The Hives release new single ‘Countdown to Shutdown’

Photo Credit: Ebru Yildiz
Currently tearing up stadiums across the UK with Arctic Monkeys, The Hives have released brand new single ‘Countdown to Shutdown,’ the second off their highly anticipated album The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons, which arrives August 11 via FUGA. 

‘Countdown To Shutdown’ is a fiery track with menacing guitar riffs and electric vocals from frontman Howlin’ Pelle Almqvist. It follows “good old-fashioned rock stomper” (Vulture) “Bogus Operandi,” which earned widespread critical acclaim. The band performed both songs live via a special for Howard Stern’s Sirius XM channel last week. Listen to ‘Countdown To Shutdown’ HERE.

Of the track, Howlin’ Pelle says, “The countdown to the financial collapse? The countdown to the weekend bender you’ve been waiting for? The countdown to your favourite sports competition? The Hives have you covered with Countdown To Shutdown. A versatile banger for all your summer rock needs. Approximately 37% more effective than the closest competitor and sure to help your Q2 and Q3 results. Buy now and watch the stock rise!”

The new single’s release is accompanied by a raucous video directed by SNASK (Viagra Boys), where The Hives peer in from outside the floor-to-ceiling glass doors of a stifling corporate office. As the suited-up executives perform the track, the band bursts in and hijacks the show, taking complete, explosive control. Watch the video at 18:00 BST June 13th HERE.

Last month, the band arrived Stateside for a series of incredible NYC and LA underplays that sold out in less than 60 seconds, as well as a set at Just Like Heaven festival. The band is currently on a UK/European tour supporting Arctic Monkeys, which will be followed by a string of headline European dates.

The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons will be available digitally, on CD, and on vinyl. A special limited edition glow in the dark gatefold vinyl with poster will be available exclusively via the band’s own webstore. 

​​In the twenty-five years since The Hives exploded around the world, they have sold out stadiums and shared stages with everyone from AC/DC to The Rolling Stones. SPIN calls The Hives “the best live band on the planet” and Howlin’ Pelle “the greatest frontman in rock,” and the BBC dubbed the band “a force of nature.” Rolling Stone named Veni Vidi Vicious one of the Top 100 Albums of the decade and “Hate To Say I Told You So” earned a spot on Pitchfork’s Top 500 Songs of the 2000’s. They have sold millions of albums world-wide with multiple RIAA Gold-certifications. In the time since Lex Hives, the band has released 2019’s double A-side “I’m Alive”/“Good Samaritan” as well as a live album via Third Man Records, and embarked on a series of global tours. The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons marks a true renaissance.

The Hives are Chris Dangerous, Vigilante Carlstroem, Nicholaus Arson, Howlin’ Pelle, and The Johan And Only.
THE HIVES UK SHOWS
Tue 13th London, The Garage
Wed 14th Southampton, The Ageas Bowl w/ Arctic Monkeys
Fri 16th London, Emirates Stadium w/ Arctic Monkeys
Sat 17th London, Emirates Stadium w/ Arctic Monkeys
Sun 18th London, Emirates Stadium w/ Arctic Monkeys
Tue 20th Dublin, Marlay Park w/ Arctic Monkeys
Thu 22nd Nottingham, Rescue Room – Rough Trade Records
Sun 25th Glasgow, Bellahouston Park w/ Arctic Monkeys