Arcade Fire Mock England World Cup Defeat At London Comeback

Arcade Fire mocked the England football team as they debuted their new album live in London for the first time tonight (July 7)

Frontman Win Butler poked fun at the country's early exit during their intimate show at The Hackney Empire.

The gig saw the band played a host of new songs from 'The Suburbs', including the already popular 'We Used To Wait' and 'Month Of May'.

Referring to England's dismal performance, Butler said: "I still think England's got a real great shot in the World Cup."

Greeted by boos from the crowd, he added: "I'm just practicing my banter for Reading and Leeds."

Arcade Fire began their first London gig in three years with new song 'Ready To Start', which was welcomed positively by the sold-out crowd.

The nine-piece Canadian group were backed during their set by a huge video screen resembling a billboard, which projected different videos, as well a live footage of the band's performance.

As has become tradition at Arcade Fire shows, the band members swapped between different instruments throughout the set. Butler's wife Régine Chassagne made frequent appearances behind a second drum kit, including during a powerful rendition of the title track from their new album.

During another new song, entitled 'We Used To Wait', Butler was pulled into the crowd along with his microphone stand, and continued singing as the audience held him up.

Arcade Fire also played a host of songs from their first two records: 'Funeral' and 'Neon Bible'.

These included an energetic early outing for 'No Cars Go', while 'Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)'and 'Rebellion (Lies)' brought the 18-song set towards its climax.

After leaving the stage, the band returned to thank the crowd, before launching into fan favourites 'Keep The Car Running' and closer 'Wake Up', which lifted the audience out of their seats.

Arcade Fire are set to return to the UK in August to headline the Reading and Leeds festivals.

'The Suburbs' is released on August 2.

Arcade Fire's setlist was:

'Ready To Start'
'Modern Man'
'Laika'
'No Cars Go'
'Haiti'
'Empty Room'
'Rococo'
'The Suburbs'
'Suburban War'
'Intervention'
'We Used To Wait'
'Power Out'
'Rebellion (Lies)'
'Month Of May'
'Crown Of Love'
'Tunnels'
'Keep The Car Running'
'Wake Up'