Fun Lovin' Criminals

Fun Lovin' Criminals released their debut studio album, "Come Find Yourself", through Chrysalis Records in 1996. It was preceded by the single "The Grave and the Constant", which reached number 72 on the UK Singles Chart. The album also produced the UK Top 40 singles "Scooby Snacks", "The Fun Lovin' Criminal" and "King of New York". "Scooby Snacks" incorporates dialogue samples from films directed by Quentin Tarantino, together with a guitar sample from "Movement of Fear" by Tones on Tail. "Come Find Yourself" reached number 7 on the UK Albums Chart and remained on the chart for more than a year, although it did not achieve comparable commercial success in the United States. Following the album's success, "Scooby Snacks" was reissued as a single with a cover of "I'm Not in Love" by 10cc, reaching number 12 in the United Kingdom.

The band's second studio album, "100% Colombian", was released by Virgin Records in 1998. The album included the singles "Love Unlimited", dedicated to Barry White, and "Korean Bodega", which reached number 15 on the UK Singles Chart. In June 1999, Fun Lovin' Criminals performed on the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival. Later that year, the band released the compilation album "Mimosa", consisting primarily of cover versions and alternative versions of previously released material. During 1999, founding drummer Steve Borgovini left the band and was succeeded by Maxwell "Mackie" Jayson. In 2003, Jayson was replaced by Mark Reid, also known as Frank Benbini.

The third studio album, "Loco", was released in 2001. Its title track became the band's highest-charting UK single, reaching number 5, while the album also peaked at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart. In 2002, EMI released the compilation album "Bag of Hits" in single-disc and double-disc editions. The release reached number 11 on the UK Albums Chart.

After leaving EMI, Fun Lovin' Criminals signed with Sanctuary Records and released "Welcome to Poppy's" in 2003. The album reached number 20 on the UK Albums Chart, while its highest-charting single reached number 61. EMI subsequently issued additional compilation albums featuring material from the band's catalogue and previously unreleased recordings. The band's next studio album, "Livin' in the City", followed in 2005. In 2008, Fun Lovin' Criminals returned to the Glastonbury Festival, performing on the Jazz World Stage.

The studio album "Classic Fantastic" was released in 2010 on Kilohertz, the band's own record label, after a five-year gap between official releases. It was followed by a European tour. Singles from the album included "Classic Fantastic", "Mr Sun" and the double A-side "We The Three" / "Keep On Yellin", the latter featuring Roots Manuva. During the same year, the band collaborated with Roots Manuva on a BBC Radio 6 Music session under the name "Criminal Manuvas", recording new versions of songs including "Scooby Snacks" and "Witness". A live album, "Fun, Live and Criminal", was announced later in 2010.

In 2014, the band released the concert film "The Bong Remains The Same". A deluxe edition of "Come Find Yourself" was issued in 2016 to mark the album's twentieth anniversary, accompanied by tours in the United Kingdom and Europe during 2016 and 2017, featuring performances of the album in full. In 2019, the band released the compilation album "Another Mimosa", consisting of cover versions.

In November 2021, Fun Lovin' Criminals announced that Huey Morgan had left the band following the cancellation of a planned UK tour. In 2022, Brian Leiser stated that differences over touring and the band's direction had contributed to Morgan's departure. Leiser became the band's lead vocalist, while Naim Cortazzi joined as guitarist. Morgan later stated that his departure had followed disagreements with the remaining members, including disputes over the band's management and ownership of its name.

The revised line-up released the digital EP "Roosevelt Sessions" in September 2022, preceded by the single "Shake It Loose", and undertook tours of the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. In 2023, the band toured Europe to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of "100% Colombian", performing 25 concerts, including 16 in the United Kingdom.

In February 2025, Fun Lovin' Criminals announced the studio album "A Matter of Time", scheduled for release on 29 August 2025, together with a tour planned for September 2025. Brian "Fast" Leiser is the only remaining founding member of the band.

Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fun_Lovin%27_Criminals

Studio albums

Come Find Yourself (1996)

100% Colombian (1998)

Loco (2001)

Welcome to Poppy's (2003)

Livin' in the City (2005)

Classic Fantastic (2010)

A Matter of Time (2025