Editing Razorlight

{{Short description|English indie rock band}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name             = Razorlight
| image            = RazorlightIndigo2180817-10.jpg
| landscape        = yes
| caption          = Razorlight in 2017
| origin           = London, England
| genre            = [[Indie rock]], [[garage rock]], [[post-punk revival]]
| years_active     = 2002–2014, 2017–present
| label            = Atlantic Culture, [[Mercury Records|Mercury]]/[[Vertigo Records|Vertigo]]
| website          = {{URL|Razorlightofficial.com}}
| associated_acts  = 
| current_members  = [[Johnny Borrell]]<br />Björn Ågren<br />Carl Dalemo<br />[[Andy Burrows]]<br />[[Reni Lane]]
| past_members     = Freddie Stitz<br />Gus Robertson<br />João Mello<br />David Sullivan Kaplan<br />David Ellis<br />Harry Deacon<br />Ben Ellis<br />Mat Hector<br />Shïan Smith-Pancorvo
}}

'''Razorlight''' are an English [[indie rock]] band, formed in 2002 in London by lead singer and guitarist [[Johnny Borrell]]. Along with Borrell, the current line-up of the band is composed of founding members Björn Ågren on guitar and bassist Carl Delemo, as well as drummer Andy Burrows. This lineup is a reunion of the lineup from the band's second and third albums.<ref name=":0" />

The band have gone through several line-up changes, with Borrell remaining the sole permanent member. They released three studio albums before splitting up in 2014. The band reformed in 2017 and released the album ''[[Olympus Sleeping]]'' in 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/indie-rock-band-razorlight-to-play-limelight-gig-37519351.html|title=Indie rock band Razorlight to play Limelight gig - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk|newspaper=Belfasttelegraph|date=12 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181112204143/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/indie-rock-band-razorlight-to-play-limelight-gig-37519351.html|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=12 November 2018}}</ref>

They are best known for the singles "[[Golden Touch (song)|Golden Touch]]", "[[Somewhere Else (Razorlight song)|Somewhere Else]]", "[[In the Morning (Razorlight song)|In The Morning]]" and "[[America (Razorlight song)|America]]", the latter of which was a number-one single on the [[UK Singles Chart]] in 2006.

==History==
===Formation and early years (2002–2003)===
The band was formed in 2002 by [[Johnny Borrell]], after having performed across London with the likes of [[The Libertines]] as a solo acoustic singer-songwriter. It is often reported that Borrell was a member of the Libertines,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gigwise.com/photos/85049/ |title=11 years on: 11 facts about The Libertines' debut, Up The Bracket |publisher=Gigwise |date=2020-01-14 |access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref> but [[Carl Barat]] has since revealed that he was just taught the bass lines for four songs to play for a showcase for [[Rough Trade Records]] and failed to turn up for it and never played with the band live.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L20A_LU4SX8C&q=borrell&pg=PT31 |title=Kids in the Riot: High and Low with The Libertines - Pete Welsh - Google Books |date=2009-12-17 |access-date=2020-01-18|isbn=9780857126962 |last1=Welsh |first1=Pete |publisher=Omnibus Press }}</ref> Borrell first enlisted Swedish-born guitarist Björn Ågren via an advert in the NME,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.lep.co.uk/whats-on/music/love-in-the-razorlight-1-127930 |title=Love in the Razorlight - Lancashire Evening Post |publisher=Lep.co.uk |date=2007-05-18 |access-date=2020-01-18 |archive-date=9 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209001454/https://www.lep.co.uk/whats-on/music/love-in-the-razorlight-1-127930 |url-status=dead }}</ref> who then introduced fellow-Swede bassist Carl Dalemo to Borrell. They rehearsed in east London for six months before playing their first gig on 17 September 2002 at [[Dingwalls]] in Camden, London supporting the [[Von Bondies]]. Former NME journalist Roger Morton, who had been managing the band from the beginning, began looking to get the band into a recording studio and a session was booked at [[Liam Watson (record producer)|Liam Watson]]'s [[Toe Rag Studios]] to record early versions of the tracks ''[[Rip It Up (Razorlight song)|Rip It Up]]'', ''[[Rock 'n' Roll Lies]]'' and ''In the City''. The results of these sessions gained radio play on the John Kennedy Show on [[XFM]] who described the band as being "the best unsigned band in Britain", and led to A&R attention.<ref>{{cite web |author=by [redacted] May 21st, 2003 |url=http://drownedinsound.com/news/7023-razorlight-and-the-darkness-sign-to-the-man |title=Razorlight and The Darkness sign to The Man / Music News // Drowned In Sound |publisher=Drownedinsound.com |date=2003-05-21 |access-date=2020-01-18 |archive-date=9 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209170413/http://drownedinsound.com/news/7023-razorlight-and-the-darkness-sign-to-the-man |url-status=dead }}</ref> Following a bidding war to sign the band, they signed to [[Mercury Records]].

