South London hellraisers Fat Dog’s new album Cancel Me (I’m Tired) is out this Friday, with a triumphant homecoming gig at the O2 Academy Brixton fast approaching.
The seven-piece band’s live shows have achieved mythical status, with The Times crowning them ‘show of the weekend’ at Glastonbury last year, after they played four times in just 27 hours.
The Londoners spoke to Tim Perry, booker at legendary grassroots venue the Brixton Windmill that gave the band its start back in 2021, about their early gigs.
He said: “It was like a warzone.
“The crowd had their tops off because it was so hot, there was steam coming off people.”
Second LP Cancel Me (I’m Tired) incorporates rock with electronica, art pop, country music and klezmer – Jewish folk music.
It was written primarily by frontman Joe Love on the back of a debaucherous world tour in 2025.
“Everyone had a small breakdown of some sort on that tour,” said Fat Dog’s Chris Hughes.
On the US leg, Love, 27, got married in Las Vegas. However, he was not impressed by the Elvis impersonator serenading affairs, complaining he came out of character too much.
The new albums’ high-octance dance tracks Smile and Wave, Sh*t Love and Bad Dog will undoubtedly produce mayhem on their upcoming tour.
But the band were also keen to show a new versatility in its songwriting.
Closing track Aliens is a soaring ballad, climaxing with Love’s humorous refrain: “You’re the reason why aliens don’t come.”
Love pays homage to his South-East London roots on wistful acoustic track Snakes.
“Left my heart in Sydenham to walk you down the aisle,” sings Love. “You’ll keep my heart in Texas, Penge, East Ham, Bombay.”
This combination of light-heartedness, humour and exhilarating performances have captured the hearts of fans.
“Their tour last year was the best live music experience I’ve ever had,” raved one fan on Reddit.
“Literally one of the best live acts around,” said another.
The band will play their biggest headline show ever at 5,000-capacity O2 Academy Brixton on 24th October, just 10 minutes up the road from where it all started.
For Perry, their appeal ultimately comes from the joy they give to others.
He said: “Ultimately, it seems like a band that people have a lot of fun with.”
He feels a sense of pride in another Windmill alumni – which includes countless Mercury Prize and even two Oscar nominees – achieving widespread acclaim.
“It’s always nice, especially when it’s a South London band that gets to that level.”
And Fat Dog’s rise shows no sign of stopping. The O2 Academy gig is the highlight of a wider UK/ European tour this Autumn, before the band jets down under to Australia in December.
Cancel Me (I’m Tired) is out Friday October 2nd on Domino Records.
Featured Image Credit: Domino Records
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