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Simpson was becoming increasingly frustrated with Busted's music because he could not explore his own creative desires. The music he wrote did not fit Busted's established pop style.<ref name="IamFS">{{cite web|title=I Am Fightstar ... |url=http://thisiswhoiam.kerrangradio.co.uk/Celebrities/View/Fightstar |author=Guest, Los |publisher=[[Kerrang Radio|Kerrang! Radio]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090814180144/http://thisiswhoiam.kerrangradio.co.uk/Celebrities/View/Fightstar |archive-date=14 August 2009 |url-status=dead |access-date=5 August 2009 |df=dmy }}</ref> Simpson's time with Fightstar reportedly caused tension in Busted,<ref name="tensions">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4174341.stm|title=Boy band Busted decide to split|work=BBC News|access-date=29 July 2009 | date=14 January 2005 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160110021925/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4174341.stm|archive-date=10 January 2016}}</ref> which was amplified when Fightstar announced a 14-date UK tour.<ref name="disfightstartour">{{cite web|url=http://drownedinsound.com/news/11030-fightstar-tour-busted-don-t|title=Fightstar tour; Busted don't|work=[[Drowned in Sound]]|date=12 January 2005 |access-date=29 July 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303184024/http://drownedinsound.com/news/11030-fightstar-tour-busted-don-t|archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref> Simpson told Busted's manager in December 2004 over the phone that he was leaving the pop trio to focus on Fightstar,<ref name="simpsonquit">{{cite web|url=https://www.malextra.com/music/musicnews/Charlie+Simpson-2140.html |title=Charlie Simpson Would Quit Busted If Forced To Choose |website=malextra.com |access-date=31 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031192456/https://www.malextra.com/music/musicnews/Charlie%2BSimpson-2140.html |archive-date=31 October 2016 }}</ref> and wanted to do something his "heart was in".<ref name="Guardian-touture">{{cite web|url = https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/feb/17/popandrock | title = Busted? It was like torture | author = Alexis Petridis | work = [[The Guardian]]  | date = 17 February 2006 | access-date = 12 February 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170210103606/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2006/feb/17/popandrock | archive-date = 10 February 2017}}</ref>  At a press conference at the Soho Hotel in London on 14 January 2005, Busted's record label announced that the band had split up after Simpson's departure several weeks earlier.<ref name="tensions" /><ref name="conference">{{cite web|url=http://popdirt.com/busted-press-conference-on-friday/35833/|title=Busted Press Conference On Friday|publisher=PopDirt|access-date=29 July 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182607/http://popdirt.com/busted-press-conference-on-friday/35833/ |archive-date=3 March 2016}}</ref>

==={{anchor|''They Liked You Better When You Were Dead EP'' (2004—2005)}}''They Liked You Better When You Were Dead'' (2004–2005)===
{{Main|They Liked You Better When You Were Dead}}

After Simpson's decision to focus on Fightstar, the band entered Criterion Studios in London with producer Mark Williams to begin work on their first EP, ''They Liked You Better When You Were Dead''.<ref name="TLYBWYWD-credits">{{cite AV media notes|title = They Liked You Better When You Were Dead|year = 2005|type = Digipack|publisher = [[Island Records|Sandwich Leg Records]]|id = CID887}}</ref> It was released as a mini-album, containing nine tracks written during the six months Simpson and Westaway lived together.<ref name="IamFS"/> Recording sessions were often interrupted, since Simpson was in the midst of a sold-out series of [[Wembley Arena|Wembley]] shows with Busted.<ref name="KerrangMag">{{Cite news | title = Charlie Simpson's Treasure Chest – An Intimate Portrait of A Life In Rock | newspaper = [[Kerrang!]] | page = 40 | date = 3 June 2009|issue=1264}}</ref>

