Discover Bastille: Music, History & The Official Store - Explore Now!
Could a single day of defiance truly ignite a revolution that would reshape a nation? On July 14, 1789, the storming of the Bastille in Paris served as a defining moment, shattering the foundations of the French monarchy and setting in motion events that would forever alter the course of history.
The official Bastille online store offers a glimpse into the band's world, selling merchandise and providing a direct connection to their fanbase. For those seeking an immersive experience, diving into the stories and people behind the songs can deepen the appreciation of Bastille's music. The band, formed in 2010, has evolved from a solo project into a collective, creating a unique sound that resonates with a global audience. Meanwhile, the legacy of the original Bastille, a medieval fortress-turned-prison, continues to echo through the annals of history, representing a symbol of resistance and the fight against oppression.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Band Name | Bastille |
| Genre | Indie Pop |
| Origin | England |
| Formation Year | 2010 |
| Current Members | Dan Smith (Lead Vocalist), Kyle Simmons (Keyboardist), Will Farquarson (Bassist and Guitarist), Chris Wood (Drummer) |
| Former Members | N/A |
| Key Albums/EPs | Laura Palmer EP (2011), Bad Blood (2013), Wild World (2016), Doom Days (2019), Give Me the Future (2022) |
| Noteworthy Achievements | Multiple Platinum-selling albums, BRIT Awards nominations and wins, global tours, critical acclaim for songwriting and stage presence |
| Influences | The band's music is influenced by artists and sounds from a wide range of genres and backgrounds, resulting in a rich and multifaceted sound. |
| Official Website | Bastille Day Festival |
The story of the storming of the Bastille unfolds in the heart of Paris. Around 3:30 pm on that fateful day, a convergence of events propelled the city towards a pivotal moment. Rebellious companies of the French Guard and defecting soldiers joined the swelling crowd. This act of political violence, led by revolutionary insurgents, targeted the medieval armoury, fortress, and political prison. The fortress, once a symbol of the Bourbon monarchy's iron grip, became the target of a desperate struggle for freedom.
The events leading up to the storming were part of a broader context. Just a few weeks earlier, on June 27th, fireworks had illuminated the Parisian sky, celebrating the reconciliation of France's three orders the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners into a unified National Assembly. However, in Versailles, just 13 miles away, the mood was somber, and the sky remained "mournfully silent," as described by historian Simon Schama.
Bastille Day, or La Fte Nationale, as it is known in France, is a national holiday commemorating this event. Celebrated on July 14th each year, it serves as a powerful reminder of the uprising. It's a day for parades, fireworks, and a celebration of French identity. It's important to note that the Bastille itself was physically destroyed between July 14, 1789, and July 14, 1790, during the French Revolution, its stones repurposed in the construction of bridges and other buildings. The Place de la Bastille now marks where the prison once stood, a constant reminder of this historic turning point.
The Bastille's original purpose as a fortress, later becoming a state prison, meant it was associated with the harsh rule of the Bourbon monarchy. However, by the late 1700s, the prison rarely held more than 20 or 30 prisoners. The storming of the Bastille represented an act of defiance. The people had grown tired of the oppression, and the prison, once a symbol of their imprisonment, became a target in their fight for liberation.
The band Bastille's music, characterized by its immersive soundscapes and storytelling, creates connections between the historical and the contemporary. The band's name and many of its songs are heavily influenced by historical events, and the band's aesthetic reflects a fascination with the past, making them a cultural phenomenon.
Bastille, the band, began as the solo project of lead vocalist Dan Smith in 2010. As the project grew, it expanded to include keyboardist Kyle Simmons, bassist and guitarist Will Farquarson, and drummer Chris Woody Wood, creating the band's distinctive sound. The group released a limited single in 2010 and the Laura Palmer EP in 2011 before signing with Virgin Records. Their discography includes multiple successful albums, reflecting their growth and evolution as artists.
The official online store offers more than just music. It provides fans with merchandise, exclusive content, and the opportunity to engage directly with the band. The design of Bastille's products reflects the band's artistic vision, allowing fans to express their connection to the music through fashion and lifestyle choices.
Bastilles aesthetic and the themes in their songs often touch upon historical events. They reflect upon experiences of people's lives, drawing inspiration from historical events to create emotionally compelling narratives. The band's latest project, "&" (ampersand), epitomizes this approach, presenting an immersive playlist experience with music videos, audio, and lyric videos. The result is a vibrant and multi-layered musical tapestry, inviting audiences to experience the music in new and engaging ways.
The restaurant "Bastille," which opened in 2006, on the outskirts of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, has received numerous accolades, including eight RAMMY nominations, Washingtonian's Top 100 listings, and Northern Virginia Magazine's Top 50 restaurants. This highlights the influence of the name Bastille across different forms of cultural expression, from music to cuisine.
The choice of the name "Bastille" by both the band and the restaurant reflects a deeper connection to historical narratives and the concept of resistance. In the context of music and culture, it symbolizes artistic expression and innovation. In the context of a restaurant, it can evoke a sense of history, sophistication, and a commitment to quality and excellence. The choice, in both instances, suggests a narrative about defying expectations and creating something new and memorable.
The original Bastille, built as a medieval fortress in Paris, continued this function until the French Revolution. The fortress, a small bastion in French, served as a prison. By the late 1700s, the prison typically housed fewer than 30 inmates. The attack on the Bastille was a decisive moment that pushed the French Revolution.
The event of July 14, 1789, is the core of the French Revolution. Its a violent uprising that helped usher in the revolution. Today, the band Bastille and the restaurant "Bastille" carry this symbol of history with their name.
The bands approach to songwriting reflects their ability to draw inspiration from diverse sources. Dan Smith, the lead vocalist, has often mentioned, Ive always loved writing story songs, and using tales of other people as a way into making music and talking about my experiences in life.
The events of the French Revolution, commemorated on Bastille Day, have transformed into a global symbol of resistance against oppression. The echoes of the storming of the Bastille and the values it represents continue to resonate today.
