Blossoms have unveiled details of their latest music video, featuring Rick Astley, which draws inspiration from the real-life story of a massive fibreglass gorilla being stolen from a garden centre.
The band announced this news alongside the reveal of their eagerly awaited fifth studio album, “Gary,” named after the primate sculpture that inspired the video.
Lead singer Tom Ogden, 31, explained, “The video is directed by myself and my brother Ewan Ogden, and it continues the narrative from our previous video. The song is based on a true story I heard on the radio last year – Gary, the eight-foot fibreglass gorilla, was stolen from Reynard Garden Centre in Carluke, Scotland. We’ve brought this story to life on screen with Rick Astley portraying Andrew Scott, the garden centre owner, while the band members play the roles of Gary’s thieves.”
The video, filmed on 16mm film, was shot on location in Stockport, the Peak District, and Derbyshire. Tom added, “Creating this video was incredibly fun. The song is the heart of the album, and after considering various titles, we kept coming back to Gary. Ultimately, it could only be called ‘Gary.’”
In 2023, the giant Gary statue was stolen from a Lanarkshire garden centre and was reunited with its owner, Andrew Scott, a year later.
Directed by Tom and Ewan Ogden, the “Gary” video features Rick Astley, 58, who previously appeared in the band’s video for “What Can I Say After I’m Sorry?” The new album, set for release on September 20, is produced by James Skelly of The Coral and Josh Lloyd-Watson of Jungle, who also produced “What Can I Say After I’m Sorry?” and “Nightclub.”
Singer-songwriter CMAT (Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson), 28, co-wrote two tracks on the album, “I Like Your Look” and “Why Do I Give You the Worst of Me?”
Tom elaborated on the album’s creation process, saying, “The essence of this record is about the five of us recording live together for the first time in years. We wanted to capture the energy of five friends starting a band and making music together. We collaborated more extensively than ever on this album. Alongside long-time collaborator James Skelly, we brought in Josh and CMAT. We rented an Airbnb on the Anglesey seafront and spent an inspiring few days writing with Ciara.”
The album features standout tracks like “Big Star” and “Mothers,” which are also inspired by true stories. Tom shared, “The album tracks are based on various stories, mainly from personal experiences. ‘Big Star’ reflects an encounter with a well-known music journalist at Chateau Marmont, where shyness prevented me from introducing myself. ‘I Like Your Look’ pays homage to Blondie’s ‘Rapture’ and Joan Baez’s ‘Time Rag,’ exploring high fashion with a tongue-in-cheek approach. ‘Mothers’ is a tribute to my friendship with bandmate Joe Donovan, referencing how our mothers were friends back in the ’80s.”
Blossoms will support Tom Grennan at Gunnersbury Park on August 10 and will perform at festivals including Isle of Wight and TRNSMT. They will also headline their biggest gig to date at Wythenshawe Park, Manchester, on August 25.
