5 Seconds of Summer's Ashton Irwin is 'disappointed' as album records were released early but grateful for fans
After fans of 5 Seconds of Summer launched a campaign to get the band to number 1 on the US Billboard charts, the band has finally responded.
The band's latest album, 'CALM' has been described by them as one that recounts their journey from their debut till now and speaks about their growth along the way as individuals and as a team. This is an album for the fans, one that the band put their soul into, so it's only fair that the fans return the love, and that's exactly what they have done.
While 'CALM' has performed amazingly in many parts of the world, 5SOS had their #1 spot on Billboard stolen from them due to 10,000 copies of their albums being shipped earlier in the U.S. on account of a warehouse error. The early sales caused the album to debut prematurely at number 62 on the charts a week earlier than it was meant to, but it went on to chart at number 2 during its actual week on Billboard. Fans were so upset, they began demanding that Billboard responded by recounting the sales, even launching a petition for the same.
"Today I’m extremely grateful for a lot of things," tweeted member Luke Hemmings, adding "One of those being an incredibly dedicated fan base. Thank you for your support and love on CALM. A small band from Sydney can compete with today’s biggest and best. Love you guys. Love my boys in 5sos. Here’s to many more," while member Calum Hood simply stated, "I love you guys"
Ashton Irwin, who has been recovering from symptoms similar to the ones experienced by COVID-19 patients, posted a much longer message captioned, "I’m apprehensive to share this video, I think I’ve censored myself fairly well, I feel fearful to speak up about the albums that went out early for fear of loosing partnership with media outlets... but here’s some thought’s..."
In the video, Ashton states, "I just wanna say I appreciate you contesting and fighting for our number one record in the U.S. We're left with the number two spot this week, and may I add that I think it is absolutely astonishing and incredible that we are even at the top of those charts in the caliber of artists that are there with us." He continues, "Records were released a week early that we had no control over, which is very disappointing and quite honestly my heart broke when I found out about that. I've worked with the boys and our team to make this record for the past two years. It has been a turbulent time and I thought right when we had come to the finish line to deliver the record to you guys, I was just so excited that that music would be coming out."
Speaking directly about the issue of losing their number one spot in the U.S. the drummer said, "It was released a week early and we lost 10,000 records. It was actually more. We
He further added saying, "Other artists have had records released early before and the charts have been amended. Seems like that's not gonna happen for us."
He ended by sending the band's fans love and gratitude for their tireless efforts, stating "I want you to know that I am extremely proud of this fanbase for having a voice...and knowing how powerful they can be when they unite together. I am proud to have listeners like you, and I am very proud to be in this group. And whether the chart position changes, I am so appreciative for everything that you've done for us over the past couple of weeks," adding "I love you guys, remain sincere, keep voicing when things are wrong and I will try to be as brave as you are."
The other members also took some time to briefly comment on the issue, talk about their album and merch, and send their fans some love. Luke stated, "I know there’s lots going on in 5sos land right now but we released a commentary album which also comes with cool merch drops and I don’t want it to get overlooked. Writing songs is my favorite thing to do and to have people care about what they mean is awesome"
Meanwhile, the band scored number one on the ARIA Charts in Australia, to which Calum said "So much love to our Australian fam... truly unreal. Very grateful." In addition to that, 'CALM' was also the Official UK Number 1 album for the week of its release, making this their first number one in the U.K. in five years. Member Michael Clifford said "how the f*ck did we pull this off? I love you guys"
"I have no words," tweeted the band's creative director Andy DeLuca, adding "I’m proud. I’m appreciative. I’m thankful. I’m grateful. I feel more connected to & a part of the 5SOS fam now more than ever. What a great band. What a great team behind the band. What a great fan base for this band. Never seen anything like this in my life! #1"
Ashton also tweeted about the feat, stating "Lost for words, you’ve brightened up the world today, thank you to England, Scotland and Ireland for the #1 / #3 albums. You and I both know albums are everything for this band, You’re real fans. For life." He had previously shared a song to thank their fans, featuring the lyrics "So it seems We might have a number one In the UK this week"
The UK fans did more than just get the band to number one, however. One fan tweeted, "Uk stans go HARD, not only did we successfully get the number 1 we also managed to sell out the entire merch site AND stream continuously every day!!! BEYOND PROUD BRO"
They truly are a remarkable fandom! As Michael puts it "Real bands save fans, real fans save bands"