=== ''Up All Night'' (2004–2005) ===
The band released their debut album ''[[Up All Night (Razorlight album)|Up All Night]]'' on 28 June 2004, reaching number 3 in the UK album charts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://top40-charts.com/chart.php?cid=26&date=2004-07-04 |title=UK Top 20 Albums @ Top40-Charts.com – 40 Top 20 & Top 40 Music Charts from 25 Countries |publisher=Top40-charts.com |date=4 July 2004 |access-date=13 April 2011}}</ref> The critical reception was generally positive, receiving good reviews from ''[[NME]]'', ''[[Q magazine|Q]]'' magazine and ''[[Billboard Magazine|Billboard]]''. Drummer Shïan Smith-Pancorvo left the band in April and was replaced by [[Andy Burrows]] the following month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-174-1355209|title=RAZORLIGHT UNVEIL NEW DRUMMER &#124; NME|website=[[NME]]|date=8 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191208234055/https://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-174-1355209|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=8 December 2019}}</ref> ''Up All Night'' was re-issued in April 2005, including the stand-alone single ''[[Somewhere Else (Razorlight song)|Somewhere Else]]'' as a bonus track, and peaked at Number 2.
 
In July 2005, the band performed at [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]], London as part of the [[Live 8]] series of concerts. However, the band came under fire for being the only band to not donate their extra revenue to charity. The band subsequently claimed that due to their "fledgling status", they were unable to make such a commitment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nmefestivals.com/t_in_the_park/news/112932 |title=Festivals Guide 2011 |work=NME |location=UK |access-date=13 April 2011}}</ref>

Razorlight contributed the song "Kirby's House" to the [[War Child (charity)|War Child]] charity album ''[[Help!: A Day in the Life]]''. A shorter alternative version of the song was included on the band's second album, ''[[Razorlight (album)|Razorlight]]''.

In the midst of their first American headlining tour in support of ''Up All Night'', Razorlight created a stir in Denver, Colorado, when they stormed off stage five songs into their set during a show at the Larimer Lounge.<ref name="vh1.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1496362/20050128/razorlight.jhtml?headlines=true|title=End Of Razorlight's Tour Marred By Onstage Freak-Out, Illness
 |publisher=VH1 |access-date=2 October 2011}}{{dead link|date=November 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> After stumbling around stage, frontman Borrell shouted into the microphone "I'm going to kill myself now," and ran off the stage. The band's official statement stated that he was suffering from stagefright.

A later laryngitis infection led to the cancellation of the Los Angeles date of the tour.<ref name="vh1.com"/>

===''Razorlight'' (2006–2007)===
Razorlight debuted several new songs from their forthcoming second album live on 30 March 2006 at the Albert Hall in London, as part of [[Teenage Cancer Trust]] concerts, organised by [[Roger Daltrey]]. On 2 July, they played to a sold-out Hyde Park Calling, where they performed before The Who. The band went on to play on the beach opposite [[Brighton]]'s [[West Pier]] on 12 July in a free concert as part of a [[Vodafone]] TBA event broadcast on [[Channel 4]].

Razorlight released their second album ''[[Razorlight (album)|Razorlight]]'' on 17 July 2006, in the United Kingdom and it debuted at No. 1 in the [[UK Albums Chart]] a week later. It received mixed reviews, [[Q magazine|''Q'' magazine]] giving it a rare 5/5 rating, whilst Pitchfork Media gave it 2.8/10. The lead single from the album, ''In the Morning'' was released as a single on 3 July 2006, which peaked at No. 3 in the [[UK Singles Chart]]. To date, it is their third biggest single after ''Somewhere Else'', which peaked at No. 2, and ''America'', which peaked at No. 1. It also reached No. 2 on [[iTunes Store|iTunes]]. In 2007, Razorlight were nominated for two [[BRIT Awards]] – one for Best British Band and the other for Best Song, ''[[America (Razorlight song)|America]]''. They were also nominated for two [[NME]] Brit Awards for Best Band and Best Album.

