You Me at Six
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Headquarters | Weybridge, Surrey , England |
| Products | Studio albums, live records, singles |
Number of employees | 5 (band members) |
You Me at Six was a rock group hailing from Weybridge, Surrey, England, consisting of lead vocalist Josh Franceschi, guitarists Max Helyer and Chris Miller, bassist Matt Barnes, and drummer Daniel Flint. Established in 2004, their name was originally a shorthand for arranging Friday night plans after attending a concert. Over their career, they released eight studio albums alongside one live record.
Their breakthrough came with the 2008 debut album, Take Off Your Colours, which included singles such as "Save It for the Bedroom", "Finders Keepers", and "Kiss and Tell". The latter two singles reached positions 33 and 42 on the UK Singles Chart. Their sophomore effort, Hold Me Down (2010), entered the UK charts at number five. The follow-up album, Sinners Never Sleep (2011), climbed to number three, earned Gold certification, and featured the top 50 hit "Loverboy". Cavalier Youth (2014) debuted at number one, producing singles like "Lived a Lie" and "Room to Breathe". Their fifth studio album, Night People (2017), received a mixed critical response. Later projects include VI (2018), their second chart-topping album Suckapunch (2021), and their eighth release Truth Decay (2023).
The band maintained an active touring schedule, performing on stages such as Warped Tour, Soundwave, and opening for prominent acts like Thirty Seconds to Mars, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, All Time Low, and Bring Me the Horizon. In 2011, they received the Best British Band award at the Kerrang! Awards. Their musical style was influenced by American rock groups including Blink-182, Incubus, and Thrice, as well as the British band Arctic Monkeys. In February 2024, they declared their intention to disband following a final tour scheduled for 2025.
We Know What It Means to Be Alone EP (2004–2007)
Formed in Weybridge, Surrey in 2004, You Me at Six originally featured vocalist Josh Franceschi, guitarists Max Helyer and Chris Miller, bassist Matt Barnes, and drummer Joe Phillips. The band released their EP We Know What It Means to Be Alone in 2006. After Phillips departed, Dan Flint joined as drummer during their performance at Slam Dunk Festival 2007. Initially stepping in temporarily for touring duties, Flint soon became a permanent member of the lineup.
Take Off Your Colours (2007–2008)
In 2007, You Me at Six put out another EP. That summer, they arranged a meeting with Richard Reines of Drive-Thru Records; however, he did not attend. Their debut full-length album, Take Off Your Colours, was launched in October 2008 through Slam Dunk Records. This release generated six singles: "Save It for the Bedroom," "If I Were in Your Shoes," "Gossip," "Jealous Minds Think Alike," "Finders Keepers," and "Kiss and Tell." A deluxe edition of the album followed with extra tracks included. The band supported Fall Out Boy on tour during this period and earned nominations for "Best British Band" at the 2008 and 2009 editions of the Kerrang! Awards, though both times the award went to Bullet for My Valentine.
Hold Me Down (2009–2010)
The band's sophomore album, Hold Me Down, was launched in January 2010 under the Virgin Records label. Before the album's release, they offered "The Consequence" as a complimentary digital download. The recording sessions took place at Outhouse Studios with production led by Matt O'Grady. Upon release, the album entered the UK Albums Chart at position No. 5. To promote Hold Me Down, the group embarked on their third consecutive sold-out headline tour, which included special guest performances by Sean Smith and Elissa Franceschi on certain dates. Subsequent singles from the album included the Underdog EP and "Stay With Me." Despite their efforts, they were once again edged out by Bullet for My Valentine for the Kerrang! Award in the "Best British Band" category in 2010. In February 2011, they teamed up with American rap duo Chiddy Bang to release the track "Rescue Me."
On 18 May 2010, You Me at Six featured on BBC Radio One's Live Lounge, where they performed their song "Liquid Confidence" and delivered a cover of Ellie Goulding's "Starry Eyed." The album launch was marked by performances in Kingston and London, including instore appearances at Banquet Records and HMV outlets. Their festival circuit included appearances at Japan’s Punkspring and participation throughout the entire Vans Warped Tour. Additionally, they supported Paramore during all Soundwave festival dates as well as on Paramore’s tour.
