Yannis Philippakis ignites Shepherd's Bush with Tony Allen's legacy
- While performing at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Yannis Philippakis showcased music created with the late Tony Allen.
- Philippakis completed the previously unfinished recordings after Allen's death and released them as an EP in 2024.
- The concert was a vibrant celebration of their collaboration and the cultural influences they shared.
In December 2024, Yannis Philippakis, the frontman for the band Foals, held a celebratory concert at Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London, marking the culmination of his recent musical endeavors. The show was uniquely significant as it featured material that Philippakis had originally recorded in 2016 during sessions with the renowned French-Nigerian drummer Tony Allen in Paris. Philippakis had kept the recordings largely to himself over the years, only sharing them casually at private gatherings. However, the passing of Allen in 2020 compelled Philippakis to revisit the unfinished tracks, leading to the release of the acclaimed EP titled 'Lagos Paris London.' This EP represented a heartfelt tribute to Allen's influence in the music world and was well-received by critics and fans alike. As Philippakis took to the stage, accompanied by a band that included several of Allen's former associates, it was evident that he was deeply engaged with the eclectic soundscapes created by the fusion of Afro polyrhythms and his own unique style. The event was described as a lively party atmosphere, emphasizing Philippakis’s connection to the music and the legacy of Allen. The performance not only served to entertain but also honored a journey of collaboration and creativity that bridged continents and cultures, encapsulating a rich musical narrative that culminated from those earlier sessions in Paris. Overall, the night was a resounding celebration of life, art, and the enduring impact of Tony Allen's musical contributions on Philippakis's work.