Last week to celebrate the release of new single Permission, CelebMix favourites New Hope Club took over a London bus and treated fans to a special performance in Leicester Square.
We were lucky enough to be invited along to an afternoon tea on the NHC Permission London bus which was emblazoned with their name and faces in support of the single. During the tour, we were taken around the lines of Marble Arch, Oxford Street, Houses Of Parliament and even Trafalgar Square. Throughout the journey, we learnt that Reece loves the ‘industrial’ look which Big Ben currently has going on at the moment during its reconstruction and that our knowledge of London landmarks definitely isn’t the finest.
When speaking about Permission it was clear just how much the trio love this track, the self proclaimed ‘bop’ as described by George Smith saw fans staying up to be the first to hear it and learn the lyrics as quickly as possible. NHC fans wasted no time in creating cool videos ranging from reactions videos to creative lyric videos by a group called The NHC Project Squad which George proudly showed off during the tour. If you want to see what’s so special about the video, head here, social media for the trio has played an incredible part in their career so far, therefore, it’s great to see their fans continuing to spread the word in such unique ways.
During our sightseeing adventure, we were treated to some interesting facts from George including he’s only ever owned one pair of Vans in his whole life and that he hasn’t learnt that new Dr. Martens (even the vegan version) will give you nasty blisters. If you don’t watch Game Of Thrones you’ll quickly find out George won’t be impressed… we’re sorry we’ll try harder next time! The trio revealed this year will see them making a return to the United States but even more excitingly some headline shows in Europe and the UK. Their successful Road To The Empire tour last year highlighted how incredible New Hope Club headline shows can be so we’re very excited to do it all over again this year.
After the tour around London the bus dropped us off in Leicester Square where the trio were met with a crowd of very excited fans who’d braved the rain and cold; an incredible cool but overwhelming experience to see just what NHC are faced and we love it. Finding a spot in the centre of the square the fans were treated to the first performance of Permission, the amazing part is just how many people knew the lyrics already and were singing along. Well done to Reece Bibby for nearly, but saving himself from falling off mid-set; “They say don’t fall” and he didn’t. Much to the delight of the crowd which had gathered, including those just walking around the square completely unaware of what was happening; the trio performed Medicine prompting another sing-along. As far as release day celebrations go, Permission might have been one of the most fun ones in a long time!
Permission sees a new era kick off for the trio and takes them into 2019 with a bang. The new, mature sound is fresh, exciting and funky but retains all the elements which have made fans fall in love with the trio up until this point. Lyrically it’s impossible to not pick up the “We don’t need permission for nothing” chorus and get involved. Singing of having no rules holding you down whether you want to fall in love, party a bit too much or even wake up the neighbours, nothing can hold you back. A lot of fans will be able to relate to these feel-good lyrics about just wanting to do everything they want without being held back which explains just why it’s become an instant fan favourite.
Having had a taste of Permission live we cannot wait to hear it again when it’s performed during their support slot on The Vamps Four Corners UK Tour which kicks off in April. Earlier today New Hope Club released the party-themed video for Permission, head here to find out all about it and watch it. You’ll definitely be jealous of how much fun it looked as we’ll be honest, we were too!