Arctic Monkeys release new single ‘Body Paint’, perform live on ‘Fallon’

Arctic Monkeys have released a new single called ‘Body Paint’, and performed it live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

The cinematic song is the second preview of the Sheffield band’s seventh studio album, The Car, which is due out on October 21 via Domino. Its accompanying official video, directed by Brook Linder, was shot in London and Missouri. 

“So predictable, I know what you’re thinking,” frontman Alex Turner croons in the slow-burning cut. Containing a majestic string arrangement and piano, ‘Body Paint’ eventually opens up into an epic, ’70s rock-esque finale.

“There’s still a trace of body paint/ On your legs, and on your arms, and on your face,” its refrain goes, making way for a distorted electric guitar solo. 

Speaking about ‘Body Paint’ on BBC Radio 1 yesterday (September 29), Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders explained: “It kind of encompasses what’s going on in the record all in one song – in two parts, kind of.

“And this is another one where we all get a moment as well. Even though a lot of the music now is a lot more laid back for me as a drummer, this one I get to have a little moment at the end. Especially live.”

Arctic Monkeys also gave the single its television debut during last night’s episode of US chat show …Fallon. You can watch the performance below.

Next summer, the Monkeys will embark on a huge stadium tour across the UK and Ireland. The dates include two homecoming concerts at Hillsborough Park in Sheffield, as well as a pair of gigs at London’s Emirates Stadium. 

Tickets go on general sale at 9am BST today (September 30) – purchase yours here, and see the full live itinerary beneath. 

May
29 – Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol
31 – Building Society Arena, Coventry
 
June
2 – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
3 – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
5 – Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough
7 – Carrow Road Stadium, Norwich
9 – Hillsborough Park, Sheffield
10 – Hillsborough Park, Sheffield
12 – Swansea.com Stadium, Swansea
14 – The Ageas Bowl, Southampton
16 – Emirates Stadium, London
17 – Emirates Stadium, London
20 – Malahide Castle, Dublin
25 – Bellahouston Park, Glasgow

Comprising 10 songs, The Car was produced by long-time AM collaborator James Ford. The album was written by frontman Alex Turner, and recorded at Butley Priory in Suffolk, La Frette in Paris, and RAK Studios in London.

‘There’d Better Be A Mirrorball’, the record’s lead single, came out last month. Other tracks set to feature on The Car include ‘I Ain’t Quite Where I Think I Am’, ‘Jet Skis on the Moat’ and ‘Mr Schwartz’.