Razorlight supported [[Queen + Paul Rodgers]] on 15 July, in front of 60,000 people. This gig had been rescheduled following the [[July 2005 London bombings]]. In December of the same year, they supported [[Oasis (band)|Oasis]], at Cardiff's [[Millennium Stadium]]. They also supported [[The Rolling Stones]] in Cologne and Paris. The band played their biggest tour to date in October–November 2006 and also supported [[Richard Ashcroft]] at the [[County Ground, Old Trafford|Lancashire County Cricket Club]] on 17 June. They headlined [[Reading Festival|Reading]] on 24 August, and Leeds on 25 August 2007. They also played the Main Stage on 19 May in Preston for Radio 1's [[Big Weekend]] alongside bands such as [[Kasabian]] and [[Kaiser Chiefs]]. On 7 July 2007, Razorlight performed at both the [[Live Earth concert, London|UK leg]] of [[Live Earth]] at [[Wembley Stadium]], London and [[T in the Park]]. In November 2006 the band were hospitalised after traces of radioactive poisoning were detected on their plane. Their [[British Airways]] return flight from Moscow was a scheduled route used by Russian ex-spy [[Alexander Litvinenko]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/the-automatic/25343 |title=Bands caught up in spy poison scandal |work=NME |location=UK |date=6 December 2006 |access-date=13 April 2011}}</ref>
The same month they supported the Mando Diao "Ode to Ochrasy Tour" in Germany.

===''Slipway Fires'' and Burrows' departure (2008–2009)===
[[File:Razorlight-KEXP.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Razorlight in 2009]]
Razorlight were due to perform for BBC [[Children in Need]] 2008, but were forced to cancel due to Borrell suffering with vocal problems. The band made a donation to the charity. After months of working on new material, some of which was written by Borrell on the island of [[Tiree]] in the [[Inner Hebrides]], Razorlight released their third studio album, ''[[Slipway Fires]]'', on 3 November 2008 with the lead single, ''[[Wire to Wire (song)|Wire to Wire]]'', released on 20 October 2008. The second single from the album, ''[[Hostage of Love]]'', however, received little commercial attention and failed to enter the charts. As a result, a planned third single ''Burberry Blue Eyes'' was cancelled. Borrell later stated that the album was their weakest, and that the "album was just about greed – that's the only way I see that record". He added that after writing songs in the Inner Hebrides "I came back to London and the label had already booked studio time even though I wasn't really confident in the songs. The songs I wrote came from this place of total mental breakdown and they were shoe-horned into a pop album, which just didn't work. I was very conscious that I didn't tell anyone in the band what I thought about their part of a song, because I couldn't face the consequences of saying that and the tantrums that would ensue".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wow247.co.uk/2014/04/23/johnny-borrell-interview-razorlight-23144/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313044433/http://www.wow247.co.uk/2014/04/23/johnny-borrell-interview-razorlight-23144/ |archive-date=2016-03-13 |title=Johnny Borrell interview: 'Razorlight is still treated like a cash cow' &#124; WOW247 |date=2014-04-23 |access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref>

On 5 March 2009, it was announced that [[Andy Burrows]] had quit the band to "pursue other musical ventures". [[Johnny Borrell]] stated that although "over the last two albums and five years Andy has been an integral part of Razorlight and we will miss him", the band would continue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/Razorlight/43251|title=Andy Burrows quits Razorlight – exclusive|website=[[NME]]|date=9 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090309205840/http://www.nme.com/news/Razorlight/43251|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=9 March 2009}}</ref> Burrows initially claimed that his time with the band had been "an amazing experience", but later went on to state that he "hated being in the band. Johnny and I didn't get on. Now I've got my freedom. He never wanted people to know that we both wrote songs". A well publicised fight between Borrell and Burrows occurred in 2006 at the Hawley Arms in Camden, London over songwriting credits for the song ''America'' with it being reported that Burrows was the main songwriter of the song.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/razorlight-ex-drummer-andy-burrows-382078|title=Razorlight ex drummer Andy Burrows breaks silence on bust-ups with Jonny Borrell - 3am & Mirror Online|website=[[Daily Mirror]]|date=27 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627210453/http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/razorlight-ex-drummer-andy-burrows-382078|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=27 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Michael Leonard |url=https://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/razorlight-split-andy-burrows-leaves-199167 |title=Razorlight split: Andy Burrows leaves |publisher=MusicRadar |date=2017-01-25 |access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref> In 2019, Burrows revealed that he had bumped into Borrell in central London three years prior and was "brushed off". He stated that Borrell "acted like I was a stranger, it was the weirdest thing. I think I went off and got extremely drunk, but felt very weird for a couple of days… it was almost like seeing a ghost".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/former-razorlight-star-andy-burrows-johnny-borrell-acts-like-im-a-stranger-37792170.html|title=Former Razorlight star Andy Burrows: Johnny Borrell acts like I'm a stranger - Independent.ie|date=11 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190311094956/https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/former-razorlight-star-andy-burrows-johnny-borrell-acts-like-im-a-stranger-37792170.html|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=11 March 2019}}</ref> In 2016, Borrell admitted that the band were collaborative and that Burrows had helped shape the sound of the second album, stating that "I rate the drummer Andy Burrows. He was a great drummer with a melodic ear – but if you want to figure out who was taking Razorlight in which direction, then maybe have a listen to what we're each doing now. I'm playing psychedelic blues-tango, and his stuff is so middle of the road it's got more white lines than [[Liam Gallagher]] in 1997".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-1196189|title=Johnny Borrell hits out at 'middle of the road' ex-Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows|website=[[NME]]|date=23 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223220117/http://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-1196189|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=23 December 2017}}</ref>