''They Liked You Better When You Were Dead'', released on 28 February 2005 after a brief UK promotional tour.<ref name="OMH-theyliked" /> It was a critical success,<ref name="York">{{cite news|url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/music-gigs/INTERVIEW-Fightstar.4925133.jp |title=Interview: Fightstar |newspaper=[[Yorkshire Evening Post]] |access-date=29 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215021024/http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/music-gigs/INTERVIEW-Fightstar.4925133.jp |archive-date=15 February 2009 }}</ref><ref name="OMH-theyliked">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.musicomh.com/singles/fightstar.htm |title=Fightstar - They Liked You Better When You Were Dead EP (Sandwich Leg) |magazine=[[MusicOMH]] |author=Bansal, Vik |access-date=28 May 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214111544/http://www.musicomh.com/singles/fightstar.htm |archive-date=14 December 2006 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="theyliked-allmusic">{{cite web|last1=Collar |first1=Cammila |title=Fightstar - They Liked You Better When You Were Dead |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/they-liked-you-better-when-you-were-dead-mw0000400598 |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=9 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611043559/http://www.allmusic.com/album/they-liked-you-better-when-you-were-dead-mw0000400598 |archive-date=11 June 2016 }}</ref> though Punknews.org reviewed it negatively.<ref name="Punknews">{{cite web|url=https://www.punknews.org/review/5196/fightstar-they-liked-you-better-when-you-were-dead |title=Fightstar - They Liked You Better When You Were Dead |publisher=Punknews.org |author=Shultz, Brian |date=14 April 2006 |access-date=25 December 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151225105259/https://www.punknews.org/review/5196/fightstar-they-liked-you-better-when-you-were-dead |archive-date=25 December 2015 }}</ref> Alex Westaway, the band's lead guitarist and co-lyricist, drew its artwork (based on [[Edward Norton]]) for the booklet;<ref name="Alex">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms8x2lbHOXQ|title=Fightstar's "Making Palahniuk's Laughter – Post production"|date=19 September 2006 |publisher=Fightstarmusic|access-date=19 September 2006 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416073921/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms8x2lbHOXQ |archive-date=16 April 2016}}</ref> the EP's lead single, "[[Palahniuk's Laughter]]", was inspired by [[David Fincher]]'s film ''[[Fight Club (film)|Fight Club]]'' (1999), which in turn was based on the [[Fight Club (novel)|novel of the same]] name by [[Chuck Palahniuk]].<ref name="Omar"/> "Palahniuk's Laughter" received heavy rotation on music-video channels and spent many weeks on charts based on video and radio requests.<ref name="Leeds">{{cite web|url=http://www.leedsgigs.co.uk/band-fightstar.html|title=Band Biography for Fightstar|publisher=Leeds Gig Guide|access-date=25 October 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717002650/http://www.leedsgigs.co.uk/band-fightstar.html|archive-date=17 July 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> The track, originally entitled "Out Swimming in the Flood", was renamed after the [[2004 Indian Ocean tsunami]].<ref name="pennyblack">{{cite web|last1=Smith |first1=Kelly |title=Fightstar - Interview |url=http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/whats-on/music/interview-fightstar-1-2203462 |website=pennyblackmusic.co.uk |access-date=31 March 2017 |date=28 October 2008 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170331194109/http://www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk/MagSitePages/Article/4892/Fightstar |archive-date=31 March 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The EP's UK version contained five tracks (including a sixth [[hidden track]]), and was ineligible for the [[UK Singles Chart]]. It was released the following year in [[North America]] as an extended mini-album by [[Deep Elm Records]]. The release was praised by critics, despite initial scepticism due to Simpson's former pop career with Busted.<ref name="Sputnik">{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/31305/Fightstar-They-Liked-You-Better-When-You-Were-Dead/ |title=Fightstar: They Liked You Better When You Were Dead |work=Sputnikmusic |author=Knott, Adam |access-date=8 July 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202225233/http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/31305/Fightstar-They-Liked-You-Better-When-You-Were-Dead/ |archive-date=2 February 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==={{anchor|''Grand Unification'' (2005—2006)}}''Grand Unification'' (2005–2006)===
{{Main|Grand Unification (Fightstar album)}}

After the release and promotion of ''They Liked You Better When You Were Dead'', the band were approached by their management about whom they wanted to produce their debut full-length album.<ref name="Metal Edge">{{Cite news|title=Fightstar |url=http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=395&page=1 |newspaper=[[Metal Edge]] |date=August 2007 |author=Steffen, Chris |pages=78–79 |access-date=19 July 2010 |issn=1068-2872 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615110403/http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=395&page=1 |archive-date=15 June 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> They requested [[Colin Richardson]]; initially sceptical about their chances, Richardson agreed to collaborate after he listened to their [[demo (music)|demos]]. Fightstar entered studios in west London and [[Surrey]] with Richardson in October 2005.<ref name="Kerrang!">{{Cite news|title=Fightstar Get Down To Work On Debut Album |url=http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=352&page=1 |newspaper=[[Kerrang!]] |date=22 October 2005 |author=Garner, George |issue=1079 |page=30 |access-date=19 July 2010 |issn=1740-9977 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615110158/http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=352&page=1 |archive-date=15 June 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> Richardson, who had previously produced albums for [[Funeral for a Friend]], [[Machine Head (band)|Machine Head]] and [[Fear Factory]], was meticulous during pre-production and took five days to tune the drums.<ref name="KerrangMag"/> When recording began, he called the band "very focused" and said that there was a "real buzz because nobody knows what to expect."<ref name="Kerrang!"/> ''Grand Unification'' is a loose [[concept album]], influenced by and based on the ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]]'' anime series. With lyrics loosely based on the personal experiences of Charlie Simpson and Alex Westaway, its underlying concept revolves around two people who experience the last few days of their lives before the end of the world.<ref name="BC">{{Cite news | title = The Science of Things | url = http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=347 | newspaper = [[Big Cheese (magazine)|Big Cheese]]| date = March 2006|author=K, Johnny|issue=73|page=52|access-date=19 July 2010|issn = 1365-358X |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615110527/http://www.trustkill.com/in-the-news/view.php?id=347 |archive-date=15 June 2011}}</ref>

[[File:Fightstarinstore2006.jpg|185px|thumb|right|alt=Two band members making the sign of the horns|The band at an in-store autograph session]]

