Watch Reef’s live session here - including their cover of a Fleetwood Mac classic

Virgin Radio

1 Apr 2022, 06:45

With a new album and tour on the way, indie-rock legends Reef joined the Chris Evans Breakfast Show with Sky to perform live from the top of the tower! 

Ahead of the band’s live performance, frontman Gary Stringer said: “We thought we’d turn up with the instruments and give everyone a nice good morning!”

The group - enthusiastic as ever - gave fans a treat before 8am, by belting out an unscheduled rendition of their classic, Place Your Hands.

Released in October 1996, it was the first single from Reef's second album, Glow, and reached number six on the UK Singles Chart.

Along with Gary on vocals and guitar, the live session featured Jack Bessant on bass, Jesse Wood on guitar, Luke Bullen on drums and Amy Newton on guitar and vocals.

Introducing Amy, Gary said: “She’s come to play guitar, and she sings so beautiful, doesn’t she?”

During their live set, the band played a cover of the iconic Fleetwood Mac song The Chain, which originally appeared on the 1977 album Rumours.

When speaking about their cover of the Fleetwood Mac classic, Gary told Chris it was at the request of bassist Jack. “Jack’s been asking us to play it for 30 years!” he said. 

The band start their UK tour in Newcastle on Thursday next week (April 7th), and say that they have been practising the cover version during their preparations. “We’ve just rehearsed for the tour in the last two weeks, so we’ve done three days a week for the last two weeks,” he said.

On whether fans will get to hear the cover on the band’s tour, Gary said: “I reckon we should play it!”

Reef’s live session for Virgin Radio included Consideration, taken from their 1997 number one album, Glow.

The band release their sixth studio album, Shoot Me Your Ace, on Friday 29th April. Gary excitedly told Chris: “We’ve got a new album coming out at the end of April, and we’re going on tour too! 

Reef’s live session featured a cracking version of new song Right On, which is a double-A side with Wolfman, taken from the band’s upcoming album.

The rockers from Glastonbury formed in 1993, meaning that they will be celebrating their 30th anniversary next year. When Chris asked Gary what the band would be doing to celebrate the landmark, he replied: “I reckon we’ll get some Mr Kipling French Fancies, and a pot of tea. That’s just for breakfast in bed though!” 

Reef’s live session also featured I’ve Got Something To Say, which was the first single to be lifted from their 1999 album Rides.

During his time at Virgin Radio this morning, Gary also took to time to talk about his love of cricket, and to pay tribute to the late Shane Warne, saying: “I love test cricket! The drama in the day. In one day out of five, or four, or however long it lasts. The ups, the downs, the spin. I mean, look, we’ve just seen Shane Warne pass away. Now, if that is not an advert for test cricket, his bowling, I mean, wow! That’s real skill.”

When Chris asked whether he would choose cricket or surfing, if he had to, the vocalist responded: "Both! Fruit and nut, Chris!" 

For tickets to Reef’s UK tour, and to pre-order their upcoming new album, Shoot Me Your Ace, visit reeftheband.com.

For more great live sessions and interviews listen to The Chris Evans Breakfast Show with Sky, weekdays from 6:30am on Virgin Radio, or catch up on-demand here.