Luke Friend

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Luke Friend
Luke Friend in 2013
Luke Friend in 2013
Background information
Also known asEkuls House
Born (1996-04-30) 30 April 1996 (age 27)
OriginLeeds, Yorkshire, England
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • former student
  • Political activist
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active2013–present
LabelsRCA (2014–2015)
BMG Germany (2016–)
Websitewww.lukefriendofficial.com

Luke Friend (born 30 April 1996)

The O2 (London)
.

Early life

He was born in Leeds and grew up in the Chapel Allerton area of the city. He is the son of gym owner, Steve Friend, and a cousin of Premier League referee Kevin Friend.[3][4][5] He also used to live in Shipley, Bradford,[6] where he attended Shipley CofE Primary and Beckfoot School,[6] before moving to Devon when he was 13.[7] He then attended Coombeshead Academy.[7]

Career

2013: The X Factor

Main article:
The X Factor (UK series 10)

In July 2013, Friend won TeenStar 2013,defeating Sam Wilde(now GODSON) in the final.

Alone" at bootcamp, and then "Cannonball" and "Somewhere Only We Know" at judges' houses, after which he was put through to the live shows by Walsh.[10] In week 6, Friend was in the bottom two with Sam Callahan, but was saved after Walsh refused to vote and then Scherzinger and Barlow voted to send Callahan home leaving Osbourne's vote unnecessary but stated that she would have saved Friend. In the quarter-final, he was in the bottom two with Tamera Foster. Walsh and Osbourne voted to send Friend through to the semi-final, and Scherzinger and Barlow voted to send Foster through to the semi-final and the result went to deadlock. Friend was saved by the public vote and advanced to the semi-final. In the semi-final he was in the bottom two again, this time with Rough Copy. Walsh and Osbourne voted to send Friend through to the final, while Barlow and Scherzinger voted to send Rough Copy through to the final. The result went to deadlock and Friend advanced to the final. In the final on 14 December, Friend performed a duet with Ellie Goulding and later was the last contestant eliminated.[citation needed
]

2014–15: Début single

On 19 January 2014, Friend won "Rising Star of 2014" in the Best of 2013 awards. He signed a deal with RCA Records and on 15 October 2014, a lyric video for a new song "Take On the World" was posted on his official YouTube page. His debut single is "Hole in My Heart" and the video appeared on his official YouTube page on 8 February 2015. It was officially released on 29 March and it reached 40 in the

UK Singles Chart. The song utilises an interpolation of the folk song "Hole in my Bucket". Friend has credited the use of this interpolation as the single most inspiring music for his career. In an interview with Sub TV in 2018 Friend claimed "If I could release this song every day I would. I love it that much." As of 18 February 2015, his album was reportedly 90% complete.[11]
Luke has also toured Britain on his sold-out 'Hole in My Heart Tour' in Totnes, Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol and London.

2016–2021: Current Projects

On 8 April 2016, Friend posted on social media a photograph of himself signing a contract with the caption "It's official I signed to @BMG time to show the world my music, a new chapter". He also announced via a Facebook live stream in March 2016 that he is also working with new management, TCB, and that new music is likely to be released later in 2016. The first three dates of a second headline tour have also been announced for 2,3 and 4 June 2016 in Birmingham, London and Manchester.

On 10 August 2018, electronic duo AZTX released a single called "Karma" featuring Friend.[12]

Friend was picked to play the part of St Jimmy in the 2019 UK tour of the musical American Idiot.[13]

2022: Mamma Mia! The Party

On 28 September 2022, it was announced that Friend would be joining the cast of Mamma Mia! The Party in the role of Adam.[14]

Discography

Singles

Year Title Peak chart positions
UK
 SCO
2015 "Hole in My Heart" 40 20
2018 "Liar" - -
2019 "Sunshine" - -
2020 "Wonder" - -

References

  1. ^ "Childhood snaps reveal X Factor star Luke Friend has always loved his funky hair style". Exeter Express and Echo. 22 November 2013. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
  2. ^ Vizard, Natalie (10 September 2013). "Devon TeenStar Luke Friend has The X Factor". The Exeter Daily. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
  3. ^ "Video: Leeds-born X Factor contestant Luke Friend calls on city's support". Yorkshire Evening Post. Johnston Press. 6 December 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  4. ^ "Leeds's own X Factor singer faces boot camp challenge". Yorkshire Evening Post. Johnston Press. 20 September 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  5. ^ "A TED EXCLUSIVE: We interview Devon and X Factor's Luke Friend!". The Exeter Daily. 20 September 2013. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  6. ^ a b Clayton, Emma (6 December 2013). "Former Shipley boy Luke Friend aims for X Factor final". Telegraph & Argus. Newsquest. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
  7. ^ a b Walmesley, Adam (8 November 2013). "Dad of X Factor star Luke Friend sets his son a top six target". Express & Echo. Local World. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 27 November 2013.
  8. ^ "Teenstar's 2013 winner Luke Friend – now in the X Factor!". grapevinelive.co.uk. November 2013. Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2014.
  9. ^ Adams, Nico (23 September 2013). "X Factor 2013: Who could go all the way?". Metro. DMG Media. Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  10. ^
    Trinity Mirror
    . Retrieved 18 January 2014.
  11. ^ "This Week's Fresh Music Top 20". Fresh Music Top 20. 4Music. 18 February 2015.
  12. ^ "Karma (feat. Luke Friend) - Single by AZTX on Apple Music". Itunes.apple.com. 10 August 2018. Retrieved 22 April 2020.
  13. ^ "Tom Milner, Luke Friend, and Sam Lavery Will Lead 10th Anniversary Tour of Green Day's AMERICAN IDIOT". Archived from the original on 11 November 2018. Retrieved 10 November 2018.
  14. ^ "Mamma Mia! The Party announces new London cast". WhatsOnStage. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
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