Fightstar are an English alternative rock band from London, formed in 2003. The original lineup consists of lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist and keyboardist Charlie Simpson, lead guitarist and vocalist Alex Westaway, bassist Dan Haigh and drummer Omar Abidi.[1]  Although generally considered a post-hardcore  band, Fightstar are also known to implement metal, progressive and acoustic elements into their sound.[2]  The band currently release their music independently through imprint label, Search and Destroy Records, which is distributed via PIAS Recordings.[3]

During the band's initial emergence, they were faced with much scepticism due to Simpson's former pop career. However, they began to receive positive reactions to early live shows and their debut EP, They Liked You Better When You Were Dead (2005) was a critical success.[4] Since then, their three studio albums have obtained top 40 chartings and critical praise.[5] Indeed, debut album Grand Unification (2006) was regarded as "one of the best British rock albums of the past decade" by Kerrang! editor Paul Brannigan.[4] Scottish publication, The Fly, also said that the album "remains one of the 21st Century’s ultimate rock debuts".[6]

The band went onto receive nominations at the Kerrang! Awards for 'Best British Newcomer' and 'Best British Band',[7] before releasing second album, One Day Son, This Will All Be Yours (2007). The follwing year a compilation album including b-sides and rarities titled, Alternate Endings (2008) was released. The four-piece then self funded and co-produced third album, Be Human (2009), which heavily featured orchestral and choral elements. It became their highest charting album after peaking at number twenty in the UK Albums Chart.