British indie-pop sensations Glass Animals are riding high on the release of their fourth studio album, *I Love You So Fing Much, which dropped last month via Republic Records. This marks their first full-length release in nearly four years, following the monumental success of 2020’s Dreamland. As their global Tour of Earth prepares to touch down, fans eagerly anticipate the band’s return, especially those awaiting Glass Animals In Kansas City**. The tour is set to electrify the Azura Amphitheater on Saturday, August 31. Ahead of the show, Shocknaue Entertainment News got insights from band members Joe Seaward (drummer) and Drew MacFarlane (guitarist and keys) about their unique history and special relationship with Kansas City.
Glass Animals performing energetically on stage under vibrant lights during their tour
The Kansas City Connection: The 96.5 The Buzz Story
For many international bands, breaking into the American market can be a formidable challenge. For Glass Animals, the gateway seemingly opened unexpectedly, right in the heartland, thanks to a now-defunct but fondly remembered Kansas City radio station.
A Chance Encounter Ignites a US Career
Joe Seaward recounted a pivotal story involving the local station 96.5 The Buzz, which recently ceased operations in its previous format. “Glass Animals existed very much only in England to begin with,” Seaward explained. “One of our songs, a very early song of ours, started appearing on radio in America, which was a total shock to us… It started in Kansas City, because of the Buzz.”
He shared a tale, possibly apocryphal but cherished by the band, passed on by one of the station’s personalities, Lazlo. “I think the deal was, they had a radio show whereby people would send them demos and singles… they would put a song on from one of these random new bands… and if people liked it they’d text in… or no one would text in and then they would just take it out.”
According to the story, the label had submitted their early track “Psylla.” Near the end of a show segment, with five minutes of airtime left to fill, Lazlo spotted a CD that had fallen on the floor. “He looked down and picked up the CD and he was like, ‘Okay, we’ve just got time for one more,’ and the one more was ‘Psylla.’ It was our song,” Seaward recalled.
The response was immediate and overwhelming. “They played it and apparently they had loads and loads of people texting and being like, ‘What is this song?’ And they were like, ‘Well, this kind of worked,’ and they kept playing our song and from there it kind of came out of Kansas City and around America.” This unexpected airplay directly led to the band securing a spot at the influential South by Southwest festival.
A Home Away From Home
Whether entirely factual or embellished over time, the impact was undeniable. “Basically, as far as I’m concerned, in my mind, that chance moment was what led us to having a career in America,” Seaward stated emphatically. This origin story fostered a deep connection. “I have a special, and I think we have a very special, affinity for Kansas City because of that radio station and the people who run it. Kansas City began to feel like our sort of home away from home.”
The band played numerous shows in the city, often to packed crowds, solidifying their bond. News of The Buzz’s demise saddened Seaward. “I feel incredibly sad that that radio station doesn’t exist anymore, but I also feel incredibly grateful to it for beginning our journey into America.”
This history explains why, when planning intimate previews for their latest album, Kansas City was a natural choice alongside New York and Chicago. Frontman Dave Bayley performed a secret solo set featuring a new song at Casual Animal Brewing Company earlier this year. “Kansas City was definitely on the list because of our history with it,” Seaward confirmed.
Inside *I Love You So F**ing Much: Band Favorites
With the new album exploring various facets of love – familial, friendship, romantic – the band members have developed their own attachments to different tracks, especially as they translate them to the live stage.
Joe’s Pick: “Show Pony”
For Seaward, the opening track “Show Pony” consistently resonates. “It changes a lot… depending on whether you’re recording the album or learning to play it live,” he admitted. “But I think that the one which I’ve always kind of always come back to is ‘Show Pony’… It’s a love story. It kind of goes through the different chapters of a relationship.” He noted Dave Bayley described it as a “contents page for the album,” touching on the diverse themes of love explored throughout. “I sort of feel like that song just kind of blitzes through everything in an amazing way. I love playing it live and in the recorded version.”
Drew’s Picks: “On The Run” & “Wonderful Nothing”
Drew MacFarlane shared a similar evolving relationship with the new material. “When we were making the album, I definitely had favorites and those favorites I still love, but it does change your relationship with the song… the longer you get to know it.” Live performance injects new energy. “When you’re playing live, you have quite a different relationship with the songs.”