Following Burrows' departure, the band enlisted [[David 'Skully' Sullivan Kaplan]] as a temporary replacement to fulfil live commitments, and soon became an official member. He had previously worked for the band's booking agent.<ref name="khaleejtimes1">{{cite web|author=Adam Zacharias |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/citytimes/in-the-city/shine-a-light |title=Shine a 'Light |work=City Times |date=October 18, 2012 |access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref> With a top 5 album and single in Germany, the band toured America, Australia and Europe before returning to the UK for shows in May at [[The O2 (London)|The O2]] and [[Manchester Evening News Arena]] followed by UK festivals. Towards the end of the album tour cycle, the band previewed the new song ''Dr. Boushitan'' at several German gigs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/razorlight/status/3980021681 |title=Twitter / razorlight: Last night in Offenbach we |publisher=Twitter |date=14 September 2009 |access-date=13 April 2011}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=January 2020}}

===Aborted fourth album, Dalemo and Ågren's departure and hiatus (2009–2019)===
In December 2009, Borrell revealed that the band were working with [[Steve Lillywhite]] and [[Dave McCracken]] on a new album and that they were eager to get the new songs out "soon".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.universal-music.de/razorlight/news/news-zum-neuen-razorlight-album-doku-ueber-die-bandkarriere-83593 |title=Razorlight &#124; News &#124; News zum neuen Razorlight-Album, Doku über die Bandkarriere! |publisher=Universal-music.de |access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref> However, a UK and Europe tour of December 2010 featured an unannounced new band line-up.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYJjw_1H34k  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/gYJjw_1H34k |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=Johnny Borrell (Razorlight) - Vertical Women @ Luxor, Cologne (Oct 28, 2010) |date=30 October 2010 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2020-01-18}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The band previewed several new tracks on tour, including Vertical Women and If It Bleeds.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www1.wdr.de/fernsehen/rockpalast/rheinkultur-zwanzigelf-razorlight-100.html |title=Besetzung & Setlist von Razorlight beim Rheinkultur Festival 2011 - Rockpalast - Fernsehen - WDR |date= 5 January 2016|access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref>

On 26 January 2011 it was officially announced that Dalemo and Ågren had left the band, having "agreed on an amicable parting following unproductive early recording sessions for a new album late last year". The duo were replaced by guitarist Gus Robertson and bassist Freddie Stitz<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-25-1289004|title=Razorlight announce Björn Agren and Carl Dalemo's replacements - NME|website=[[NME]]|date=11 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111225316/https://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-25-1289004|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=11 January 2019}}</ref> The new line-up was officially revealed on 26 January 2011 via a new press photo. The photo was widely mocked on social media.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://diymag.com/archive/razorlight-line-up-changes-unveiled-by-amazing-press-photo/ |title=Razorlight Line Up Changes Unveiled By Amazing Press Photo &#124; DIY |publisher=Diymag.com |date=2011-01-26 |access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref> Borrell responded that "if people were laughing, then good! You shouldn't change what people ridicule you for, because in reality it's your strength".<ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-19-1268788|title=Johnny Borrell: 'I've considered renaming Razorlight' - NME|website=[[NME]]|date=6 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406022929/http://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-19-1268788|access-date=14 December 2020|archive-date=6 April 2018}}</ref>

The new line-up of the band, with Borrell as the only original member, toured the UK and Europe in September and October 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesourcemag.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=50:blog-by-piers-thomson&id=268:rotten-hill-bar-a-grill-ii-&Itemid=76 |title=Rotten Hill Bar & Grill II |publisher=thesourcemag.net |access-date=13 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gigwise.com/news/58355/razorlight-Johnny-Borrell-Plays-Surprise-First-Gig-With-New-Band |title=razorlight Johnny Borrell Plays Surprise First Gig With New Band |publisher=Gigwise |access-date=13 April 2011}}</ref> The band played several festivals including Get Loaded in the Park on Clapham Common on Sunday 12 June,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.getloadedinthepark.com/ViewNews.aspx?Id=38 |title=Get Loaded in the Park 2011. Sunday 12 June. Clapham Common – razorlight HEADLINE GET LOADED IN THE PARK! |publisher=Getloadedinthepark.com |access-date=13 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120904133904/http://www.getloadedinthepark.com/ViewNews.aspx?Id=38 |archive-date=4 September 2012  }}</ref> Guilfest on 16 July 2011 and Shakedown Festival in Brighton on 17 September 2011. The band also headlined OsFest in Shropshire on 3 June 2012, Splendour Festival in Nottingham on 21 July 2012, [[Bingley Music Live]] on 1 September 2012 and The Big Feastival the next day on 2 September 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/jamie-oliver-and-alex-james-perform-at-the-big-feastival-8102673.html|title=Jamie Oliver and Alex James perform at The Big Feastival|work=The Independent|date=3 September 2012}}</ref>

