Take a look at five surprising things that even the biggest Arctic Monkeys fan might not know about Alex Turner.
Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner has long been celebrated as one of the most influential artists of his generation, gaining a cult-like following and immense success all over the world. After being inspired by garage rock bands like The Strokes and Queens of the Stone Age, as well as some of the music world’s classic icons, Turner and the Arctic Monkeys developed their own unique sound which oozed a disruptive teenhood aesthetic.
Over the years, Turner transgressed from a fluorescent adolescent to an artist with both poetry and irregularity at the forefront of his sound. With an enigmatic stage presence and unique charisma, it’s hard not to be intrigued by Alex Turner Arctic Monkeys singer and his unparalleled approach to both music and life. In fact, it’s the sense of mystery that Turner and bands like Arctic Monkeys evoked which make them all the more interesting.
He forced his mates to learn instruments so they could start a band
While most musicians spend years mastering their instrument before they even think about starting a group, for Turner, it was quite the opposite. And the same goes for the other Arctic Monkeys band members. After Turner and Jamie Cook received guitars as Christmas presents one year, Turner decided they would play as a band.
As a result, Matt Helders was forced to learn the drums as the others were “already playing the guitar.” Surprisingly the three long-time buddies soon developed their skills and own sense of sound, becoming Arctic Monkeys members and one of the biggest rock and roll bands in the world.
At first, he was too shy to be the frontman
Now this one is almost impossible to believe, but in the band’s early days, the lead singer of Arctic Monkeys, Alex Turner was too shy to sing as the band’s frontman. He originally enlisted Glyn Jones, a fellow high school student to sing in the band. After a short time playing together, Jones left the project due to “not having the dedication to take it any further”.
This compelled Turner to finally get over his nerves and start singing for the band. He is now renowned as one of the most confident and energetic performers around, as Arctic Monkeys singer and Arctic Monkeys guitarist combined.
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He has never used social media (and never plans to)
The Arctic Monkeys owe a lot of their success to the world of social media, known as one of the first bands to go viral as a result of Myspace. However what you might not know is that the group never had their own profiles, never created their own page, and were completely unaware of the site altogether, until the band started getting big. It was actually a fan who created the page on their behalf.
Since then, Turner has discussed his negative feelings toward social media, and to this day, he has no personal social media profiles.
He hates his first #1
Every fan of Arctic Monkeys will know I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor, one of the band’s most successful songs and their very first number one. However, Turner’s feelings towards the track are less than positive.
Turner stated that the track is “a bit shit” saying that “the words are rubbish. It could be a big song, but I’d hate to be just known for that song because it’s crap.” Despite this, the Monkeys quite often play it live, because they know their fans still love it.
To this day, the song’s official video opens with Turner drawling “We’re Arctic Monkeys, this is I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor, don’t believe the hype.”
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He has a long-standing feud with Radiohead
This one is perhaps the most shocking fact about Alex Turner. But both the Arctic Monkeys and Radiohead have had a long-standing hatred for one another. It all started back in a 2006 interview when Thom Yorke criticised the modern-day music industry.
Yorke stated that “The fact that poor Arctic Monkeys are getting so much attention is purely based on the fact that the mainstream music business is such a bunch of fucking retards as far as I’m concerned”. Naturally, Turner was less than impressed by the comment, resulting in plenty of back-and-forth banter between the bands. As far as we’re concerned, there’s no genuine bad blood. Yorke later commented on the band’s assuredness, stating “They’re not letting anyone push them around. That to me, especially given the stage they’re at, is the most important thing”. Wise words indeed.
Other fun facts about Arctic Monkeys
Have you ever found yourself pondering the birthplace of those magnificent Arctic Monkeys? Look no further, my friend, for they emerge from the vibrant city of Sheffield, UK. And for all you newcomers craving a taste of their musical essence, the Arctic Monkeys primarily craft their masterpieces in the realms of alternative and indie.
Now, brace yourself, for the enigmatic life of the Arctic Monkeys’ very own Alex Turner is as riveting as his melodic exploits. Curious souls around the globe relentlessly seek answers to burning questions like “How old is Alex Turner?” and “How tall is Alex Turner?” Oh, and let us not overlook the multitude of enchanting Tumblers dedicated to the captivating realm of Alex Turner x reader.
So, let’s dive into the exhilarating realm of Mr. Turner, shall we? As of 2022, this extraordinary being graces our world with his presence for a delightful 36 years. Now, what fresh wonders does the realm of Alex Turner 2022 hold compared to its 2021 counterpart, you ask? Prepare to rejoice, for they are currently gracing international stages, and joyous fans will be thrilled to learn of their recently unveiled Australian tour dates for the magnificent year of 2023!
Alex Turner Gear
Not that this first item is strictly ‘Gear’ and not that we needed another reason to hail Alex Turner as one of the coolest singers on the planet right now, but one of the bands’ tour cases, also doubles as a pop-up bar. The Arctic Monkeys actually take a flight case that turns into a pop-up bar on tour with them.
Now lets check out some of Alex Turner guitars and other wondrous gear! Behold the mystical Electro-Harmonix XO Hum Debugger Hum Eliminator Guitar Effects Pedal, a majestic entity that banishes unwanted hum from the ethereal vibrations of his guitar. Such sorcery!
Turner also employs the MXR Micro Amp as a magnificent boost to his pristine clean signals or to ignite a fiery drive in his amp and overdrives during exhilarating solos. The soundscapes he crafts are truly otherworldly!
Picture this: a momentous performance of “Reckless Serenade” on The Tonight Show, where Alex Turner wields a resplendent black Gibson Les Paul Custom, commanding the very essence of rock ‘n’ roll. Oh, the riffs that resonate through the air, leaving us in a state of awe.
And let us not forget the Fender Stratocaster, shrouded in a sleek black finish, an instrument of undeniable allure. With its 21 frets and 6 screw bridge, it proudly bears the mark of a Made In Mexico Strat. This exquisite creation has graced the recording of “Do I Wanna Know?” and remains a steadfast companion during each electrifying live performance of the timeless anthem.
Our visionary artist has also been spotted channeling his boundless talent through the Vox Starstream. Its harmonious melodies have enraptured audiences in unforgettable moments, from the hallowed grounds of Austin City Limits in 2013 to the vibrant stage of the Red Bull Sound Space at KROQ.
Oh, rejoice, for Alex Turner’s gear is a treasure trove of sonic wonders, crafting a symphony that resonates with our very souls. Immerse yourself in the enchanting melodies and let the vibrations transport you to realms unknown!