''Grand Unification'' was released in the UK on 13 March 2006 by [[Island Records]], preceded by the single releases of "[[Paint Your Target]]", "[[Grand Unification Part 1|Grand Unification Pt. I]]" and "[[Waste a Moment (Fightstar song)|Waste a Moment]]". The album debuted at number 28 on the [[UK Albums Chart]], and its first single ("Paint Your Target") reached number nine on the [[UK Singles Chart|Singles Chart]].<ref name="UKChart">{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/16879/fightstar/ |title=Fightstar Official Charts |publisher=[[Official Charts Company]] |access-date=20 June 2017 }}</ref> That month, Fightstar were listed by the US rock magazine ''[[Alternative Press (music magazine)|Alternative Press]]'' as one of 100 bands to watch in 2006<ref name="Echo">{{cite web|url=http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/post-hardcore-foursome-just-surprises/story-11840255-detail/story.html|title=Post-hardcore foursome just full of surprises|publisher=[[Express & Echo]]|access-date=1 May 2009|author=Byrne, Mike|url-status=dead| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140109174748/http://www.exeterexpressandecho.co.uk/post-hardcore-foursome-just-surprises/story-11840255-detail/story.html|archive-date=9 January 2014}}</ref> and ''[[Kerrang!]]'' editor Paul Brannigan called the album "one of the best British rock albums of the last decade".<ref name="York" /> The band played at the [[Download Festival]] at [[Donington Park]],<ref name="download06">{{cite web|last1=Woodman|first1=Chay|title=Download Festival 2006: More Band Added!!!|url=https://www.skiddle.com/news/all/Download-Festival-2006-More-Band-Added/817/|publisher=Skiddle.com|access-date=20 June 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170620235728/https://www.skiddle.com/news/all/Download-Festival-2006-More-Band-Added/817/|archive-date=20 June 2017|date=29 March 2006|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and followed [[Biffy Clyro]] and [[Funeral for a Friend]] at [[the Full Ponty]] festival in Wales.<ref name="eFest">{{cite web|url=http://efestivals.com/festivals/fullponty/2006/|title=The Full Ponty '06|publisher=eFestivals|access-date=20 March 2006}}</ref> Fightstar toured several countries, including [[Australia]], [[Japan]] and the UK, with Funeral for a Friend for three months in 2006.<ref name="FFAFTour">{{cite news|url=http://www.gigwise.com/news/14526/Fightstar-To-Support-Funeral-For-A-Friend |title=Fightstar To Support Funeral for a Friend |work=[[Gigwise]] |access-date=13 March 2006 |author=Colothan, Scott |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120919170436/http://www.gigwise.com/news/14526/Fightstar-To-Support-Funeral-For-A-Friend |archive-date=19 September 2012 }}</ref> The band released ''Grand Unification'' in [[North America]] on 17 April 2007 on [[Trustkill Records]]. This version was different from the British and Japanese versions because it features "Fight For Us" (the B-side of the fourth single "[[Hazy Eyes]]") as a bonus track.<ref name="GUUSA">{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/newsOne.asp?newsId=7525 |title=Fightstar Signs With Trustkill And Releases 'Grand Unification' With Bonus Track |publisher=Melodic.net |access-date=23 February 2007 |author=Roth, Kaj |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071109054608/http://www.melodic.net/newsOne.asp?newsId=7525 |archive-date=9 November 2007 }}</ref>

==={{anchor|''One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours'' (2007—2008)}}''One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours'' (2007–2008)===
{{Main|One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours}}

After leaving [[Island Records]] due to a disagreement over the band's artistic direction,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a36783/fightstar-end-island-records-contract/ |title=Fightstar end Island Records contract |last=Regan |first=Susanna |website=[[Digital Spy]] |date=8 September 2006 |access-date=20 June 2017 }}</ref> Fightstar signed with the [[independent label]] Institute Records (a division of [[Gut Records]]) for their second album.<ref name="NME">{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/artists/fightstar#biography |title=Fightstar Biography |work=NME |access-date=15 July 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219174646/http://www.nme.com/artists/fightstar |archive-date=19 February 2009 }}</ref> According to Charlie Simpson, the band and Island had come to a "cross road" when the label began pushing Fightstar to create a more "mainstream" record.<ref name="APODS">{{cite web|url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=242409|title=Fightstar – 06.04.07 – Interview|website=[[AbsolutePunk]]|access-date=6 May 2007|author=DeAndrea, Joe|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130112002909/http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=242409|archive-date=12 January 2013}}</ref> The band recorded ''One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours'' in [[Los Angeles]] with [[Matt Wallace (record producer)|Matt Wallace]], who had produced ''[[Angel Dust (Faith No More album)|Angel Dust]]'' (1992) by [[Faith No More]]<ref name="APODS"/> (one of Simpson's favorite groups).<ref name="IamFS" />

