The Kooks breathed new life and meaning into the song through evocative lyrics and a powerful live performance, which has since been shared on streaming platforms such as Spotify. At its core, ‘See Me Now’ has always been one of The Kooks' most personal songs, written by frontman Luke Pritchard about losing his dad at a young age. The live performance has turned it into something bigger, adding a greater emotional depth and transforming it into a vulnerable centrepiece that stands out from the rest of their music. The raw emotions within the track are on full display throughout the O2 Arena recording, as Pritchard reflects on his father’s memory and legacy. His piano intertwines with his vocals to create an intimate moment for the audience and shows how deeply the song resonates live.
Accompanying the live single, The Kooks also released a heartfelt, visually powerful music video for the song, directed by Julien Temple. It blends footage from the 2025 live performance with the original 2014 visuals and personal clips of Pritchard and his father. Together, these elements all amplify the song’s themes beyond just the sound alone, sharing a raw, tender story of his memories with his father. It’s not just a music video, but an emotional reconnection.
The release of the live edition also marks a milestone moment for The Kooks, as they build momentum into the new year, preparing for anniversary performances celebrating 20 years since their debut album, ‘Inside In / Inside Out’. This live single stands out as a bridge between their past and present.
Eve Smith
Image: Virginie Viche