ThisIsTheMusic

The Spitfires return in a blaze of indie ska glory with new single Better The Devil You Know.

It’s not over ‘til it’s over — and for The Spitfires, it’s most definitely not over.

Still fronted by the ever-insightful Billy Sullivan — the beating heart and razor-sharp pen behind the band — The Spitfires now boast a refreshed line-up: Liam Taylor (guitar), Sam Dimond (bass), and Euan Crawford-McKee (drums), Together, they deliver a single that’s urgent, powerful and unmistakably Spitfires — mixing their signature mod energy with ska grooves, punk spirit, and a political message that refuses to be ignored. 

Gone is any notion of retreat. In its place: defiance, depth, and ska-fuelled dynamism. From the first blast of horns to its blistering, statement-making crescendo, Better The Devil You Know is a call to attention and a demand for change, loaded with political gravity and powered by irresistible rhythm.

Lyrically, the track pulls no punches. “The song is about the current situation in the Middle East,” explains Sullivan. “But it really relates to all forms of war. Who can believe that, in 2025, we’re still seeing countries torn apart and thousands of people killed, whether due to religion or pure greed? The honest amongst us will recognise who is turning a blind eye to it all, making the choice to put profit before peace. Arms deals and relationships with power takes precedence over human life.”

It’s a sharp critique of a world still beholden to profit and power over peace — delivered with that unmistakable Spitfires blend of mod swagger, punk urgency, and soul-drenched ska.

It’s hard-hitting, honest, and razor-focused. This isn’t just a nostalgic comeback. It’s a rebirth. The Spitfires sounds more fired up than ever. Better The Devil You Know captures a band with nothing to prove but everything to say — and they’re saying it loud.

Gigs

Fri 18 April: Esquires, Bedford

Sat 19 April: Stockton Calling, Stockton-on-Tees

Sun 20 April: Northampton, Black Prince

Fri 2 May: Liverpool, O2 Academy2

 Sat 3 May: Glasgow, Stereo

Sun 4 May: Shrewsbury, Loop Fest

Fri 9 May: Dublin, The Sound House

Sat 10 May: Belfast, Deer’s Head

Fri 23 May: London, Koko

Tickets are on sale now via links to venue booking sites at: https://linktr.ee/thespitfires

The Spitfires Socials

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