Sinners Never Sleep (2011–2014)
The third studio album from You Me at Six, titled Sinners Never Sleep, was recorded at The Sound Factory in Los Angeles and released in October 2011. It reached No. 3 on the UK Album Charts. Two months later, they released the single "Bite My Tongue" featuring guest vocals from Oliver Sykes, which contributed to their victory as "Best British Band" at the Kerrang! Awards. In 2012, they followed up with another single, "No One Does It Better", alongside a special track created for The Swarm attraction at Thorpe Park. Although originally scheduled to join Blink-182's 2012 tour, delays with Blink-182's album prevented this; instead, You Me at Six announced tours across the UK and Australia alongside We the Kings.
In August 2011, an unfinished version of "This Is the First Thing" from Sinners Never Sleep leaked online during vocal recording sessions. A brief preview of "Bite My Tongue" also surfaced but was quickly removed due to copyright enforcement. Their UK tour commenced in March 2012; however, initial shows were postponed because lead vocalist Josh Franceschi suffered from tonsillitis. The band also took part in the full lineup of Warped Tour 2012.
"The Swarm," released as a standalone single to coincide with the roller coaster’s debut, achieved a peak chart position of number 23.
On 8 December 2012, You Me at Six headlined their biggest show to date at Wembley Arena, selling out the venue for an event titled the Final Night of Sin. This performance was captured and subsequently distributed on CD and DVD through Virgin Records.
Cavalier Youth (2014–2017)
Following their headline performance at Wembley, You Me at Six ended their contract with Virgin Records. In February 2013, they commenced work on their fourth album, Cavalier Youth, initiating pre-production sessions at The Doghouse Studio located in Henley-on-Thames. Songwriting continued over a two to three week period at The Boathouse, a property owned by a close associate.
Later that year, the band returned to Los Angeles to record with producer Neal Avron. Released in January 2014, Cavalier Youth became their first album to top the UK charts, moving over 32,000 copies during its opening week. The lead single "Lived A Lie" was unveiled in September 2013. Alongside the album release, they created a documentary entitled Oceans Away, detailing its production process.
Following this release, You Me at Six embarked on an extensive touring schedule that included a UK co-headlining tour with American rock group All Time Low. This collaboration was announced after Alex Gaskarth joined them on stage during their Reading Festival set in 2012.
Night People (2017–2018)
The band's fifth studio effort, Night People, was unveiled on 13 January 2017. The track Take on the World gained additional recognition by being featured in the concluding episode of The Vampire Diaries, broadening their audience reach.
VI (2018–2020)
Following the release of Night People, You Me at Six encountered challenges including the loss of their management team and legal complications. Although initially optimistic, by August 2017 the group publicly conveyed their disappointment with the album. Their sixth record, VI, launched on 5 October 2018, was met with improved critical reception and entered the UK Albums Chart at number six.
In reaction to the devastating Australian bushfires of 2019–20, the band issued the charity single Our House (The Mess We Made) to aid the WIRES organization. Lead singer Josh Franceschi clarified that this release was a one-off dance track, separate from their ongoing musical direction.
Suckapunch (2021–2022)
Their seventh album, Suckapunch, arrived on 15 January 2021 and debuted atop the UK Albums Chart, becoming their second record to achieve a number one position. This album featured singles such as "Makemefeelalive," "Beautiful Way," "Suckapunch," and "Adrenaline."
Truth Decay and disbandment (2023–2025)
On 10 February 2023, You Me at Six released their eighth and final studio album, Truth Decay.
Their seventh extended play, Live from Alexandra Palace, was made available on 18 August 2023.
Announcing on 31 January 2024, You Me at Six revealed plans for a farewell tour scheduled throughout 2024 to commemorate their two decades together. This tour will serve as their concluding series of performances prior to disbanding in 2025.
Musical style
You Me at Six's sound encompasses genres such as pop-punk, alternative rock, pop rock, post-hardcore, emo pop, and screamo.
Band members
Final line-up
- Matt Barnes – bass guitar, backing vocals (2004–2025)
- Josh Franceschi – lead vocals (2004–2025)
- Max Helyer – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2004–2025)
- Chris Miller – lead guitar (2004–2025)
- Dan Flint – drums, percussion, sampling (2007–2025)
Touring
- Luke Rendell – additional guitar, backing vocals (2008–2025)
Former
- Joe Phillips – drums, percussion (2004–2007)
Discography
Studio albums
- Take Off Your Colours (2008)
- Hold Me Down (2010)
- Sinners Never Sleep (2011)
- Cavalier Youth (2014)
- Night People (2017)
- VI (2018)
- Suckapunch (2021)
- Truth Decay (2023)