To promote the album, Fightstar initially released the [[downloadable content|free downloadable]] single "99" in May 2007. The track, about being haunted by the loss of a loved one, was made available on the band's [[microsite]] with a music video.<ref name="NME99">{{cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/fightstar/27835 |title=Fightstar return with free single |work=[[NME]] |access-date=21 April 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070523132035/http://www.nme.com/news/fightstar/27835 |archive-date=23 May 2007 }}</ref> Its first official single, "[[We Apologise for Nothing]]", was released in September and reached number 63 on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="UKChart"/> The third single, "[[Deathcar]]", was the first official UK [[VinylDisc]] release.<ref name="VinylDisc">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2007/oct/15/musicnews.music |title=Half vinyl, half CD, all new format |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=15 October 2007 |author=Allen, Katie |location=London |date=15 October 2007 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204232717/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2007/oct/15/musicnews.music |archive-date=4 December 2013 }}</ref> The song, inspired by a harrowing documentary about Chinese [[execution van]]s<ref name="PennyB">{{cite web|url=http://www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk/magsitepages/Article.aspx?id=4892 |title=Fightstar : Interview |publisher=Penny Black Music |access-date=28 October 2008 |author=Smith, Kelly |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081118032611/http://www.pennyblackmusic.co.uk/MagSitePages/Article.aspx?id=4892 |archive-date=18 November 2008 }}</ref> and the end of Simpson's romantic relationship, produced a low-fi music video which cost £500 to make.<ref name="PennyB"/> The VinylDisc single reached number 92 on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number two on the Indie and [[UK Rock Chart|Rock Charts]] in its first week.<ref name="UKChart"/> The fourth single, "[[Floods (Fightstar song)|Floods]]", was released the following March. The band wrote it amid growing concern about [[global warming]] after they saw [[Al Gore]]'s documentary, ''[[An Inconvenient Truth]]''.<ref name="RSFloods">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.rocksound.tv/news/article/fightstar-rock-global-warming |title=Fightstar Rock Global Warming |magazine=[[Rock Sound]] |access-date=11 February 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091024040355/http://www.rocksound.tv/news/article/fightstar-rock-global-warming |archive-date=24 October 2009 }}</ref> Fightstar performed the song on Colin Murray's [[BBC Radio 1]] live sessions.<ref name="alt-ends review">{{cite web|last1=Fox |first1=Al |title=BBC - Review of Fightstar - Alternate Endings |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/vcqv/ |publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation]] |access-date=25 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109170829/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/vcqv |archive-date=9 January 2016 }}</ref> The band went on a 10-date UK tour in May 2008,<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.nme.com/news/music/fightstar-8-1326793 |title=Fightstar announce May UK tour |magazine=NME |date=2008-03-28 |access-date=20 June 2017}}</ref> supported by the London four-piece [[Brigade (band)|Brigade]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Marcus Triggs |url=http://alternativevision.co.uk/interview42.html |title=Alternative Vision &#124; www.alternativevision.co.uk - Where Alternative Music Meets Your Vision |publisher=www.alternativevision.co.uk |access-date=20 June 2017}}</ref> The tour included dates at the Leeds Slam Dunk Festival on 25 May and [[Carling Academy Islington]] on 29 May.<ref name="may-08-uk">{{cite web|title=Fightstar announce May UK tour |url=http://www.nme.com/news/music/fightstar-8-1326793 |publisher=[[NME (magazine)|NME]] |access-date=25 October 2016 |date=28 March 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026081826/http://www.nme.com/news/music/fightstar-8-1326793 |archive-date=26 October 2016 }}</ref> ''One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours''{{'}} last single, "[[I Am The Message]]", was released on 16 June 2008<ref>{{cite web|last1=Crowther |first1=Tom |title=I Am The Message - Fightstar Single Review |url=https://www.allgigs.co.uk/view/review/3071/Fightstar_I_Am_The_Message_Single_Review.html |website=allgigs.co.uk |access-date=11 November 2016 |date=22 June 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161112142116/https://www.allgigs.co.uk/view/review/3071/Fightstar_I_Am_The_Message_Single_Review.html |archive-date=12 November 2016 }}</ref> as a [[double A side]] single; the other side was a cover of [[The Flaming Lips]]' "[[Waitin' for a Superman]]", recorded for the Colin Murray Radio 1 show.<ref>{{cite AV media notes |title=[[I Am the Message]] |year= 2008| type=CD Sleeve |publisher=[[Gut Records]] |id=7INSREC09 |location=Norfolk, UK}}</ref>

