Franz Ferdinand is a Scottish rock band that was formed in Glasgow in 2002. They are recognized as one of the leading bands in the post-punk revival movement, with multiple top 20 hits in the UK. Over the years, the band has received several Grammy nominations and has won two Brit Awards, including Best British Group, along with an NME Award.
The original lineup featured Alex Kapranos (lead vocals, lead guitar, keyboards), Nick McCarthy (rhythm guitar, keyboards, vocals), Bob Hardy (bass guitar, percussion), and Paul Thomson (drums, percussion, backing vocals). In 2017, Julian Corrie (keyboards, lead guitar, backing vocals) and Dino Bardot (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) joined the band after McCarthy's departure in 2016. Audrey Tait (drums, percussion) became part of the group in 2021 following Thomson's exit.
Franz Ferdinand's first single, "Darts of Pleasure," peaked at number 44 on the UK Singles Chart, just missing the Top 40. Their second single, "Take Me Out," marked their commercial breakthrough, reaching number three on the UK chart and receiving international recognition. This song became their signature hit and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Their debut album, *Franz Ferdinand*, released in 2004, won the prestigious Mercury Prize and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Album.
In 2005, they released their second album, *You Could Have It So Much Better*, produced by Rich Costey. It achieved top-ten chart positions in multiple countries and garnered Grammy nominations for Best Alternative Album and the single "Do You Want To." Their third album, *Tonight: Franz Ferdinand*, released in January 2009, showcased a shift from their post-punk roots to a more dance-oriented sound. A remix album, *Blood*, followed in July 2009.
Four years later, in 2013, the band released their fourth album, *Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action*. In 2015, they collaborated with American rock band Sparks to form the supergroup FFS, releasing a self-titled album. After McCarthy's departure, they released their fifth album, *Always Ascending*, in February 2018.