12 things you didn't know about Enter Shikari

Brush up on your knowledge of St Albans' noisiest lads

Author: Scarlett MartinPublished 30th Jan 2023

Eclectic electro-metal mosh masters Enter Shikari, made up of vocalist and keyboardist Rou Reynolds, drummer Rob Rolfe, lead guitarist Rory Clewlow and bass player, Chris Batten, have been making music together since 1999.

Since the release of their debut album 'Take to the Skies' back in 2007, the band have known no bounds - becoming renowned for their high energy performances and unique combination of electronic, hardcore and rock music.

With their upcoming seventh album 'A Kiss for the Whole World' scheduled for release on 21st April 2023, we’ve pulled together 12 awesome facts about Enter Shikari.

12 Enter Shikari facts:

1) Shikari is the Hindi word for 'hunter'

While writing a play at school, Rou Reynolds named his main character 'Shikari', being inspired by his uncle's new boat with the same name. After a stage direction in one of Rou's play mentioned 'Enter Shikari', the band were so enamoured with the phrase that they decided to use it for their band name.

2) The ‘Sorry You’re Not A Winner’ video was filmed in Chris Batten’s parents' house

The video shows the band performing in the middle of the living room, surrounded by a gathering of fans and friends. It's said that the Batten family moved out of the house just a few days later.

3) Their shortest song is just 18 seconds long

The track is called 'Interlude 3' and appears on their debut studio album, 'Take To The Skies'. In some formats, the track does not appear on its own, but at the start of 'Sorry You're Not A Winner'.

4) Enter Shikari was originally a three-piece called HYBRYD

Rou Reynolds, Chris Batten and Rob Rolfe formed the band in 1999 after becoming friends at primary school. In 2003, guitarist Rory Clewlow joined the band and they changed their name to Enter Shikari.

5) Frontman Rou Reynolds is a published author

He has previously written Dear Future Historians, released in 2017, and The Spark in 2018. These have since been combined into a third book called Dear Future Historians: Lyrics and exegesis of Rou Reynolds for the music of Enter Shikari 2006-2019, released in 2019. The books feature essays, lyrics and exclusive photos, telling fans everything they could possibly need to know about the band and their music.

6) Each of the band members co-owns the independent record label, Ambush Reality

Created in 2006, the label was originally created as an exclusive outlet for the release of Enter Shikari's albums and songs. However, the band has since signed bands such as Baby Godzilla (now known as Heck) to their label.

7) Enter Shikari have won six Kerrang! Awards

As well as winning Best Live Band three times, Enter Shikari have also won Kerrang!'s Spirit of Independence award (2007), Best Single for 'Anaesthetist' (2015) and Best Album for 'The Spark' (2018). Frontman Rou Reynolds has also won Kerrang!'s Hero of the Year award (2012).

8) Enter Shikari broke a world record whilst playing at Reading Festival

Whilst performing on the main stage in 2009, the band broke the record for the most people crowd surfing over the barrier at a festival ever.

9) David Bowie was a big inspiration for the band

While the band were on their 'Stop The Clocks' tour in 2019, Rou Reynolds paid tribute to the music icon on the third anniversary of his death: "The band, like many other bands, wouldn't be here without David Bowie and his inspiration," before performing a cover of the Bowie hit ['Heroes'.

10) Enter Shikari self-produced 'Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible'

We caught up with the band on our new podcast Kerrang! Radio: The Lockdown Interviews; when talking about self-producing their latest album, Rory explained: "I think the reason this record sounds like the most definitive Shikari record is because it's the first time we've properly self-produced a record, with Rou taking the major lead on production. It's had the least amount of outside influence other than us four in the band."

He added: "I've always wanted to try doing a self-produced record, but circumstances never really allowed before, so this is the first chance we've had to do it. It's been such an amazing experience, and I think that really shows in the record.

"I think it's a really interesting, fun record to listen to. I also think that's why it sounds like a greatest hits, and sounds like the most Shikari record, because it's got the most amount of Shikari in it."

11) Enter Shikari soundtracked Andy Murray's historic 2013 Wimbledon win

As well as having their tunes appear on such critically-acclaimed shows as Made in Chelsea, Bargain Hunt and The Antiques Roadshow, Shikari also soundtracked an historic TV moment. Their song 'Radiate' was played on TV to an audience of 17.3 million as Andy Murray walked onto the court during the Wimbledon men's singles final in 2013. Murray beat Novak Djokovic to become the first British man to win Wimbledon since 1936, and the first Scot to win it since 1896. Definitely thanks to Enter Shikari.

Enter Shikari

Electro-rockers Enter Shikari sponsored sixth tier football club St Albans City FC for the 2020 and 2021 season. "Growing up I was passionate about two things: football and music," said Enter Shikari bassist Chris Batten. "The reality is that sport and music go hand-in-hand when it comes to providing a positive outlet for young people, no matter what their background. SACFC lead the way with their community outreach programs and Enter Shikari couldn't be more proud to embark on a partnership with the club."