Pope Francis, UK band The Vamps releasing albums of same name on same day
In this July 31, 2015 file photo, James McVey, from left, Connor Ball, Tristan Evans and Brad Simpson of the band The Vamps perform in concert during their “Meet The Vamps Tour 2015” at The Electric Factory in Philadelphia. Pope Francis announced that he will release “Wake Up!” on Nov. 27, the same day the Vamps will drop their sophomore album called “Wake Up.” AP
NEW YORK — Holy musical matrimony? Pope Francis and UK pop group The Vamps are releasing albums of the same name on the same day.
Pope Francis announced that he will release “Wake Up!” on Nov. 27, the same day the Vamps will drop their sophomore album called “Wake Up.”
“It’s ridiculous really, like it’s ridiculously cool. I didn’t even know the pope was releasing anything, but for it to be released at the same time and with the same sort of name, it’s amazing,” Vamps guitarist James McVey said in an interview with The Associated Press on Friday. “We’re very excited and kind of honored to be releasing an album at the same time as the pope with a similar title. That’s awesome.”
McVey, 21, added that “it would be amazing to do a gig together” with Pope Francis at the Vatican.
“Could you imagine?” he said.
This CD cover image released by Believe Digital, shows “Wake Up!” The album will feature extracts from Pope Francis’ speeches in various languages, including English, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. It will be available on Nov. 27. (Believe Digital via AP)
The Vatican-approved album will include the religious leader’s speeches in various languages, including English, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. The sound ranges from pop to rock to Latin. The album will include 11 tracks.
Pope Francis, who is currently on a visit to the United States, debuted a song called “Wake Up! Go! Go! Forward!” on Rolling Stone’s website Friday.
The Vamps have opened on tour for Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez. They will release the first single from their new album, also called “Wake Up,” on Oct. 2.
The band includes lead singer Brad Simpson, 20; bassist Connor Ball, 19; and drummer Tristan Evans, 21. The band’s debut album, “Meet the Vamps,” was released last year. It launched five Top 10 hits in the United Kingdom.
McVey said that although their song “Wake Up” was initially about a girl, the title has multiple meanings for the group.
“I think the whole ‘Wake Up’ title can be applied to everything we’re doing. It’s kind of the notion of regeneration and waking up the whole band again,” he said. “It’s kind of about waking up everyone to the world of the Vamps’ second album.”
The Vamps collaborated with Demi Lovato and Shawn Mendes on their debut album. The new record has more synth in the sound, McVey said.
“We’ve been listening to a lot of ’80s-influenced music … things like Taylor Swift’s new album,” he said of Swift’s blockbuster “1989.” TVJ