==={{anchor|''Alternate Endings'' and ''Be Human'' (2008—2010)}}''Alternate Endings'' and ''Be Human'' (2008–2010)===
{{Main|Alternate Endings|Be Human (album)}}
On 11 August 2008 Fightstar released the [[B-side]]s album ''Alternate Endings'', with live radio sessions, covers and a previously-unreleased track.<ref name="melodic">{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/newsOne.asp?newsId=10253 |title=Fightstar to release 'Alternate Endings' Album |publisher=Melodic.net |access-date=3 May 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517170853/http://www.melodic.net/newsOne.asp?newsId=10253 |archive-date=17 May 2008 }}</ref> When Gut Records went into [[Receivership|administration]] at the end of 2008<ref name="musicweek">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?storyCode=1035156&sectioncode=1 |last=Pakinkis |first=Tom|title=Gut Records' status in question |magazine=[[Music Week]] |date=14 August 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402022221/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?storyCode=1035156&sectioncode=1 |archive-date=2 April 2012 }}</ref> the band decided to release their next album, ''[[Be Human (album)|Be Human]]'', in a [[joint venture]] with their management company (Raw Power) on the Search and Destroy label. The album was distributed by [[Play It Again Sam (record label)|PIAS Records]].<ref name="musicfix">{{cite web |url=http://www.themusicfix.co.uk/content/news/6265/fightstar-will-never-change.html |title=Fightstar will Never Change |publisher=The Music Fix |access-date=7 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091025130056/http://www.themusicfix.co.uk/content/news/6265/fightstar-will-never-change.html |archive-date=25 October 2009 }}</ref> Fightstar released their first single from ''Be Human'', "[[The English Way]]", on 3&nbsp;November 2008 and it topped the UK rock chart. Its video was played on Kerrang! and [[Scuzz T.V.]], and topped the [[MTV2]] top 10. The album was co-produced by the band and Carl Bown at Treehouse Studios, Bown's Chesterfield studio. In interviews before its release, Fightstar called the new album "quite different" from their previous releases; Charlie Simpson said that they wanted to experiment with a "rock opera" sound, including strings and a choir. Simpson said that although it might be different, it would still be a Fightstar album with their trademark dark, heavy elements.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/interviews/Fightstar-59073.html |title=Fightstar do it The English Way |last=Harrison |first=Ruth |publisher=Female First.co.uk |date=27 October 2008 |access-date=20 June 2017 }}</ref> The band supported [[Feeder (band)|Feeder]] for the first part of their UK tour, which began on 21 October 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/news/article/Fightstar-Confirmed-As-Feeder-Tour-Support |title=Fightstar Confirmed As Feeder Tour Support &#124; News |publisher=Rocklouder |access-date=20 June 2017}}</ref> Drummer Jason Bowld of the British metal band [[Pitchshifter]] filled in for Omar Abidi on their UK tour while Abidi recovered from a broken wrist; Abidi returned to touring with the band in early 2009.<ref name="youtube2">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfi4mMkyB2U |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/Wfi4mMkyB2U |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Jason Bowld & Fightstar – "The English Way" (live)|publisher=YouTube|access-date=10 May 2008}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Due to the drummer's injury, Simpson played drums on six tracks of the new album while Abidi wrote the drum parts and oversaw Simpson's playing.<ref name="spoonfed">{{cite web|url=http://www.spoonfed.co.uk/spooners/simon827-4248/fightstar-interview-1117/ |title=Fightstar Interview on Spoonfed – Things to do in London |last=Lee | first= Simon |publisher=Spoonfed.co.uk |access-date=7 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312083947/http://www.spoonfed.co.uk/spooners/simon827-4248/fightstar-interview-1117/|archive-date=12 March 2012}}</ref>
[[File:Fightstar Birmingham 270409.JPG|thumb|Fightstar performing in 2009]]
On 4 February 2009, Fightstar announced a 12-date UK tour supported by [[In Case of Fire]] and Laruso.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fightstar Announce UK Tour! |url=http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/news/article/Fightstar-Announce-UK-Tour |website=rocklouder.co.uk |access-date=12 December 2016 |date=4 February 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220161301/http://www.rocklouder.co.uk/news/article/Fightstar-Announce-UK-Tour |archive-date=20 December 2016 }}</ref> Two weeks before the release of ''Be Human'', "[[Mercury Summer]]" was released as the next single;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=47451 |title=Single Reviews Released 6 April 2009 |website=Top40-Charts.com |access-date=2017-01-05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220141335/http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=47451 |archive-date=20 December 2016 }}</ref> its video debuted on the band's MySpace page on 25 February.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mercury Summer Video Is Here! |url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=7378302&blogId=473036526 |publisher=[[myspace.com]] |access-date=28 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228074911/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=7378302&blogId=473036526 |archive-date=28 February 2009 |date=25 February 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> "Mercury Summer" was well-received, reaching the A List of the Radio 1 Playlist;<ref name="mercury-a-list">{{cite web|title=BBC - Radio 1 - Playlist |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/playlist/ |publisher=[[British Broadcasting Corporation]] |access-date=28 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090421174429/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/playlist/ |archive-date=21 April 2009 |date=15 April 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> the band was featured on the [[BBC Two|BBC2]] music show, ''[[Sound]]''. "Mercury Summer" was added to the daytime playlist at XFM Radio and picked as Ian Camfield's Record of the Week. Emma Scott and Kerrang Radio also made "Mercury Summer" her Record of the Week. ''Be Human'' was released on 20 April 2009, reaching the highest chart peak of any Fightstar album: number 20 on the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref name="UKChart"/>

