In an exciting development for fans of both progressive rock and alternative music, Enter Shikari frontman and synth player Rou Reynolds will be stepping into the role of The Artilleryman in next year’s live tour of Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War Of The Worlds. This announcement adds yet another dynamic layer to the long-running stage adaptation of H.G. Wells‘ classic 19th-century sci-fi novel, where Martians invade Earth.
Jeff Wayne’s musical adaptation, renowned for its progressive rock elements and theatrical storytelling, has been captivating audiences since the late ’70s. The Artilleryman is a pivotal character in the production, and over the years, several notable artists, including David Essex and Kaiser Chiefs’ Ricky Wilson, have brought their unique interpretations to the role.
“Since 2006, when we began touring arenas around the world, I’ve always been thrilled to welcome what is now a long list of great artists,” says Jeff Wayne. “This coming tour, for the role of The Artilleryman, I reached out to the lead singer of the wonderful Enter Shikari – Rou Reynolds – a massive talent whose voice thrills, and his personality matches. He will create his own interpretation of the enigmatic Artilleryman.”
Rou Reynolds, known for his energetic performances and genre-blending music with Enter Shikari, shared his enthusiasm about joining the cast. “I first discovered Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War of The Worlds through my dad and uncle, who grew up being blown away by the original double album,” he says. “Their great respect and enthusiasm for Jeff’s work makes it a true honour to be involved. I’m excited to be playing the role of The Artilleryman and stepping into the shoes of luminaries such as David Essex, Ricky Wilson, Adam Garcia, and all those who’ve played the role before me.”
Reynolds also expressed his desire to explore new artistic avenues. “As exemplified by the path that my band, Enter Shikari, follows, it’s important for me to practice breadth in my art, and keep pushing myself. I understand that performing in a musical production isn’t the sort of thing people from our scene normally do, but my band has never paid much attention to what is expected of us. I relish this challenge.”
The new production of The War Of The Worlds, dubbed The Spirit Of Man Tour, is set to take place next spring in arenas across the UK. Fans can look forward to a fresh and compelling rendition of the classic tale, with Rou Reynolds bringing his distinctive flair to the role of The Artilleryman. This tour promises to be a memorable event, bridging the worlds of progressive rock and alternative music in a spectacular theatrical experience.
