PICTURES: The Enemy @HMV Empire, Coventry 08/05/26

The Enemy performed at HMV Empire in Coventry on Friday 8th May 2026 and band photographer Emilie Cotterill captured these stunning black and white images from the energetic gig.

 

PRESS: Coventry Telegraph - How A Song Written In 10 Minutes United Coventry

 

The Enemy in Coventry (📷: Emilie Cotterill)

The Enemy featured in an article inside the Coventry Telegraph, written about the iconic track 'We'll Live And Die In These Towns'. This is what Claire Harrison and Rachel Stretton wrote for the local newspaper:

In 2007, three lads from Coventry released a song that didn’t just climb the charts—it became the heartbeat of a city.

As The Enemy took to the stage at the We Are Back Live event earlier this week, celebrating Coventry City’s promotion in front of 50,000 fans, the story behind their most iconic anthem, We’ll Live and Die in These Towns, came full circle.

The track, which saw the promotion-winning squad join the band on stage for a massive singalong, has a surprisingly humble origin.

Frontman Tom Clarke revealed that the "little song" was written in just ten minutes nearly twenty years ago. Far from a polished studio production, it was born out of the gritty reality of life in the West Midlands, inspired by a "dilapidated flat" on Far Gosford Street and the local characters at The Oak Inn.

What started as a raw reflection on the frustrations of a working-class generation—centered on the poignant line, "It never happens for people like us" —has evolved into a symbol of resilience. From a "ten-minute" writing session to an anthem roared by tens of thousands at the War Memorial Park, the song remains the ultimate "them against us" rallying cry.

 

Following the "beyond words" promotion party, the band has confirmed they will celebrate the song’s 20th anniversary with a massive homecoming show at the Coventry Building Society Arena on March 20 next year.

 

Article available here: https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/story-enemys-anthem-how-song-33906335 

Review: The Enemy - HMV Empire, Coventry 08/05/26

 

The Enemy on stage

Just a few days after headlining in their home city in front of over 50,000 people, The Enemy were back in Coventry. This time it was at the HMV Empire, with a full gig - which was arranged after a record signing event had an unforeseen family medical emergency back in February.

The Enemy performing their closing track 

Fans were not left disappointed as Tom,Andy and Liam proved why The Enemy have such a love with music, fans and Coventry. This was not a football crowd, but their were plenty of Sky Blue supporters in attendance. This gig brought together younger and older men and women. It united new Enemy fans with those that first followed the trio back in 2007.

Fans - young and old!

The atmosphere was charged and ready to go as soon as The Enemy arrived on stage. Classic tracks from the debut number one album were belted out, with the crowd jumping and singing along to Pressure, 40 Days And 40 Nights, Away From Here and Technodanceaphobic. The Enemy proved they are more than a one album outfit and they were not afraid to play tracks from their second, third and fifth albums. Be Somebody, No Time For Tears, and even the intro to the Elephant Song were just some of the tunes on offer. 

The Enemy performing 'Trouble'

The new album also featured during the Coventry gig with Trouble and Not Going Your Way blasting out as part of the set list. Their was a lively mosh pit which remained decent and well behaved (as mosh pits go!). Tom Clarke was in no way encouraging the crowd to surf or go over the barriers ( honestly!), but even then - this was a crowd that were still riding high on emotions from the Coventry City Football Club promotion to the Premier League, watching the band that means so much to Coventry.

The Enemy have grown, without becoming big headed - they have always been passionate about the city, yet mindful not to paint the city in a light that isn't befitting. They know the very things that make up this working class environment and the elements that scream "shit". Then they have been able to translate those feelings into raw lyrics that strike a cord with so many people. We have seen The Enemy find what is important to them, while successfully communicating those feelings in song. The progression over the years is finally paying off and the catalogue of tunes is testament to the band, those that work behind the scenes and the fans who have joined them on this journey. Coventry will always be the home of The Enemy, but their music is bigger than just one city, football club or album.

VIDEO: The Enemy - Be Somebody / We Are The Champions (Live @ We Are Back, Coventry)

 

The Enemy headlined the Coventry City Football Club promotion celebrations at the War Memorial Park on Monday 4th May 2026, with over 50,000 fans celebrating the football's return to the Premier League.

Tom, Andy and Liam performed at the 'We Are Back' event, including 'Be Somebody' from the second album Music For The People (2009).