The band introduced "[[A City on Fire]]" during [[Fearne Cotton]]'s Radio 1 show on 19 October;<ref name="acof-female">{{cite web|title=Fightstar - A City On Fire |url=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/Fightstar+A+City+On+Fire-9885.html |website=femalefirst.co.uk |access-date=28 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215003003/http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/music/Fightstar%2BA%2BCity%2BOn%2BFire-9885.html |archive-date=15 December 2012 |date=30 November 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Tan |first1=Amber |title=Fightstar release new single A City On Fire |url=http://www.purplerevolver.com/bulletin/news/12176-fightstar-release-new-single-a-city-on-fire.html |website=purplerevolver.com |access-date=28 December 2016 |date=30 October 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229033018/http://www.purplerevolver.com/bulletin/news/12176-fightstar-release-new-single-a-city-on-fire.html |archive-date=29 December 2016 }}</ref> its video, directed by Sitcom Soldiers, premiered on 24 October.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bringthenoiseuk.com/200910/music/news/fightstar-to-release-new-single-a-city-on-fire |title=Fightstar to release new single, A City On Fire « Bring the Noise UK |website=www.bringthenoiseuk.com |access-date=2017-01-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510191628/http://www.bringthenoiseuk.com/200910/music/news/fightstar-to-release-new-single-a-city-on-fire |archive-date=10 May 2017 }}</ref> The single was released as a [[music download|digital download]] on 20 December<ref name="AltSounds">{{cite web|url=http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/112334-fightstar-release-brand-new-single.html |title=Fightstar release brand new single |publisher=Alt Sounds |access-date=30 October 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115050607/http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/112334-fightstar-release-brand-new-single.html |archive-date=15 January 2010 |df=dmy }}</ref> and peaked at numbers four and ten on the UK [[UK Rock Chart|Rock]] and [[UK Indie Chart|Indie]] charts, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|title=UK Top 30 Rock Singles Chart |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/rocksingles/ |publisher=[[BBC Radio One]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091015130417/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/rocksingles |archive-date=15 October 2009 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=UK Top 30 Indie Singles Chart |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/indiesingles/ |publisher=[[BBC Radio One]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091014204931/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/chart/indiesingles |archive-date=14 October 2009 |url-status=live |df=dmy }}</ref> Fightstar released a deluxe edition of ''Be Human'' on 1 March 2010 with five new tracks, including "A City on Fire" and a live cover of [[Jordin Sparks]]' "[[Battlefield (song)|Battlefield]]" on the [[iTunes]] edition.<ref name="behuman-deluxe">{{cite web|title=Fightstar release 'be human' Deluxe Edition CD/DVD |url=http://www.safeconcerts.com/news/2010/feb/3814-fightstar-release-be-human-deluxe-edition.asp |website=safeconcerts.com |access-date=28 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228182355/http://www.safeconcerts.com/news/2010/feb/3814-fightstar-release-be-human-deluxe-edition.asp |archive-date=28 December 2016 |date=1 February 2010 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref>

==={{anchor|Hiatus and side projects (2010—2014)}}Hiatus and side projects (2010–2014)===
In 2010, Fightstar announced that they were going on hiatus to focus on separate projects.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://teamrock.com/feature/2015-10-23/why-did-fightstar-lose-their-minds-and-split-in-2010|title=Why did Fightstar lose their minds and split in 2010?|date=23 October 2015|publisher=[[Team Rock]]|access-date=7 February 2018}}</ref> Westaway and Haigh worked on [[Gunship (band)|Gunship]], a [[Synthwave (2000s genre)|synthwave]] group devoted to film music,<ref name="fortitude">{{cite web|last1=Mak |first1=Melody |title=Interview: Fightstar 'We're going to write new material' |url=http://www.fortitudemagazine.co.uk/music/music-interviews/interview-fightstar-going-write-new-material/23610/ |publisher=Fortitude Magazine |access-date=27 October 2016 |date=16 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220211822/http://www.fortitudemagazine.co.uk/music/music-interviews/interview-fightstar-going-write-new-material/23610 |archive-date=20 February 2015 }}</ref> and completed production of the score to Grzegorz Jonkajtys and Bastiaan Koch's short film, ''The 3rd Letter'', with [[Audrey Riley]]. The film received several awards from film festivals worldwide.<ref name="3rd-letter">{{cite web|title=The 3rd Letter Client: Marauder Film |url=http://www.horsieinthehedge.com/work3rdletter |website=horsieinthehedge.com |access-date=27 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028020548/http://www.horsieinthehedge.com/work3rdletter |archive-date=28 October 2016 }}</ref> Simpson began work on solo material. In December 2010 he released an EP entitled ''[[When We Were Lions]]'' through [[PledgeMusic]], an organisation which helps artists raise money to record music from fans.<ref>{{cite web|title=Charlie Simpson on Apple Music |url=https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/charlie-simpson/431245240 |website=[[iTunes]] |access-date=27 October 2016 |quote=Following a group hiatus in 2010, Simpson began work on an acoustic solo record and released an EP, When We Were Lions, through the fund-raising initiative Pledgemusic on Christmas Day. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028023658/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/charlie-simpson/id431245240 |archive-date=28 October 2016 }}</ref> His debut album, ''[[Young Pilgrim]]'', was released in August 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fightstar Interview |url=http://norwichgigs.co.uk/interviews/fightstar-2/ |work=Norwich Gigs |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613053834/http://norwichgigs.co.uk/interviews/fightstar-2/ |archive-date=13 June 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref> Simpson's solo work differed from his previous efforts, featuring a sound described as closer to [[folk music]] than to rock or pop.<ref name="MelodicReview">{{cite web|url=http://www.melodic.net/?page=review&id=9564 |title=Charlie Simpson - Young Pilgrim |publisher=[[Melodic.net]] |author=Spinelli, Tom |date=3 August 2011 |access-date=7 August 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313202053/http://www.melodic.net/?page=review&id=9564 |archive-date=13 March 2012 }}</ref>

