When Florence Welch, lead vocalist of Florence + The Machine, stepped into BBC Broadcasting House on September 24, 2025, she wasn’t just dropping a new track – she was opening a new chapter in a 16‑year saga.
The premier happened on BBC Radio 1 New Music ShowLondon, with British radio presenter Jack Saunders at the mic. The song, “One Of The Greats,” is the second single from the upcoming sixth studio album “Everybody Scream,” slated for a global release on October 31, 2025, via Island Records.
Premiere of “One Of The Greats” on BBC Radio 1
The track bursts onto the airwaves with a soaring chorus that feels both familiar and uneasy, mirroring Welch’s own description of the song as a "long poem about the cost of greatness." In an exclusive interview with PM Studio, she confessed, “I die a little bit every time I make a record, yet I keep digging myself up.” Those words echo the physical toll of the 2022‑2023 Dance Fever Tour, which ended in a near‑fatal collapse at the O2 Arena on November 15, 2023.
Production-wise, the single bears the fingerprints of Aaron Dessner, the American guitarist and producer best known for his work with The National. Dessner’s contribution adds a textured, folk‑rock layer that sits comfortably alongside the band’s signature baroque pop.
Accompanying the audio, a visualizer directed by Autumn de Wilde unfurls on screen. The Los‑Angeles‑based filmmaker, who has shot videos for Beck and The Decemberists, opts for a minimalist, kaleidoscopic aesthetic that mirrors the song’s lyrical introspection.
15th Anniversary “Symphony of Lungs” Concert
While the new single was turning heads, the band also celebrated the 15th birthday of their debut album “Lungs.” The commemorative concert, officially titled Symphony of LungsRoyal Albert Hall, took place on September 11, 2025, as part of the BBC Proms. Conductor Jules Buckley led a full orchestra through the 12‑track album, playing each song in its original order.
The performance was streamed live on BBC Radio 3, then rebroadcast on BBC Radio 1, BBC Two, and the iPlayer platform. In a press release from V2 Publicity, Welch reflected, “‘Lungs’ was a patchwork of my messy teenage years… an exhalation of joy.” The album, recorded between 2007 and 2008, still holds a quintuple‑platinum certification in the UK as of December 2024, testament to its enduring resonance.
Best Management, the band’s longtime agency, coordinated both the Radio 1 debut and the Proms show, weaving them into a broader promotional push for “Everybody Scream.” The timing feels intentional – a nod to the band’s roots while inviting listeners to the next evolution.
Behind the Song: Collaboration and Visual Storytelling
Beyond Dessner’s production genius, the track’s arrangement leans heavily on the band’s core members: keyboardist Isabella Summers, guitarist Robert Ackroyd, harpist Tom Monger, bassist Cyrus Bayandor, percussionist Aku Orraca‑Tetteh, violinist Dionne Douglas, and drummer Loren Humphrey. Each contributes a layer that feels both intimate and expansive, a hallmark of the group’s sound.
De Wilde’s visualizer, meanwhile, employs a looping montage of vintage film reels and contemporary cityscapes, suggesting a dialogue between past ambitions and present doubts. The visual’s muted palette lets Welch’s crimson vocals cut through like a beacon, reinforcing the song’s central theme: the paradox of yearning for greatness while fearing its price.
Strategic Campaign Ahead of “Everybody Scream”
From a business angle, the dual rollout serves as a masterclass in staggered engagement. PM Studio’s exclusive interview, the Radio 1 premiere, and the high‑profile Proms concert each capture distinct audience slices – from streaming‑savvy millennials to classical‑music aficionados.
Island Records, operating under the Universal Music Group umbrella, is poised to capitalize on this momentum. With the global release set for October 31, 2025, the label will likely lean on synchronized drops across platforms: Spotify playlists, Apple Music’s “New Music Friday,” and a short‑form TikTok campaign featuring the visualizer’s most striking frames.
Tour dates have already been hinted at in the management’s recent statement: a world tour kicks off on January 15, 2026, in Auckland, New Zealand, before hitting major arenas across Europe, North America, and Asia. The tour’s staging is rumored to feature a live orchestra, echoing the Proms collaboration and further blurring genre lines.
What This Means for Fans and the Music Scene
For longtime fans, the juxtaposition of new material with a nostalgic celebration feels like a heartfelt conversation. Welch’s candidness about creative exhaustion resonates in an industry where mental‑health conversations are finally surfacing.
For the broader music landscape, the moves illustrate how legacy acts can remain relevant by weaving legacy moments into fresh releases. The partnership with Dessner signals a continued appetite for cross‑genre collaborations, while the visualizer’s artistic depth reminds us that music videos still hold cultural weight, even in a TikTok‑dominated world.
As the October release approaches, listeners can expect a wave of critical analysis, social‑media speculation, and, inevitably, a fresh set of chart battles. Whether “One Of The Greats” lives up to its title remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Florence + The Machine isn’t just remembering its past – it’s forging a bold new path.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the new single reflect Florence Welch’s personal journey?
Welch describes “One Of The Greats” as a poetic meditation on ambition and its toll. The lyrics echo her near‑fatal collapse during the 2023 Dance Fever Tour, highlighting themes of sacrifice, self‑doubt, and the relentless pursuit of artistic perfection.
What role does Aaron Dessner play in the new track?
Dessner co‑produced the song, bringing his signature indie‑rock sensibility and intricate layering. His work adds a subtle, atmospheric backdrop that complements the band’s baroque pop roots.
Why was the “Symphony of Lungs” concert part of the BBC Proms?
The Proms’ reputation for celebrating musical milestones made it a fitting venue for the 15th‑anniversary performance. Pairing the band’s debut album with a full orchestral arrangement underscored the work’s timelessness and broadened its appeal to classical audiences.
When and where will the upcoming world tour begin?
The tour launches on January 15, 2026, at Auckland’s Vector Arena in New Zealand. Subsequent dates span major cities across Europe, North America, and Asia, with many shows featuring a live orchestra to echo the Proms collaboration.
What can listeners expect from the full album “Everybody Scream”?
While the complete tracklist remains under wraps, early teasers suggest a blend of sweeping anthems and introspective ballads. The album appears to explore themes of fame, resilience, and artistic rebirth, building on the emotional rawness introduced in “One Of The Greats.”