In May 2011, Borrell revealed that the new band line-up were continuing work on the fourth album, and that they were "really gelling as a band and a group of people and we're really enjoying working together. There's a really good atmosphere, it feels great, really, really good. There are some songs coming together. But it'll be ready when it's ready".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.contactmusic.com/news/razorlight-working-on-fourth-album_1221139 |title=Razorlight Working On Fourth Album |publisher=contactmusic.com |date=25 May 2011}}</ref> The band were set to work with either former Suede guitarist [[Bernard Butler]] or Steve Lillywhite producing.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> In October 2012, Kaplan confirmed that they had completed the album and were waiting to mix it. He revealed further song titles, ''Good To Be Dead'', ''Boys'' and ''Reveal Yourself''.<ref name="khaleejtimes1"/>

However, on 27 March 2013, Borrell announced that Razorlight was to be put on hold whilst he prepared to release solo material.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-9-1258162|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180406021514/http://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-9-1258162|archive-date = 6 April 2018|title = Johnny Borrell puts Razorlight on hold to focus on solo career - NME|website = [[NME]]|date = 27 March 2013}}</ref> Borrell later revealed that Mercury refused to release the album, stating that the band "really felt we had a record that we wanted to put out, but my label was very fractured and it was very hard to communicate with them. The label was focused on having a super-mega hit".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-7-1254016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180406022939/http://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-7-1254016|archive-date = 6 April 2018|title = Johnny Borrell says Razorlight's record label refused to release band's final album - NME|website = [[NME]]|date = 25 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="khaleejtimes1"/>

In July 2013, he released his debut solo album ''[[Borrell 1]]'' via [[Stiff Records]]. The album sold poorly, with the record label releasing a statement poking fun at the fact that it sold only 594 copies in its first week of release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stiff-records.com/news/johnny-borrell-album-sales-594-and-counting-/ |title=Stiff - Johnny Borrell album sales: 594 and counting |access-date=2020-01-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905133412/http://www.stiff-records.com/news/johnny-borrell-album-sales-594-and-counting-/ |archive-date=5 September 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nme.com/news/music/johnny-borrell-6-1252398|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003040605/http://www.nme.com/news/music/johnny-borrell-6-1252398|archive-date=3 October 2017|title=Johnny Borrell's debut solo album sells 594 copies in first week on sale - NME|website=[[NME]]|date=29 July 2013}}</ref> When questioned about the statement, Borrell responded that he "had almost no knowledge of that statement and I'm not sure who put it out or even what it said. My manager told me that it was really weird and, yeah, it was really weird" and that "labels are scum".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/29/razorlight-johnny-borrell-record-labels-scum |title=Razorlight's Johnny Borrell: 'Record labels are scum' &#124; Music |newspaper=The Guardian |date= 29 May 2014|access-date=2020-01-18|last1=Jonze |first1=Tim }}</ref>

Following the commercial failure of the solo album and despite the hiatus announced the previous year, Razorlight began playing numerous festival through 2014 and 2015, such as [[Y Not Festival]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A9wj45oTZWA  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/A9wj45oTZWA |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=Y Not 2014 2nd Announcement |via=YouTube |date=17 March 2014 |access-date=2 August 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
[[Tartan Heart Festival]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk/ |title=Tartan Heart Festival 2014 |publisher=Tartanheartfestival.co.uk |access-date=2 August 2014}}</ref> [[Festival Internacional de Benicàssim]] and Volksfest in [[Plymouth]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/s-Johnny/story-20876049-detail/story.html |title=Here's Johnny! |work=Plymouth Herald |date=28 March 2014 |access-date=2 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714231456/http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/s-Johnny/story-20876049-detail/story.html |archive-date=14 July 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 4 June 2014 at the [[Electric Ballroom]] in [[Camden Town|Camden]], Razorlight played on the tenth anniversary of their debut album. João Mello, an 18-year-old Brazilian who played saxophone on Borrell's solo project, played bass.<ref name=anniversary>{{cite news|title=Razorlight to play London date on 10th anniversary of debut album|url=https://www.nme.com/news/razorlight/76637|access-date=9 September 2014|work=[[NME]]|date=10 April 2014}}</ref>