He said that Fightstar would record another album, but he first planned to record another solo album while Westaway and Haigh worked with Gunship.<ref>{{cite web|title=Charlie Simpson makes his acting debut 'In God We Trust' |url=http://www.nme.com/news/charlie-simpson/63227 |work=NME |date=13 April 2012 |access-date=29 September 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113222852/http://www.nme.com/news/charlie-simpson/63227 |archive-date=13 November 2012 }}</ref> In a December 2012 ''[[Digital Spy]]'' interview, Simpson confirmed his plan to finish writing (and record) the second solo album in February 2013. After an intended US release and tour in the summer of 2013 promoting the album, he planned that Fightstar would reunite and begin writing for their fourth album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a444401/charlie-simpson-confirms-new-solo-album-us-tour-plans/ |title=Charlie Simpson confirms new solo album, US tour plans |last=Corner |first=Lewis |website=[[Digital Spy]] |date=11 December 2012 |access-date=20 June 2017 }}</ref> Simpson's second solo album, ''[[Long Road Home (Charlie Simpson album)|Long Road Home]]'', was released in August 2014.<ref name="long-road-home">{{cite web|last1=Davidson |first1=Amy |title=Charlie Simpson: Long Road Home album review |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/review/a587957/charlie-simpson-long-road-home-album-review/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |access-date=29 October 2016 |date=4 August 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030094730/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/review/a587957/charlie-simpson-long-road-home-album-review/ |archive-date=30 October 2016 }}</ref>

==={{anchor|Return from hiatus and ''Behind the Devil's Back'' (2014—present)}}Return from hiatus and ''Behind the Devil's Back'' (2014–2024)===
{{Main|Behind the Devil's Back}}
{{quote box|width=25em|align=right|quote=[Busted are] the ones who sell millions of records. Fightstar were never selling millions of records. The rest of Fightstar work for a living (Haigh and Westaway run a production company, Abidi works as a tour manager), and now Simpson does as well, it’s just that he works for Busted.|source=—Teamrock.com journalist Tom Bryant, 11 November 2015<ref name="Busted-money">{{cite web|last1=Bryant |first1=Tom |title=Why this Busted reunion isn't as evil as you think |url=http://teamrock.com/feature/2015-11-11/why-this-busted-reunion-isn-t-as-evil-as-you-think |website=teamrock.com |access-date=31 October 2016 |date=11 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101041039/http://teamrock.com/feature/2015-11-11/why-this-busted-reunion-isn-t-as-evil-as-you-think |archive-date=1 November 2016 }}</ref>}}
On 24 September 2014, the band's website was updated to include a countdown timer accompanied by text reading "News&nbsp;...".<ref name="countdown">{{cite web|last1=Patadia |first1=Shukti |title=Fightstar reveal mysterious countdown |url=http://www.onrecordmag.com/news/3885-fightstar-reveal-mysterious-countdown |publisher=On Record Magazine |access-date=28 October 2016 |date=24 September 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028085154/http://www.onrecordmag.com/news/3885-fightstar-reveal-mysterious-countdown |archive-date=28 October 2016 }}</ref> The timer ended on 13 October with the announcement of a ten-year anniversary show at [[The Forum, London|the Forum]] in London. A statement from the band followed: "It has been 10 years since the inception of this band and we wanted to celebrate it with a bang. We want to thank you all for your love and support over the past ten years and we can't wait to commemorate this milestone with you guys."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Davidson |first1=Amy |title=Fightstar announce live London show to celebrate 10th anniversary |url=http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a603113/fightstar-announce-live-london-show-to-celebrate-10th-anniversary/ |website=[[Digital Spy]] |publisher=Hearst Magazines UK |access-date=29 October 2016 |date=13 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030091722/http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a603113/fightstar-announce-live-london-show-to-celebrate-10th-anniversary/ |archive-date=30 October 2016 }}</ref> The concert sold out in minutes; due to demand a second concert was scheduled at O2 Academy Brixton for December,<ref name="punktastic">{{cite web|last1=Hilson |first1=Chris |title=Fightstar Release Video for Acoustic Version of 'Open Your Eyes' |url=http://www.punktastic.com/news/fightstar-release-video-for-acoustic-version-of-open-your-eyes/ |website=Punktastic.com |access-date=29 October 2016 |date=7 November 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030082154/http://www.punktastic.com/news/fightstar-release-video-for-acoustic-version-of-open-your-eyes/ |archive-date=30 October 2016 }}</ref> which was later postponed until February 2015.<ref name="winter-14-15-tour" /> With news of the postponement came an announcement of additional dates in [[Birmingham]], [[Glasgow]] and [[Manchester]].<ref name="winter-14-15-tour">{{cite web|title=Fightstar Announce New Tour Dates|url=http://www.kerrang.com/25961/fightstar-announce-new-tour-dates/|website=[[Kerrang!]]|access-date=29 October 2016|date=8 December 2014}}</ref> On 25 February, it was confirmed that the band would be third-stage headliners at the 2015 [[Download Festival]].<ref name="download-15">{{cite web|last1=Bradley |first1=Alexander |title=Fightstar on Their Return to Music and Touring |url=http://gigsandfestivals.com/features/fightstar-on-their-return-to-music |publisher=gigsandfestivals.com |access-date=29 October 2016 |date=26 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030082858/http://gigsandfestivals.com/features/fightstar-on-their-return-to-music |archive-date=30 October 2016 }}</ref>