VIDEO: The Enemy - This Song Is About You (Live @ We Are Back, Coventry)

The Enemy performed This Song Is About You at the War Memorial Park as part of Coventry City Football Club's promotion to the Premier League.

Tom Clarke dedicated the song to Doug King chairman of the football club, the man who turned the club around. Tom told the 50,000+ crowd that the band had performed many times at the park but the view of sky blue made this the best.

 

VIDEO: The Enemy - We'll Live And Die In These Towns (CCFC We Are Back LIVE)

The Enemy headlined the Coventry City Football Club 'We Are Back' celebrations at the War Memorial Park on Monday 4th May 2026. Over 50,000 attended the park to watch the football club lifting the Championship league trophy, cementing their return to the top tier of English football.

We'll Live And Die In These Towns has become the anthem for Cov fans over the past few years and it was fitting The Enemy performed the song at the event. The video above was posted by the football club and captured the live performance. Coventry City manager Frank Lampard looked on admiringly towards Tom Clarke as he belted out the lyrics and young fans joined in enthusiastically.

It was a day that will live on in the memories of Coventry for a long time to come.....

 

The Enemy Shiiine On Weekender 2026

 

The Enemy performed at the Shiiine On Weekender in Skegness over the last weekend in March 2026.

While the British weather was predictably unpredictable, festival attendees were comfortably indoors at the Butlin's holiday site. Fans were able to enjoy the music and get a kip after the music ended.

Skegness Butlin's was first opened in 1936 and this was The Enemy's second appearance at the Shiiine On Weekender this decade. The Coventry band played a selection of new and classic tunes including We'll Live And Die In These Towns.

*pics: The Enemy social media 

The Enemy Coventry Gig

 

The Enemy will perform at HMV Empire in Coventry on Friday 8th May 2026 with Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins and Liam Watts promising a full gig featuring new songs from the fifth album Social Disguises and plenty of fan favourites.

Tickets are on sale now and will include a limited Sky Blue CD copy of the latest album.

Visit the official website for tickets.

PICTURES: The Enemy at London's 100 Club

 

Tom Clarke @ 100 Club, London

The Enemy headed to London on Wednesday 4th March 2026 for the album launch event. The band performed at the 100 Club in central London, playing four new tracks from Social Disguises and four old tracks for fans at the event.

These pictures were posted on The Enemy's social media (apologies for not knowing photo credits)

The Enemy @100 Club, London

Andy Hopkins autographing a fans face!

Liam Watts and Andy Hopkins

Fans meet and greet

Liam Watts on drumming duty

Andy Hopkins doing his thing on bass

The Enemy To Perform At Blackpool Winter Gardens

Why not kick off the August Bank Holiday weekend in style with a trip to Blackpool in the Northwest coast of England for an evening of music featuring The Enemy.

Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins and Liam Watts will be performing at Blackpool Winter Gardens on Friday 28th August 2026. Doors open at 6pm.

Tickets: Blackpool Winter Gardens

 

PICTURES: The Enemy In Leeds

 The Enemy had an amazing time in Leeds on Saturday as fans turned up for the new album signing and special performance.

Signing copies of Social Disguises 

Andy Hopkins 

The Enemy 

Tom Clarke 

INTERVIEW: Tom Clarke Talks One On One

Tom Clarke spoke with Danny Angove, the founder and editor of One on One and the result was a very in-depth interview worthy of the read. 

Answering poignant questions like, "Why are you releasing another The Enemy album at this stage in your life and career?" and "Was there a moment in the writing and recording process for Social Disguises where something just ‘clicked’ – and you knew you were on track to make a great The Enemy record?"

To find out the answers to these and other fascinating questions, head over to One on One website and get ready to dig deep inside the mind of Tom Clarke.

 

Tom Clarke IS Super Happy!

 

Tom Clarke with a "super happy" sticker!

The Enemy's Tom Clarke IS "Super Happy", according to the band's post on social media this weekend. The new album Social Disguises dropped on Friday and fans have been buying and streaming the album since then. 

Spotify reported that streaming for the Coventry band surged over the weekend, with over 400,000 total streams added to The Enemy overall tally of streams on Spotify.