Currently, two tracks stand out for MacFarlane on stage. “There’s a song called ‘On The Run’ which, I love, but it’s taken on a kind of new lease of life. It’s really fun and quite a wild life.” He also highlighted “Wonderful Nothing,” noting, “It really seems to resonate with the crowd in an amazing way.” During “On The Run,” Seaward has the task of pushing the tempo faster and faster until it climaxes, sometimes resulting in a chaotic breakdown.
The Thrill of Live Performance
This element of unpredictability is part of the magic of live shows. “When you record something, everything is so meticulous and careful… you sort of plan it out so much,” Seaward observed. “But I feel like doing it live, you actually get that sort of breaking point.” MacFarlane agreed, “Yeah. Which is one of the amazing things about playing live is that you can do stuff like that.” Seaward laughingly added, “Yeah, you can break, on stage, in front of thousands of people. It’s great.”
Tour of Earth Hits Kansas City
As the August 31st date approaches, excitement builds for the Glass Animals In Kansas City performance at Azura Amphitheater.
Secret Shows and Setlist Surprises?
Given their history of surprise appearances in KC, could fans expect something similar this time? Seaward remained playfully coy. “How much am I going to spoil any secret plans that we do have?” He suggested that while specific plans remain under wraps, Kansas City always receives special consideration. Furthermore, the tour setlist itself is still evolving. “I feel like the set is in the process of sort of solidifying at the moment, and there might be changes that start happening… I have a feeling that things are going to start changing in the set. So there might be some new bits and pieces for you.”
Band Chemistry and Post-Tour Plans
The intense process of creating and touring an album requires immense dedication and close collaboration. Seaward reflected on the band’s dynamic after spending over a year in “close confinement,” largely “in dark rooms without windows,” working on *I Love You So F**ing Much. “Drew said to me a couple of weeks ago, he’s like, ‘God, I really think I need a couple of weeks off when we finish this.’” After the extensive North American, European, UK, and Australian legs of the tour conclude, “priority number one… we might just have five minutes of peace and quiet.”
Despite the demanding schedule, the camaraderie remains a cornerstone of their success. “You don’t get to see the bit where me and Drew walk out of this room and walk in opposite directions and don’t talk to each other,” Seaward joked. “No, it’s great. It’s one of the most special bits about it.” He cited two highlights of being in the band: “Getting to spend all of this time with each other, because we’ve known each other for such a long time… Getting to do this job with people who you know and love as intimately and closely as we do… is a huge privilege.” The other key aspect? “Getting to share what we do with you all… Playing these shows, traveling around America, meeting the fans, feeding off their energy, and giving them always the best. It’s the absolute best thing.”
Anticipation for the Azura Amphitheater Show
Recalling their previous performance at the same venue, Seaward expressed immense anticipation for their return to Kansas City. “Last time we played there at this arena… amphitheater… That was honestly one of the best nights of my professional life. It was so cool.” He described it as the biggest show they had played up to that point, with an “electric” and “unbelievable” atmosphere that felt almost surreal. “So yeah, it’s going to be very, very special and we can’t wait to come and see you guys.”
Conclusion: A Special Night Awaits
Glass Animals’ connection to Kansas City runs deep, rooted in a chance radio play that helped launch their American journey. Their gratitude towards the city and its early support is palpable. Now, returning with a critically acclaimed new album, *I Love You So Fing Much, and the energy of their Tour of Earth, the band is poised to deliver another unforgettable performance. Fans attending the Glass Animals in Kansas City** show can expect a night filled with beloved hits, exciting new tracks infused with the raw energy of live performance, and the genuine appreciation the band holds for the city that embraced them early on. It’s clear that the August 31st show at Azura Amphitheater isn’t just another tour stop for Glass Animals; it’s a meaningful return to a place they consider a home away from home.
Glass Animals play Azura Amphitheater on Saturday, August 31, with openers Eyedress and Blondeshell. Prepare for a night celebrating music, connection, and the enduring bond between a band and the city that played a unique role in their story.
