Charlie Simpson recently discussed his upcoming role in Jeff Wayne’s musical adaptation of The War Of The Worlds with NME, as well as the future of Fightstar and Busted.
The new version of the production is set to tour UK arenas in spring 2025, retelling H.G. Wells’ classic 1898 sci-fi novel about an alien race threatening humanity. Simpson will play The Sung Thoughts of the Journalist, a character portrayed on stage by Liam Neeson. Other confirmed cast members include Rou Reynolds from Enter Shikari, Max George from The Wanted, and more.
Simpson explained to NME how he got involved in the project after a call from Jeff Wayne, expressing his initial surprise at being chosen for the role. Despite feeling nervous at first, he found the challenge exciting and was eager to be part of the iconic sci-fi story.
Reflecting on the timeless nature of the plot, Simpson emphasized the relevance of the story in today’s world, drawing parallels to the rise of artificial intelligence and the potential threats it poses. He also touched on the changing landscape of the music industry and the challenges faced by artists in building a loyal fanbase.
When asked about the impact of AI on his songwriting process, Simpson expressed confidence in human creativity over artificial intelligence, noting that while AI can be a useful tool in the studio, it has not yet reached the level of human songwriting abilities.
I find it hard to believe that a computer could ever replicate human emotions. Some are worried about the impact of AI on the arts, but I think we are still far from that point. It would be like trying to teach technology to recreate a soul or the mysteries of the human brain. As for AI’s potential in general, I believe it has incredible uses but also poses risks, much like the alien force in The War Of The Worlds that we are creating ourselves.
Charlie Simpson of Busted will be performing in 2023. How does it feel to step into the shoes of artists like Marti Pellow, Gary Barlow, and Brian McFadden?
It’s quite unexpected for me to follow in the footsteps of these great artists! Meeting Gary Barlow recently was a pleasant surprise, and he even gave me some of his wine. However, my main focus is living up to Justin Hayward, who sang on the original album. That’s the person I aim to impress.
Do you see yourself prioritizing acting over music in the future?
Honestly, I don’t see that happening, but I’m open to anything. Acting would have to be rooted in music for me to consider it. For now, I’m just excited about the upcoming show and the pressure of performing alongside a talented cast for dedicated fans.
You are preparing for a Busted tour with McFly in 2025. What can fans expect from these shows?
The upcoming tour with McFly will be a unique experience. While we have a friendly rivalry, we also share a good relationship, so the show won’t be your typical co-headline concert. It will be an event to remember rather than just a performance.
Will there be new music from Busted in the near future?
Yes, we are currently working on new music for Busted. We want to take our time with it and ensure that the next album is significant. We already have several songs written, and hopefully, they will be released in the coming years.
Can fans expect to hear any of the new material during the 2025 live shows?
It’s possible that we may perform some new songs during the tour, but nothing is set in stone yet. We want to make sure that the timing is right before sharing any new material with our fans.
And what about new material from Fightstar?
Getting everyone on the same page for new Fightstar material is a process. While committing to a full album takes time, I am definitely eager to work with the band again in the future. „Ich weiß einfach nicht wann.“
Charlie Simpson wird im Rahmen der Jeff Wayne’s The War Of The Worlds Tour zwischen März und April 2025 in Arenen in ganz Großbritannien auftreten. Besuche hier für Karten und weitere Informationen.