Chesney Hawkes became one of the biggest pop stars of his era with his irresistible mega-hit The One And Only. But sometimes lightning strikes twice to provide an unexpected second chance, which the singer has enjoyed with his recent single Get A Hold of Yourself landing on Radio 2’s A-list. Building on that momentum, Hawkes has announced that his new album Living Arrows will be released on 28th February 2025. He launches the album with the new single Live Forever, which reunites him with The One And Only writer Nik Kershaw and Get A Hold of Yourself producer Jake Gosling.
Chesney Hawkes
Living Arrows is Hawkes at his most vulnerable, completely free of inhibitions or doubts. There is heartache, yes, but there is joy, too, and gratitude for everything he has in life. Combined with his heartfelt, candid style of songwriting, the album’s cohesive pop-rock sound creates what is not only his greatest work to date, but also the most authentic representation of the man behind the artist. The album takes its name from On Children, a poem by the Lebanese-American writer, poet and artist Kahlil Gibran, which addresses the importance of nurturing children while also accepting that their independence has to be a parent’s ultimate priority.
The 53-year-old says: “Something I didn’t realise straight away, when I started putting these songs together, is that I was creating a sort of roadmap for my kids. I had them in mind the whole time, because the messages on songs like Live Forever are all to do with taking life by the horns, doing what you love and following your instincts. One thing that happens as a parent, especially when your kids start getting a little older, is that you realise you have to let them go. You have to let them do their own things – make their own mistakes. So I realised that’s what I was doing with this record, I’m trying to give them the right advice.”
Chesney Hawkes @ The Half Moon, Putney
The new single is a thrilling, reckless joyride with an important message at its heart. “Let’s turn this whole place upside down / Let’s light a fire under this town,” he sings over racing beats, bright synths and a propulsive guitar riff. Chesney’s voice sounds as supple and youthful as ever, gliding up to those big notes and sustaining beautifully on the anthemic chorus.
Hawkes adds: “Live Forever was written with my best mate Vic Irvine in mind, who has always been the life and soul of every room. He was sadly diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. It’s about living life to the full, grabbing every opportunity and enjoying every second of life. Live like a rock star, baby!”
The Living Arrows album was produced and co-written by the BRIT Award winner and GRAMMY® nominee Jake Gosling (Ed Sheeran, One Direction). The friendship between the pair is a big element of the album’s success: it’s a connection that allows Hawkes to face the tougher emotions that he explores in some of its songs, but also to enjoy the unbridled fun that he channels in others. Its buoyant spirit was further elevated by guest appearances from friends including Nik Kershaw and Chesney’s brother Jodie Hawkes.
Mental health struggles are a recurring theme in the album, which is also reflected by the news that Hawkes has become an ambassador for the suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). His role includes kick-starting a much-needed conversation about suicide in the UK and raising awareness for CALM’s life-saving work.
Chesney’s Live In ‘25’ UK headline tour will be his first in over a decade. His recent sold-out London show at the O2 Academy Islington is proof of how uplifting his live experience is, with his voice still in peak condition as he mixes old favourites, new cuts and his engaging takes on some select covers. It’s also a family affair, with the band including his brother Jodie on drums and his son Indiana on guitar.
Upcoming 2025 UK Tour Dates:
MARCH
20th – Newbury, Arlington Arts
22nd – Southend, Chinnerys
23rd – Bristol, Fleece
27th – Bury, The Met
28th – Newcastle, The Cluny
29th – Sheffield, Yellow Arch
APRIL
3rd – Farsley, Old Woollen
4th – Grimsby, Docks Academy
5th – Southport, Atkinson
6th – Cardiff, Globe
7th – Southampton, Engine Rooms
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