The Struts are one of those uncommon bands who are larger than life, even on a small stage. That’s how Van Halen was when the iconic band emerged from Southern California during the late ’70s.

Much like The White Stripes and Mumford and Sons, The Struts morphed from emerging band to next big thing when the British group was highlighted at the 2016 South By Southwest showcase in Austin, Texas. 

Charismatic frontman Luke Spiller moves like Mick Jagger as he slinks across the stage. It was evident early on that the pouting singer-songwriter had swagger to burn. 

That swagger and the band’s stellar live show will be on display Wednesday, May 1, at The Clyde Theatre as part of The Pretty Vicious Tour with Lo Spirit.

A Musician’s band

Spiller was anointed a rock star by the British press, but he never let the hype get to his head and ruin potential success.

“If you do that, you’re probably in for a short run,” Spiller said in a phone call from Los Angeles. “It’s about much more than that for this band. We hope to be around for a long time.”

A dozen years have passed since the group formed in Derby, Derbyshire, in England, when Spiller teamed up with guitarist and songwriter Adam Slack. 

The band, which also includes bassist Jed Elliott and drummer Gethin Davies, have connected with fans on its impressive run of four albums and a pair of EPs.

The Struts don’t just have the aficionados’ ears. They’ve also impressed an array of legendary recording artists. Such rock royalty as The Rolling Stones, The Who, Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, and Foo Fighters have tabbed The Struts as tour support.

“Being on the same stage as some of the most incredible rock bands in history is unbelievable,” Spiller said. “It’s been beyond cool.”

The Struts have been recipients of some sage advice. 

“We received some guidance, particularly from those in Mötley Crüe,” Spiller said. “They’ve lived the life, so you’ve got to respect that.”

Members of the notorious hair metal band, of all acts, encouraged The Struts to dial down the partying and focus on the music.

“Our heads are on pretty straight,” Spiller said. “We know what’s important.”

The Struts are reminiscent of fellow Brits, The Darkness. Spiller is cut from the same cloth as Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins, as both can belt out tunes and entertain and engage an audience. 

“I’ll be the first to say that The Darkness had an impact on me when I was growing up,” Spiller said. “I love their songs. They are all about performing. That’s the way we are, too. It’s all about the performance and the songs.”

Being themselves

The latest batch of Struts tunes off Pretty Vicious, released in November, are melodic, powerful, and, at times, anthemic. The songs are delivered with expected swagger. 

The canon is deep since The Struts have impressed with each of their preceding albums. Everybody Wants, which turns 10 in July, is the breakout debut album with hits “Kiss This” and “Could Have Been Me.” 

Their sophomore effort, 2018’s Young and Dangerous, includes fan favorites like “Body Talks” and “Primadonna Like Me.” They brought in guests for 2020’s Strange Days, including Robbie Williams and Albert Hammond Jr. and Tom Morello of The Strokes and Rage Against the Machine, respectively. 

No matter the album, The Struts are staying true to themselves.

“We could care less (about trends),” Spiller said. “A label once encouraged us to sound like Bastille. There was no way we would ever compromise. We left that label to do what we want. We have no interest in sounding like anybody but ourselves. We have enough confidence to do what we want to do. We’re not afraid of failing. I think when you have that fear of failure and you end up doing what you’re told to do, you’re on your way to failing.”

Spinner is a rebel who passed on overtures by that initial label. When that label tried to concoct an image for him and the rest of the band, the group collectively thumbed their noses.

“We’ve always had to do things our way,” Spinner said. “That’s the only way we know how to do it. I don’t understand how so many bands make the concessions. You have to follow what you believe in or why be in a band? There are some things we could have done differently, but I have no regrets.”

Gospel of rock

Spiller, 35, like many rockers, such as the members of Kings of Leon, Paramore, and Terence Trent D’arby, grew up listening to Christian music. His father was a gospel singer-songwriter. However, his parents didn’t prevent him from listening to secular music. 

“I know how rock is regarded as evil with some Christian families,” Spiller said. “But my parents have been great about it. They know I love it. I can’t imagine what else I would do.”

Spiller’s faith has impacted his music and performance.

“I went to church every Sunday until I was 16,” Spiller said. “It had quite an effect on me. What I learned from going to church is that real sincerity while performing. I remember watching my dad go out and always be so sincere. He connected with a higher power and helped people in the congregation do the same. That type of passion is what I connect with when I perform.”

When Spiller stopped going to church regularly, he was hit with a wave of powerful secular music. During his mid-teens, hip-hop became very popular in the United Kingdom. 

“Eminem and Wu-Tang Clan was what everyone was into,” Spiller said. “Eminem made white middle class kids want to rap. And then there were (nu metal) bands like Korn. I appreciated both styles of music, but I found The Darkness, and I then went back to bands like Queen, The Who, and The Rolling Stones.” 

Give Spiller credit for taking a deep dive into the aforementioned seminal bands. Knowing the history and staying current with what’s happening inspires singer-songwriters. That’s how legends such as Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young continue to make resonant music well into their golden years. It helps younger recording artists, like The Struts. 

“If you love music, you go back to those who helped make the template,” Spiller said. “I think you have to be a fan first when you’re in a band, and you take it from there.”

It’s going to be fascinating to see where The Struts go from this point since the band is uncompromising and always seem to be on a mission. The Struts have a welcomed old-school approach in that they hit listeners in the gut with powerful, catchy tunes but also put on a show with glam elements.