Franz Ferdinand, Greater Glasgow European Cultural Exchange 2026

Since their beginnings – when they were still throwing illegal parties in dilapidated buildings in Glasgow, Scotland – Franz Ferdinand have defined themselves by their fresh, timeless perspective and their musical vision.

While working together in a kitchen around the turn of the millennium, singer Alex Kapranos and bassist Bob Hardy began fantasizing about a band. However, their subsequent search for like-minded people and musical collaborators in Glasgow transformed this vague idea into a concrete plan. And thus, Franz Ferdinand was born. Even today, these ideas are the driving force that inspires them to make new music. With Julian Corrie on keyboards, Dino Bardot on guitar, and Audrey Tait on drums, Franz Ferdinand founding members Kapranos and Hardy have now, after the original lineup, found musicians who share their passion – a feeling that is just as noticeable live as it is on recordings.

Their sixth studio album, "The Human Fear" (including the hit "Hooked"), was released in early 2025 and brims with raw energy. "Fear" makes us feel alive. Fear is what shows us our humanity. And the most important moments and best things in life are always marked by the fear of losing them again.

Franz Ferdinand didn't appear at all fearful while writing the songs for the new album: in 2022, they released "Hits To The Head," a retrospective of their career spanning two decades. A journey through time, and not just for fans: the compilation includes classics such as "Take Me Out," "No You Girls," and "Do You Want To." The collection sharpened the band's focus on their own work, freeing them from the past on the one hand, while paving the way for their shared musical future on the other. Because when you have an understanding of who you are and feel comfortable with it, you are free to explore new paths.

At this point in their career, Franz Ferdinand definitely knows who they are and where they belong: on stage. Speaking of which: they'll soon be performing live in Austria – the Scottish band will be performing at Vienna's Gasometer on March 29, 2026.

Program and cast