=== ''Olympus Sleeping'' and return of Ågren (2018–2019) ===
While announcing his solo single "My World, Your Life" on 3 May 2018, Borrell also announced that a new Razorlight album would be released that year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/johnny-borrell-drops-new-solo-track-world-life-razorlight-promise-return-2307523|title=Johnny Borrell drops new solo track 'My World, Your Life' as Razorlight announce first new album in 10 years – NME|date=3 May 2018|work=NME|access-date=3 May 2018}}</ref> The album was released on 26 October, titled ''[[Olympus Sleeping]]''. Four songs were immediately released with promo videos, along with the announcement of a UK tour.<ref name="NME 2371367">{{cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-new-album-songs-olympus-sleeping-uk-tour-johnny-borrell-interview-2018-2371367|title='A love letter to rock n' roll' – Here are four new Razorlight songs and Johnny Borrell's comeback interview|last=Trendell|first=Andrew|date=28 August 2018|work=[[NME]]|access-date=19 September 2018}}</ref> Borrell stated that the album "was about embracing English indie guitar pop".<ref name="NME 2371367"/> The song ''Good Night'' was previously played live in 2013 prior to the hiatus with Kaplan receiving a songwriting credit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnhrWmgLLW8  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/ZnhrWmgLLW8 |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=Razorlight - Good Night - AVO Sessions |date=27 June 2013 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2020-01-18}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The new line-up featured guitarist David Ellis (who co-wrote several of the songs on the album and also appeared on Borrell's solo single ''My World, Your Life''), bassist Harry Deacon (formerly of Kid Wave) and drummer David Kaplan.

Although drummer David Kaplan appeared in press shots for the album and toured in support of it, the album was recorded with drummer [[Martin Chambers]]. Borrell met Chambers at a [[David A. Stewart]] birthday gig and asked him if he'd like to play on the new album.<ref name="NME 2371367"/> Ellis and Borrell shared bass duties on the album.<ref name="NME 2371367"/> Kaplan left the band sometime in mid-2019.<ref>{{cite web|author=Contributor: Charlie Raven / Alamy&nbsp;Stock Photo |url=https://www.alamy.com/victorious-festival-southsea-common-portsmouth-uk-2019-credit-charlie-ravenalamy-image330871280.html |title=Victorious Festival, Southsea Common, Portsmouth, UK 2019. Credit: Charlie Raven/Alamy Stock Photo: 330871280 |publisher=Alamy |access-date=2020-01-18}}</ref> In July 2019, the band released the stand-alone single ''Cops & Robbers'', which featured Borrell on drums.<ref name="readdork1">{{cite web|date=2019-07-26|title=Razorlight are back with a new single, 'Cops And Robbers' &#124; Dork|url=https://www.readdork.com/news/razorlight-are-back-with-a-new-single-cops-and-robbers|access-date=2020-01-18|publisher=Readdork.com}}</ref>

In November 2019, it was announced that original guitarist Björn Ågren had rejoined the band and would be taking part in the December 2019 tour. The duo were joined by keyboardist [[Reni Lane]], bassist Ben Ellis and drummer Mat Hector.<ref name="xsnoize1">{{Cite web|date=3 December 2019|title=RAZORLIGHT BJORN AGAIN - Original guitarist re-joins band for December tour &#124; XS Noize &#124; Online Music Magazine|url=https://www.xsnoize.com/razorlight-bjorn-again-original-guitarist-re-joins-band-for-december-tour/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191203164555/https://www.xsnoize.com/razorlight-bjorn-again-original-guitarist-re-joins-band-for-december-tour/|archive-date=3 December 2019|access-date=14 December 2020}}</ref> Ellis and Deacon left the band sometime prior to the tour. In 2020, the band released the single "Burn, Camden, Burn", which was recorded in 2009. It features on the [[Apple TV]] series ''[[Trying (TV series)|Trying]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-share-new-track-burn-camden-burn-and-discuss-return-of-guitarist-bjorn-agren-2657861|title=Razorlight share new track 'Burn Camden Burn' and discuss return of guitarist Bjorn Agren|website=[[NME]]|date=1 May 2020}}</ref>

=== Return of Burrows and Dalemo, ''Planet Nowhere'' ===
In April 2021, the band announced the return of the original lineup, featuring Borrell and Ågren, as well as Andy Burrows and Carl Dalemo with a livestreamed concert to be held on 2 June 2021.This marked the first appearance of the classic lineup in over a decade.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2021-04-29|title=Razorlight's original lineup have reunited after decade-long hiatus|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlights-original-lineup-have-reunited-after-decade-long-hiatus-2930335|access-date=2021-04-29|website=NME|language=en-GB}}</ref>

