Friendly Fires Mercury Drama

St. Albans shoegaze trio Friendly Fires have been rocked by the news that drummer Jack Savidge has been admitted to hospital.

Friendly Fires have had a meteoric rise, yet their sudden fame disguises many years of hard work. Gaining recognition as part of the nu rave boom, the trio shunned trends in order to find their own sound.

Eventually signing with XL Recordings the group's debut album received rave reviews. Spawning the summer hits 'Paris' and 'Jump In The Pool' Friendly Fires have been eager to keep up the momentum releasing the samba inspired single 'Kiss Of Life'.

Nominated for the Mercury Music Prize the trio were preparing to perform at tonight's (September 8th) ceremony. However Friendly Fires were rocked yesterday by the news that drummer Jack Savidge has taken ill.

Using his Twitter account the drummer explained that he may have to miss the ceremony. "Admitted to hospital with a fever and darkside purple rash on my leg. No idea whether I'm gonna be able to play at the Mercurys tomorrow," Savidge revealed.

However the drummer has kept his good humour. "Weirdly proud of quantity of flu sweat I produced last night. Sheets, duvet cover, matress rendered peat bog.Territory well and truly marked".

Other Tweets included the very sympathetic "Someone's having a dislocated shoulder seen to on the next bed along. 'Keep the screams to a minimum, mate, some of us are trying to tweet'".

Savidge also told fans of his regret at not backing fellow nominees The Horrors. "Horrors were 25/1 before the nominations were announced. Really kicking myself I didn't get on that" he claimed.

However there could be light at the end of the tunnel for Friendly Fires with Jack Savidge saying "Freedom! I've discharged my sorry ass".