Franz Ferdinand have unveiled two revamped tracks that appeared on their 2025 album The Human Fear: A new version of “Build It Up” with Johnny Marr on guitar and a live rendition of “Hooked” recorded live at Glasgow’s Barrowlands featuring Master Peace.
Franz Ferdinand recently busted out “Build It Up” alongside Marr for an Amazon Music Live City Sessions performance, so the group decided to bring Marr into the studio for a recorded version. The new cut is faithful to The Human Fear original, but now, features some meatier guitar work courtesy of Marr and Franz Ferdinand guitarists Alex Kapranos, Dino Bardot, and Julian Corrie.
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“Johnny is an inspiration. Literally. I sat in my bedroom as a teenager trying to work out how to play his melodies,” said Kapranos in a press statement about having Marr on the track. “To hear his distinctive playing on our song is glorious. He’s elevated it in that way only he can.”
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“Hooked,” on the other hand, was recorded during a show at the Barrowlands in the band’s native Glasgow. It features a rousing new verse from British rapper Master Peace, who recently joined Franz Ferdinand on their UK tour. “You got me… Hooked!” Kapranos and Master Peace shout in the song’s chorus, with audible cheers from the crowd echoing in the background. Stream both songs below.
Franz Ferdinand are gearing up for a performance at this weekend’s Glastonbury festival, and have a slew of festival appearances and headlining tour dates to come. They’ll return to North America in the fall for another headlining run; see their tour dates below and get tickets to see Franz Ferdinand here.
As for Johnny Marr, the former Smiths guitarist has made it clear he’s not interested in reuniting with old bandmate, Morrissey, and confirmed that he turned down a lucrative reunion offer because the “vibe” wasn’t right. “It was an eye-watering amount of money, but also, I really like what I’m doing now which makes it a lot easier,” he said. “I like where I’m at. I still want to write the best song I’ve ever written. I want to be a better performer.”
Franz Ferdinand 2025 Tour Dates:
06/27 — North Wootton, UK @ Glastonbury Festival
07/01 — Lyon, FR @ Les Nuits de Fourvière
07/02 — Albi, FR @ Pause Guitare
07/03 — Nice, FR @ Plage de l’Hôtel Amour
07/05 — Scionzier, FR @ Festival Musiques en Stock
07/07 — Istres, FR @ Pavillon de Grignan
07/09 — Den Haag, NL @ Zuiderparktheater
07/11 — Weert, LIM @ Bospop
07/12 — Neuve-Église, FR @ Festival Décibulles
07/16 — Utrecht, NL @ TivoliVredenburg
07/18 — Wabern, DE @ Gurtenfestival
07/20 — Kapolcs, HU @ Müveszetek Völgye
07/25 — Sheffield, UK @ Tramlines
07/25 — Emo Village, IE @ Forest Festival
07/27 — Steventon, UK @ Truck Festival
08/01 — Santander, ES @ Santander Music Festival
08/03 — Derby, UK @ Y NOT
08/08 — Aranda de Duero, ES @ Sonorama Ribera
08/10 — Newquay, UK @ Boardmasters
08/13 — Glasgow, UK @ Galvanizers Yard SWG3
08/13 — Coura, PT @ Paredes de Coura
08/15 — Calella de Palafrugell, ES @ Cap Roig Festival
08/22 — Almería, ES @ Cooltural Fest
08/24 — Bréal-sous-Montfort, FR @ Festival du Roi Arthur
08/26 — Sant’Antioco, IT @ Sulky Rock
08/28 — Romano di Lombardia, IT @ Villa Ca’ Cornaro
08/29 — San Mauro Pascoli, IT @ Villa Torlonia
08/30 — Rome, IT @ Auditorium Parco della Musica
09/11 — Athens, GR @ Lycabettus Theater
09/13 — İstanbul, TR @ JJ Arena
09/20 — New Orleans, LA @ The Joy Theater
09/21 — Atlanta, GA @ Shaky Knees Festival
09/23 — Tampa, FL @ The Ritz Ybor
09/24 — Orlando, FL @ House of Blues Orlando
09/26 — Richmond, VA @ The National
09/27 — Ocean City, MD @ Oceans Calling
09/29 — Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew’s Hall
09/30 — Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theatre
10/01 — Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s
10/03 — Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue Theatre
10/04 — Madison, WI @ The Sylvee
10/06 — West Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom
10/07 — Omaha, NE @ The Admiral Theater
10/09 — Memphis, TN @ Minglewood Hall
10/10 — Nashville, TN @ Cannery Hall
10/11 — Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom
11/26 — Red Hill, AU @ Red Hill Auditorium
11/28 — Melbourne, VIC @ Live At The Gardens
11/29 — Brisbane City, QLD @ Riverstage
12/02 — Thirroul, NSW @ Anita’s Theatre Thirroul
12/03 — Sydney, AU @ Sydney Opera House – Forecourt
12/09 — Osaka, JP @ Namba Hatch
12/11 — Tokyo, JP @ Garden Theater
12/13 — Dubai, AE @ Coca-Cola Arena