In an August 2021 interview, Carl Dalemo told local Swedish newspaper ''Nya Lidköpings-Tidningen'' that the band had been working on new music since April. Dalemo added that with him living in Sweden, and COVID-19 complicating travel, he was not able to make it to some of the gigs during early summer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nlt.se/2021/08/27/redo-att-inta-scenen-med-razorlight-for-forsta-gangen-pa-tio-ar/|title = Redo att inta scenen med Razorlight – för första gången på tio år|date = 27 August 2021}}</ref>
With the reformed lineup, Razorlight released a greatest hits album with two newly-recorded tracks in 2022 and underwent a UK tour in spring 2023, culminating with a show at [[Hammersmith Odeon]] in London.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-announce-new-best-of-2023-uk-tour-dates-3346755 | title=Razorlight announce new Best of 2023 UK tour dates | website=[[NME]] | date=10 November 2022 }}</ref> The show was relocated from [[Brixton Academy]] after the venue was closed due to the fatal concert crush in December.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-reschedule-london-live-show-add-additional-dates-2023-tour-3415626 | title=Razorlight reschedule London show and add additional UK tour dates | website=[[NME]] | date=17 March 2023 }}</ref>

In July 2024, Razorlight announced their fifth album ''[[Planet Nowhere]]'', which was released on 25 October.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/razorlight-interview-planet-nowhere-taylor-swift-courtney-love-indie-3778245 | title=Razorlight's classic line-up announce first new album since 2008 and tell us: "We were ready to ceremonially end the band" | website=[[NME]] | date=26 July 2024 }}</ref>

==Awards and nominations==
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" 
|-
! scope="col" | Award
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Category
! scope="col" | Nominee(s)
! scope="col" | Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=2|[[Brit Awards]]
| rowspan=2|[[2007 Brit Awards|2007]]
| [[Brit Award for British Group|British Group]]
| Themselves
| {{nom}}
| rowspan=2|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-brits-nominations-idUSL1482682520070214|title=Brit Awards 2007 - nominations|work=Reuters|date=14 February 2007|via=www.reuters.com}}</ref>
|-
| [[Brit Award for Song of the Year|British Single of the Year]]
| "[[America (Razorlight song)|America]]"
| {{nom}}
|-
!scope="row"|[[Eska Music Awards]]
| 2007
| Best Rock Band
| rowspan=1|Themselves
| {{won}}
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wirtualnemedia.pl/artykul/eska-music-awards-2007-rozdane|title = Eska Music Awards 2007 rozdane}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=2|Muso Awards
| rowspan=2|2005
| Best Album
| ''[[Up All Night (Razorlight album)|Up All Night]]''
| {{won}}
| rowspan=2|<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pink-floyd.ru/archive/2005/Nov/26/muso_awards_2005.html|title = Pink Floyd получили награду за лучший концерт 2005-го года }}</ref>
|-
| Best Drummer
| [[Andy Burrows]]
| {{won}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan=6|[[NME Awards]]
| rowspan=3|2005
| Best New Band
| rowspan=2|Themselves
| {{won}}
|rowspan=3|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music/2005-nme-award-nominations-1055713|title=2005 NME Award nominations|first=Manchester Evening|last=News|date=30 June 2005|website=Manchester Evening News}}</ref>
|-
| Best Live Band
| {{nom}}
|-
| Best Track 
| "[[Golden Touch (song)|Golden Touch]]"
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan=2|2007
| Worst Band
| Themselves
| {{nom}}
| rowspan=2|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/nme-awards-174-1345308|title=Shockwaves NME Awards 2007: nominations announced|website=[[NME]]|date=29 January 2007}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan=2|Worst Album
| ''[[Razorlight (album)|Razorlight]]''
| {{nom}}
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Slipway Fires]]''
|{{nom}}
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-awards/shockwaves-nme-awards-2009-the-nominees-in-full-48824|title=Shockwaves NME Awards 2009 - The Nominees In Full|website=[[NME]]|date=25 February 2009}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" | [[Silver Clef Award]]s
| 2005
| Best Newcomer
| Themselves
| {{won}}
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk/silver-clef-award-winners-archive/|title=Silver Clef Award Winners Archive|website=Nordoff Robbins}}</ref>
{{end}}

==Band members==
'''Current'''
* [[Johnny Borrell]] – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards (2002–present)
* Björn Ågren – guitars, keyboards, percussion (2002–2010, 2019–present)
* Carl Dalemo – bass, keyboards (2002–2010, 2021–present)
*[[Andy Burrows]] – drums, backing vocals (2004–2009, 2021–present)
*[[Reni Lane]] – keyboards (2019–present)

