In a truly special event for BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge, The 1975 delivered a breathtaking performance, swapping their usual synth-pop and rock energy for the grandeur of a full orchestra. This unique concert, recorded in September 2016 at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom, saw the Manchester band collaborate with the esteemed BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. The result is a stunning reinterpretation of their work, blending Matty Healy's distinctive vocals and the band's intricate melodies with the sweeping, cinematic power of orchestral arrangements.
The setlist for this Live Lounge Symphony reimagines tracks from their critically acclaimed second album, "I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It." Fan favorites such as "Somebody Else" and "A Change of Heart" are elevated with lush strings and dramatic brass, adding new layers of emotional depth and sonic complexity. The performance was not just a concert but a testament to the band's artistic versatility, showcasing their songwriting in a completely different, yet equally compelling, light. This ambitious collaboration was widely praised and even won the BBC Music Award for Live Lounge Performance of the Year in 2016, cementing its place as a memorable moment in the band's history.