When Scottish indie-rock stalwarts Franz Ferdinand named their new album 'The Human Fear', they weren't just referencing a catchy lyric – they were acknowledging something much deeper.
As bassist Bob Hardy explains, the title came late in the creative process, drawn from the lyric 'I've got the fear, I've got human fear' in the track 'Hook'. Once it landed, everything clicked."You could see that each of the songs is kind of about different kinds of fears," Hardy says. "Some more overtly, some less so."
From the fear of losing a relationship to the anxiety of societal collapse ('Audacious', anyone?), 'The Human Fear' captures that edge-of-chaos feeling we've all flirted with in a world of DOGE and tariffs, wars, viruses and cyclones.
Although it's not all doom and gloom. In fact, Hardy offers a refreshing take. "All the best things in life are on the other side of fear. You have to go through it to get there – and once you overcome it, that's when you feel the most alive."
This ethos extends to the stage, too. "Even going onstage, like playing a big festival – you're a bit nervous, a bit fearful, but afterwards it's the biggest buzz. It's like a roller coaster."
Where better to embrace that adrenaline rush than on the iconic Sydney Opera House steps, where the band will perform as part of their Australian tour late 2025. "Yeah, so excited about that," Hardy beams.
"I've seen videos of New Order playing there recently and thought, 'I can't believe we're going to get to do this!' There'll be photographic evidence of me outside. It's just so cool."
The Opera House gig won't just cap off their Australian run, it symbolises a full-circle moment for a band still pushing boundaries more than 20 years into their career. However, Franz isn't a one-man Archduke; it's a band fuelled by friendship and fresh blood.
Enter Audrey Tait, the band's new drummer and arguably their secret weapon. "Audrey's a fantastic drummer and as a bass player, that's the key requirement, really," Hardy laughs.
"She's really into contemporary pop, in a cool way, and just brings a different energy. Dino, our guitarist, has been touring with us since 2017 and comes from a more esoteric '70s prog background. Together they've brought enthusiasm and personality to the band."
It's not just about new styles for the band. It's about sustaining joy in the creative process. "You need people who are enthusiastic," Hardy says.
"It becomes this virtuous circle. Their taste is different, but they both have great taste – and when a new idea arises in the studio, it makes you more excited."
That same energy carried over from the band's 2021 collaboration with Sparks, which Hardy calls a creative shot in the arm. "What I took away most was their sheer enthusiasm. They were 40 years into their career and still absolutely wrapped up in music and performing. It was really inspiring."
So what's the real secret to Franz Ferdinand's longevity? According to Hardy, it's simple: friendship. "You have to be playful people. If you're in a band, your bandmates are key. You can't fake enjoying it – audiences pick up on that. We're just lucky we genuinely enjoy each other's company."
That joy is about to hit Aussie shores. Franz Ferdinand will bring their kinetic live show to Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Wollongong, and finally Sydney from late November. They'll be joined by Teenage Dads and Delivery, except in Wollongong, where it's Delivery only – no pun intended.
Fear may be human, but as Hardy and co. prove, music, mateship, and a little rhythm can keep it beautifully at bay.
Franz Ferdinand 2025 Tour Dates
Wed 26 Nov - Red Hill Auditorium (Perth)Fri 28 Nov - Live At The Gardens @ Royal Botanic Gardens (Melbourne)
Sat 29 Nov - The Riverstage (Brisbane)
Tue 2 Dec - Anita's Theatre (Wollongong)
Wed 3 Dec - On The Steps @ Sydney Opera House Forecourt