On 12 May 2015, Simpson posted on [[Instagram]] that Fightstar had returned to the studio to work on new material with producer Carl Bown and began using Twitter for updates on the progress of the album.<ref>[https://twitter.com/charliesimo/status/605749199360159744 Charlie Simpson - Recording first guitar parts for new Fightstar album] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110021925/https://twitter.com/charliesimo/status/605749199360159744 |date=10 January 2016 }} Twitter.com. Retrieved 3 June 2015</ref> On 22 July it was announced that the band would release ''Behind The Devil's Back'' on 16 October, with a string of UK dates promoting the album to follow.<ref name="headline-15">{{cite web|title=Fightstar announce new album and headline tour |url=http://www.kerrang.com/33938/fightstar-announce-new-album-headline-tour/ |website=Kerrang! |access-date=31 October 2016 |date=22 July 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101103415/http://www.kerrang.com/33938/fightstar-announce-new-album-headline-tour/ |archive-date=1 November 2016 }}</ref> On 26 July the BBC Radio 1 Rock Show introduced "Animal", the band's first new song in five years<ref>{{cite web|title=Fightstar Unleash Comeback Single, Animal |url=http://www.kerrang.com/34040/fightstar-unleash-comeback-single-animal/ |website=Kerrang! |access-date=31 October 2016 |date=26 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120171657/http://www.kerrang.com/34040/fightstar-unleash-comeback-single-animal/ |archive-date=20 November 2015 }}</ref> which was released digitally on iTunes on 7 August.<ref>{{cite web|title=Animal - Single |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/animal-single/1024516214 |publisher=iTunes |access-date=31 October 2016 |date=7 August 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101041115/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/animal-single/id1024516214 |archive-date=1 November 2016 }}</ref>

On 10 November 2015 Simpson reunited with Busted to record new music and tour,<ref name="busted-reunion">{{cite news|last1=Denham |first1=Jess |title=Busted reunion: 2016 tour confirmed as Charlie Simpson returns |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/busted-reunion-band-confirm-2016-gigs-with-charlie-simpson-a6728301.html |website=[[The Independent]] |access-date=31 October 2016 |date=10 November 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101044850/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/busted-reunion-band-confirm-2016-gigs-with-charlie-simpson-a6728301.html |archive-date=1 November 2016 }}</ref> saying that Fightstar would continue to tour and release music as a "passion project" for its members.<ref name="passion-project">{{cite web|last1=Bryant |first1=Tom |title=Why did Fightstar lose their minds and split in 2010? |url=http://teamrock.com/feature/2015-10-23/why-did-fightstar-lose-their-minds-and-split-in-2010 |website=teamrock.com |access-date=31 October 2016 |date=23 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101041405/http://teamrock.com/feature/2015-10-23/why-did-fightstar-lose-their-minds-and-split-in-2010 |archive-date=1 November 2016 }}</ref> Some music journalists, such as [[Team Rock]]'s Tom Bryant, speculated that it was due to Fightstar never being particularly financially successful (while Busted remained profitable),<ref name="Busted-money"/> but in a ''[[Newsbeat]]'' interview, Simpson stated that he was swayed due to the chemistry in the studio.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/34776292/how-charlie-simpson-came-round-to-a-busted-reunion|title=How Charlie Simpson came round to a Busted reunion|date=10 November 2015|work=[[Newsbeat]]|publisher=[[BBC Online]]|access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref>

In an interview in April 2019, Simpson confirmed that Fightstar will return at some point in the future, and that he'd also been writing some material for it recently.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.deadpress.co.uk/news-charlie-simpson-confirms-fightstar-isnt-dead-writing-new-materi|title=NEWS: Charlie Simpson confirms Fightstar isn't dead; writing new material!|date=8 April 2019|work=DEAD PRESS!|access-date=8 April 2019}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

On 6 November 2023, Fightstar announced they would be returning for a headline show at [[Wembley Arena|OVO Arena Wembley]] in London on 22 March 2024. Their return marks the band's twenty year anniversary.<ref>{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Skinner|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/fightstar-say-theyre-always-open-to-making-new-music-ahead-of-reunion-show-3532976|title=Fightstar say they're "always open to making new music" ahead of reunion show|work=[[NME]]|date=7 November 2023|access-date=10 November 2023}}</ref>