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Those Damn Crows / Midweek Chart Toppers Bring Genuine HMV Instore Joy

God Shaped Hole, the superb fourth album from Those Damn Crows, was released last Friday and is certainly making waves. The following day, MetalTalk joined the band and their fans at HMV Oxford Street on the first of the Instore Mega Tour dates before the big news broke. God Shaped Hole sits proudly at the Number 1 spot in the UK Top 40 Midweek Album Chart and it is outselling Skindred’s Smile, which charted at Number 2.

“We have a real chance at a #1 album,” the band said. “Is it possible? All I know is that our fans and the rock community have put us here with a chance, and all because of their belief in us. We keep pushing like we always do, never giving up, and with their help, we can accomplish anything! No surrender!”

Over the past month, MetalTalk has closely followed the journey of Those Damn Crows. From witnessing their intimate UK venue tour to celebrating the release of God Shaped Hole on 11 April 2025, every moment has been nothing short of thrilling.

We had the fantastic opportunity to sit down with drummer Ronnie Huxford, adding yet another highlight to this whirlwind experience. 

Those Damn Crows - 100 Club, London - 27 March 2025.
Those Damn Crows – 100 Club, London – 27 March 2025. Photo: Ryan Hildrew/MetalTalk

Those Damn Crows – Hunger And A Relentless Drive

Those Damn Crows are a band that exudes hunger and relentless drive, working tirelessly to achieve their well-deserved success. With the release of their album, one might expect them to pause and catch their breath. Yet, true to their unstoppable spirit, the very next day, they embark on a signing tour.

Their acoustic sets in record stores will bring fans even closer to the music, offering an intimate glimpse into some of their latest tracks.

We reunite with the Welsh rockers on a gloriously warm and sunny afternoon, this time at the flagship HMV store on London’s iconic Oxford Street.

What better way to celebrate Record Store Day than to escape the hustle and bustle of one of the city’s busiest streets? Nestled in a cosy corner, a couple of floors above the chaos, fans gathered for an intimate signing event.

Those Damn Crows - HMV Oxford Street - 12 April 2025. Photo: Rhys Tagg/MetalTalk
Those Damn Crows – HMV Oxford Street – 12 April 2025. Photo: Rhys Tagg/MetalTalk

After climbing several flights of stairs to the brilliant book floor, the room opened up to reveal scores of fans eagerly clutching copies of the band’s latest album, their anticipation palpable as they awaited the band’s arrival.

A few moments later, Those Damn Crows emerged to a wave of applause, stepping onto the tiny stage in high spirits.

It is evident that Those Damn Crows are revelling in the thrill of launching their latest album. Genuine joy radiates from their faces as they share with the crowd the incredible news that the album has been selling exceptionally well, with a strong chance of claiming the coveted Number 1 spot.

Those Damn Crows - HMV Oxford Street - 12 April 2025. Photo: Rhys Tagg/MetalTalk
Those Damn Crows – HMV Oxford Street – 12 April 2025. Photo: Rhys Tagg/MetalTalk

Frontman Shane warmly thanks the audience for their unwavering support, acknowledging their vital role in propelling the band to this remarkable achievement. Shane spots a child in the crowd and takes a tender moment to share a high-five, creating a long-lasting memory.

The group settles in for a mini acoustic show, treating the audience to a handful of phenomenal tracks. Having listened to the album on repeat, witnessing Dreaming and Glass Heart in such an intimate setting is nothing short of breathtaking.

Just as quickly as the session begins, it seems to be drawing to a close. The band comically abandons Shane on stage. He takes a moment, offering up one more song, and plays Still.

Those Damn Crows - HMV Oxford Street - 12 April 2025. Photo: Rhys Tagg/MetalTalk
Those Damn Crows – HMV Oxford Street – 12 April 2025. Photo: Rhys Tagg/MetalTalk

With the set complete, the band takes a brief respite, leaving the audience buzzing with excitement. Fans form an orderly queue, their chatter brimming with delight.

Those Damn Crows re-emerge, settling themselves at a table, taking their time to meet the Crow family. They sign albums, exchange heartfelt greetings, and pose for photos. Their smiles are as genuine as the joy radiating from their fans.

Those Damn Crows released the exceptional God Shaped Hole via Earache Records on 11 April 2025. More details are available from here. The band also play ten UK headline shows in October 2025.

Those Damn Crows soon kick off an extensive set of UK instore appearances to coincide with the album’s release. With a massive 17 locations and both day and evening timings, the Instore Mega Tour began on April 12th!

As well as meeting the band and getting your album signed, fans will get to hear some acoustic renditions of tracks from God Shaped Hole. For full details and to secure your place at these very special events visit https://thosedamncrows.com/instores.

October

17oct7:00 pmThose Damn Crows - God Shaped Hole UK Tour - LeicesterO2 Academy

18oct7:00 pmThose Damn Crows - God Shaped Hole UK Tour - LeedsStylus

20oct7:00 pmThose Damn Crows - God Shaped Hole UK Tour - NewcastleBoiler Shop

21oct7:00 pmThose Damn Crows - God Shaped Hole UK Tour - GlasgowSWG3

22oct7:00 pmThose Damn Crows - God Shaped Hole UK Tour - ManchesterAlbert Hall

24oct7:00 pmThose Damn Crows - God Shaped Hole UK Tour - BristolCrane: Prospect Building

26oct7:00 pmThose Damn Crows - God Shaped Hole UK Tour - PlymouthPlymouth Pavilions

28oct7:00 pmThose Damn Crows - God Shaped Hole UK Tour - SouthamptonEngine Rooms

30oct7:00 pmThose Damn Crows - God Shaped Hole UK Tour - BirminghamO2 Institute

31oct7:00 pmThose Damn Crows - God Shaped Hole UK Tour - LondonO2 Shepherd's Bush Empire

Those Damn Crows - God Shaped Hole - In Store Mega Tour
Those Damn Crows – God Shaped Hole – In Store Mega Tour
Those Damn Crows - God Shaped Hole UK Tour 2025 Poster
Those Damn Crows – God Shaped Hole UK Tour 2025

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