Fans have been naming their favourite tracks from Social Disguises, based on first listens. Nat Griff said, "Those guitar parts at the end of 'Serious' are phenomenal." Another fan, Danielle Simpson said, "Love all of it but for me Social Disguises is the stand out track." Connor Chapman picked The Boxer as his best new track, while John Stribley said that Not Going Your Way had been a total earworm, unable to get the song out of his head!

VIDEO: The Enemy - Social Disguises (LIVE)

 

The Enemy have uploaded a live version of Social Disguises, taken from the new album with the same name released this week. Recorded in the studio, the black and white video captures the mood of the song beautifully. The track is quickly becoming one of the standout tracks from the album and is a very personal song for lead singer Tom Clarke.

The album, including bonus CD/vinyl are available from the official website and various record stores.

PICTURES: The Enemy In The Studio

The Enemy shared four pictures from their time in the studio, including the 'Super Happy' photo of Tom Clarke!

*Pic credit: The Enemy

 

PRESS: Northern Chorus Interview With Tom Clarke

 

Northern Chorus interviewed The Enemy's Tom Clarke as the new album Social Disguises was released. The interview highlights how "Tom reflects on creative freedom, his late autism diagnosis, the band’s evolving sound, and the enduring power of community – from football terraces to local music venues".

Find out what Tom had to say about performing the new tunes live, Coventry's music scene and why Social Disguises is very personal.

Visit Northern Chorus for the full interview.

VIDEO: Tom Clarke Interview With CinemaChords

 

Tom Clarke gave a heartfelt interview with CinemaChords' Howard Gorman as he discussed The Enemy's brand new album Social Disguises. Tom opened up with Howard 

to break down that hugely prolific demo process, the discipline behind cutting it to the bare bones, the pressure of keeping pace with a culture that doesn’t slow down, and how the band took the frustration and regret running through Social Disguises and channelled it into tracks that surge with unbridled energy, honest to the core but without a hint of lament or languish.

This interview was emotional, and dug beneath the surface as Tom opened up to Howard about the pressures and processes of the music industry and the journey over the past 20 years. Arriving finally with The Enemy Social Disguises new album. 

Visit CinemaChords for more.

The Enemy Album Countdown #5

 

As we countdown the launch of The Enemy Social Disguises album, it's time to take a look back over the last 19 years and find out what fans have been listening from from the first four albums.

The fifth most played songs from the first four albums are:

It's Not Ok (WLADITT 2007)

51st State (MFTP 2009)

Come Into My World (SITS 2012)

Some Things (IA 2015)

These tracks demonstrate the mix of music that fans of The Enemy have come to appreciate over the year's and the new album is expected to deliver some new fan favourites later this month.

Check out which four tracks make the number four slot in the next Album Launch Countdown.

The Enemy Album Countdown

Over the next few days we are counting down the most popular tracks from each of the four studio albums released by The Enemy as we eagerly await the fifth album being released on Friday 20th February 2026. 

Social Disguises promises to be a return to the original sound that captivated Indie fans in 2007 and it will be refreshing to hear how Tom Clarke, Andy Hopkins and Liam Watts have developed their sounds for a new generation of fans, while pleasing long standing fans.

Find out which tracks fans have been listening to the most over the past 19 years as we journey back over the first four album tracks. From We'll Live and Die In These Towns (2007) to It's Automatic (2015) we will journey back to the greatest tracks by The Enemy. Music For the People (2009) and Streets In The Sky (2012) also produced memorable tracks. 

The Enemy Looking To Shine On At Music Weekender

 

Billed as 'the indoor festival with your own bed', Butlin's Skegness will be rocking and bopping during the last weekend in March, regardless of what the unpredictable British weather is doing outside!

The Enemy, Embrace and the Lightning Seeds are just three of the performers taking part at this year's Shiiine On Weekender 2026. Music fans will have the luxury of the indoor comforts while staying on site and avoiding queues for taxis each day. Added bonuses will be the close proximity of the sandy shoreline just a very walk away. All reasonably priced and a must for music lovers.

The Enemy are set for a busy 2026 as they launch their new album on 20th February, linking in with album signings performances as well as festival dates and a supporting role with Ocean Colour Scene at the end of the year.

Full details about Butlin's Shiiine On can be found here:

https://www.butlins.com/bigweekenders/weekends/shiiine-on-weekender/skegness-270326#headliners