Roland Gift – 40 Years of Fine Young Cannibals | XS Noize Podcast

In Episode #259 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Roland Gift — the iconic voice of Fine Young Cannibals and one of the most instantly recognisable singers in British music.

With era-defining hits like “She Drives Me Crazy,” “Good Thing,” “Johnny Come Home,” and their electrifying take on “Ever Fallen In Love,” Fine Young Cannibals became global chart-toppers — selling over five million records and earning two BRIT Awards, an Ivor Novello, and three Grammy nominations. Their sharp, soulful, genre-defying sound continues to influence generations.

Now, Roland returns with two major releases — FYC40, a definitive 40-year anthology celebrating the band’s legacy, and his brand-new festive single “Everybody Knows It’s Christmas,” showcasing that unmistakable voice in glorious form.

In this conversation, Roland looks back on the band’s beginnings, the explosive rise of The Raw & The Cooked, and how his Otis Redding-inspired delivery fused with David Steele and Andy Cox’s songwriting to create something completely unique. He also reflects on the band’s enduring cultural impact — including “She Drives Me Crazy” becoming the musical centrepiece of the 2025 Chanel campaign starring Dua Lipa and Jennie (BLACKPINK).

We also talk about Roland’s return to performing — touring with Jools Holland, shining at the 2022 Hootenanny, and launching his triumphant 40 Years of Songs tour with a sold-out show at the London Palladium.

And we dive into “Everybody Knows It’s Christmas” — a glam-rock, wall-of-sound celebration co-written with Ben Barson, full of warmth, nostalgia, and classic Roland soul.

“The split was acrimonious and not very nice… but we made something good. I’m proud of that.” - Roland Gift

Hear Roland Gift discuss 40 years of Fine Young Cannibals, the making of FYC40, and the joy behind his new Christmas single — exclusively on the XS Noize Podcast.

Chapters

00:00 – Opening quote
00:48 – Intro & Roland joins the podcast
02:09 – 40 years of Fine Young Cannibals
03:08 – “Johnny Come Home” breakthrough
04:49 – The Tube & early success
05:15 – Why the songs still resonate
07:42 – Band chemistry, values & the split
09:30 – “She Drives Me Crazy” & The Raw & The Cooked
11:59 – Making FYC40 + thoughts on remixes
13:30 – Roland’s voice, storytelling & new single
16:37 – Synchronicity, Christmas song & new chapter
23:04 – Solo years, lessons, and the future
31:46 – Legacy, five key songs & closing


Hosted & Produced by Mark Millar

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