'''Former'''
* Shïan Smith-Pancorvo - drums (2002–2004)
* Freddie Stitz – bass (2010–2014)
* Gus Robertson – guitar (2010–2017)
* João Mello – bass (2014–2018)
* David Sullivan Kaplan – drums (2009–2018)
* David Ellis – guitars, backing vocals (2017–2019)
* Harry Deacon – bass (2018–2019)
* Ben Ellis – bass (2019–2021)
* Mat Hector – drums (2019–2021)

===Timeline===
<div class="left">
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20
PlotArea = left:120 bottom:80 top:5 right:15
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy
Period = from:01/01/2002 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}}
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4
ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:2002
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:2002

Colors =
 id:vocals value:red       legend:Lead_vocals
 id:bvocals value:pink     legend:Backing_vocals
 id:guitar value:green     legend:Guitar
 id:keys   value:purple    legend:Keyboards
 id:bass   value:blue      legend:Bass
 id:drums  value:orange    legend:Drums
 id:lines  value:black     legend:Studio_album
 id:bars   value:gray(0.95)

BackgroundColors = bars:bars

LineData =
 at:06/28/2004 color:lines layer:back
 at:07/17/2006 color:lines layer:back
 at:11/03/2008 color:lines layer:back
 at:10/28/2018 color:lines layer:back
 at:10/25/2024 color:lines layer:back

BarData =
 bar:Johnny   text:"Johnny Borrell"
 bar:Björn    text:"Björn Ågren"
 bar:Gus      text:"Gus Robertson"
 bar:David    text:"David Ellis"
 bar:Reni     text:"Reni Lane"
 bar:Carl     text:"Carl Dalemo"
 bar:Freddie  text:"Freddie Stitz"
 bar:João     text:"João Mello"
 bar:Harry    text:"Harry Deacon"
 bar:Ben      text:"Ben Ellis"
 bar:SSP      text:"Shïan Smith-Pancorvo"
 bar:Andy     text:"Andy Burrows"
 bar:DSK      text:"David Sullivan Kaplan"
 bar:Mat      text:"Mat Hector"

PlotData=
 width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
 bar:Johnny   from:01/01/2002 till:end        color:vocals
 bar:Johnny   from:01/01/2002 till:end        color:guitar width:3
 bar:Johnny   from:01/01/2002 till:11/22/2019 color:keys width:7
 bar:Björn    from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2010 color:guitar
 bar:Björn    from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2010 color:keys width:3
 bar:Björn    from:11/22/2019 till:end        color:guitar
 bar:Gus      from:01/01/2010 till:02/27/2017 color:guitar
 bar:David    from:02/28/2017 till:11/22/2019 color:guitar
 bar:Reni     from:11/22/2019 till:end        color:keys
 bar:Carl     from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2010 color:bass
 bar:Carl     from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2010 color:keys width:3
 bar:Carl     from:04/29/2021 till:end        color:bass
 bar:Freddie  from:01/01/2010 till:04/01/2014 color:bass
 bar:João     from:04/01/2014 till:04/01/2018 color:bass
 bar:Harry    from:04/01/2018 till:11/22/2019 color:bass
 bar:Ben      from:11/22/2019 till:04/29/2021 color:bass
 bar:SSP      from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2004 color:drums
 bar:Andy     from:01/01/2004 till:01/01/2009 color:drums
 bar:Andy     from:04/29/2021 till:end        color:drums
 bar:DSK      from:01/01/2009 till:11/22/2019 color:drums
 bar:Mat      from:11/22/2019 till:04/29/2021 color:drums
 color:bvocals width:3
 bar:David    from:02/28/2017 till:11/22/2019
 bar:Andy     from:01/01/2004 till:01/01/2009
 bar:Andy     from:04/29/2021 till:end
}}

</div>

==Discography==
{{Main|Razorlight discography}}
'''Studio albums'''
* ''[[Up All Night (Razorlight album)|Up All Night]]'' (2004)
* ''[[razorlight (album)|Razorlight]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Slipway Fires]]'' (2008)
* ''[[Olympus Sleeping]]'' (2018)
* ''[[Planet Nowhere]]'' (2024)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|https://www.razorlightofficial.com}}

{{Razorlight}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Razorlight| ]]
[[Category:Indie rock groups from London]]
[[Category:English musical quartets]]
[[Category:English musical quintets]]
[[Category:British post-punk revival music groups]]
[[Category:Rock music groups from London]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 2002]]
[[Category:Vertigo Records artists]]
[[Category:2002 establishments in the United Kingdom]]