Keane reveal previously unreleased song originally written for Love Actually

Virgin Radio

1 Dec 2023, 15:16

As Keane prepare to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album, they have shared a never-before-released track that they hoped would give them their “big break”.

The song, called Love Actually, was written in 2002 for the film of the same name back when they were an unsigned band. 

The trio explained why they penned a track for the hit Richard Curtis movie, which turns 20 this year, with Tim Rice-Oxley from the group saying in a statement: “In 2002 we were an unsigned band; and our friend and manager Adam was working for the producer of Love Actually. While they were making the film, Adam suggested we should quickly write a song and he’d see if he could get it into Richard Curtis’ hands… and maybe we could sneak onto the soundtrack and get our big break!”

The song didn’t actually end up on the soundtrack, but the keyboardist and songwriter said: “Richard always very graciously said he loved the song and wished he’d put it in the film. We all loved the song too, but having called it Love Actually, it was very hard to do anything with it!”

Writer and director Curtis said: “Everyone makes mistakes – even if they’re understandable ones. When I first listened to Love Actually by this totally unknown combo called Keane, I thought it was beautiful. I tried really hard to put it in the film – but in the end it was a little melancholy and, dare I say, a bit DEEP for the film I’d made.”

He explained that he realised that he’d made a “dreadful mistake” when Hopes and Fears was number one in the charts. The filmmaker said: “It is SO wonderful that the song is now being released for everyone to hear. I’ve listened to it a lot over the years and love it even more now than I did then.”

He added: “I think I actually prefer that three minute version of Love Actually to the long, chaotic film that’s been doing the rounds now for 20 years.

Oxley-Rice said that, because the film is 20 years old now, it is “a perfect reason to record our song properly.”

Have a listen here: 

Keane will share a special remastered version of their debut album on 10th May 2024, which is exactly two decades after it first landed on shelves.

They will be touring the UK and Ireland next May to celebrate the release. Here are the dates: 

3rd May - Leeds, First Direct Arena

4th May - Birmingham, Utilita Arena

5th May - Manchester, Co-Op Live

7th May - Bournemouth, BIC 

8th May - Cardiff, Utilita Arena

10th May - London, The O2 

11th May - London, The O2

13th May - Dublin, 3Arena