Florence + The Machine took to the stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall for a unique performance of their debut album, Lungs, during the BBC Proms on September 11. This one-time event marked the band’s only live show in 2024, featuring a full orchestral arrangement conducted by Jules Buckley. The BBC Proms, traditionally known for classical music performances, have evolved over the years to include modern artists, with Florence + The Machine joining the ranks of pop acts like Sam Smith, who also performed with the BBC Orchestra earlier this year.
The performance, titled “Symphony of Lungs,” showcased a range of songs that hadn’t been played live in years. “Bird Song” was performed for the first time in 15 years, and crowd favorites like “Drumming Song” and “My Boy Builds Coffins” returned to the setlist after long hiatuses. Florence Welch, the band’s frontwoman, reflected on the challenge of revisiting these early tracks, noting how her youthful energy had influenced their creation.
Tickets for the event were highly sought after, with the initial announcement leading to an immediate sell-out. A limited number of additional tickets, released on the day of the show for as little as £8 ($10), drew an overwhelming response, with more than 20,000 people vying for a chance to attend.
The collaboration between Florence + The Machine and conductor Jules Buckley brought a fresh dimension to the songs, blending orchestral elements with the band’s original sound. Fans were treated to live renditions of hits such as “Dog Days Are Over,” “Kiss With A Fist,” and “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up),” all seamlessly enhanced by the orchestra.
Lungs was a significant success when it was first released in 2009, topping the U.K. Albums Chart and peaking at No.14 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S. Florence + The Machine’s most recent album, Dance Fever (2022), also performed well, securing the No.1 spot in the U.K. and reaching No.14 on the Billboard 200. Earlier this year, Welch collaborated with Taylor Swift on the hit song “Florida!!!,” which climbed to No.8 on the Billboard Hot 100.