The Song That Started It All: Bastille’s “Pompeii” | MTV

January 11th, 2023 marks a massive milestone for Bastille - It will officially be 10 years since the release of their chart topping international single “Pompeii”. Crazy to think it almost didn’t see the light of day! This episode of MTV’s “The Song That Started It All” tells you the whole story behind "Pompeii", the song that spawned a decade of global success for the band, revealed through a mix of throwback clips and present day interviews with the band’s front-man Dan Smith and keyboardist Kyle Simmons. Joining them in illustrating this career defining time for Bastille is the song’s Producer Mark Crew and legacy MTV and VH1 VJ Jim Shearer who both offer unique insights into what made this song become the chart topping phenomenon that it did.
Paramount+ is here! Stream all your favorite shows now on Paramount+. Try it FREE at bit.ly/3qyOeOf
#Bastille #MTV
Subscribe to MTV: goo.gl/NThuhC
More from MTV:
Official MTV Website: www.mtv.com/
Like MTV: / mtv
Follow MTV: / mtv
MTV Instagram: / mtv
#MTV is your destination for the hit series WNO, VMA, Jersey Shore, The Challenge, MTV Floribama Shore, Teen Mom and much more!

[@carlossasso5494]

I love when someone asked me who my favorite band is and I respond with Bastille. They’d respond with “never heard of them” and I’d always say “trust me, you have”

[@theartofnina]

Happens to me all the time lmao, I just sing a little bit of Pompeii and everyone immediately recognizes it

[@clara_eq551]

YESSSSSSS!!!

[@xxwooda]

Facts

[@sadiewatson2882]

All the time!!

[@NotAnshuman]

Us bro us

[@JackEllis1]

I've been a fan of Bastille since 2013, and what I love most about them is how genuinely humble they are. They make fantastic music but they don't believe it themselves! Hit after hit and they're all still so down to earth. Long may they continue, and here's to another 10 years!

[@ja9zimm]

The Volcano Song Guy story is absolutely everything

[@suresoundsgreat]

I worked as a production assistant on Bastille's music video for "Another Place" with Alessia Cara, and Dan Smith is genuinely one of the sweetest people I've ever met (celebrity or not). After an almost 14 hour day on set while I was tearing down, Dan walked across the studio right up to me and told me he'd seen me running around all day and thanked me for all my hard work and shook my hand. I've worked on numerous music videos/films and never has that ever happened. For someone as big and important as Dan to go out of his way after a long day to thank a PA is so special. Love you Dan

[@meisalcedo588]

he's soooo adorable

[@A309D]

I don't know if I should sob or smile like an idiot. This is too wholesome, I love this band to pieces

[@omenscreamingraven3956]

You can always do both.

[@moi379]

I love that their music is famous but not them as individuals. I think it's the best way to 'make it' cause fame can be so brutal especially if it falls on you all of the sudden

[@Blue_Lugia]

And I hope it stays that way.

[@isabelleward9149]

I'm so incredibly proud of them! Almost 10 years since I randomly discovered them, all thanks to this song 😭 its been incredible watching them grow, and they just continue to make me endlessly happy 😊

[@angeladams2403]

Love how there the most unknown well known band, so many people have heard them but don’t know who they are. Been my favourite band for ages and they just keep getting better and better! Can’t wait for there next 10 years !

[@Lexi_Wolf_Draws]

10 years later and I'm still obsessed! Planning my trip to the UK for the 10th anniversary tour with my best friend who I would not have met if it weren't for them! nothing but love for this band! ❤❤❤

[@franceswilkins4428]

I'm going as well and it's my first time seeing them! Where are you seeing them???

[@barbaraherlah5724]

I'm a fan of Bastille since I started with my university, which was in 2012. They also did this song called Oblivion, which really really helped me get through my grandmothers passing. It was one of the most difficult times in my life and that song just had its way of calming me down and actually reminded me, that I will never forget her. Thank you Bastille 🥰❤

[@margaretmatteson-photojour8693]

Oblivion got me through *a lot*. I’m glad someone else feels the same way.

[@commitinsurancefraud]

absolutely same

[@hkh25219]

Still here 10 years later, this song and album have soundtracked my whole adult life

[@KayleighTownsend96]

I’ve followed Bastille from the very start and I’m so proud of how far they’ve come and how much their confidence has grown especially Dans. It really has been amazing to be a part of it all and all those amazing gigs I’ve been a part of!❤️

[@YesPleaseMuse]

Nope, not crying 🥲 Okay maybe a bit... How has it been 10 years?! It feels like a minute ago that I was twenty and completely obsessed with this band, telling everyone about it and going to as many of their gigs as I could. And now I'm thirty... and still pretty obsessed 😄 I'll see you at Ally Pally, my luvs!

[@ani_sans]

How I love these people, ten years later and I couldn't be more grateful that a song like Pompeii was born to give them the chance they needed to develop as artists and do what they really wanted out of life. Sometimes I stop and think that if they didn't exist, I would be (at least) a little less myself, I mean, nowadays there's a version of me that without this band, wouldn't exist. So cheers to Pompeii! "But if you close your eyes, does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?" this really touches in a different way knowing it's been 10 years 🥺 I'm emotional, please send help 😭

[@bastillemexico384]

Super proud of these guys and all the things they have done so far! 🔺🙌🏻

[@Laughterlines_laurapalmer]

They are honestly amazing btw love ur insta

[@jambagirl5004]

This album saved my life. 10 years later and I’m proud af to be a stormer still. Thank you for everything Bastille. 🖤🖤🖤

[@almitahernandez2669]

Thank you for being such a life changer 💕 I love you guys, your existence makes me so happy! All stormers are as grateful as you are with this song 🥰 btw Mexico is still waiting for you 🇲🇽👀

[@87rafabogdan]

0: 0:32

[@osakayukino]

I'm so proud of how far this band has come 😭 no matter what era they're in they've always managed to release albums that become the perfect soundtrack to my life at the moment and I'm so grateful they exist ❤

[@kiarhk7426]

These guys were my first ever concert I went to. And I cried when they started to sing this song. I remember the atmosphere when it played

[@jihyoIuvr]

Proud Bastille follower since 2013 here. Love from the Philippines.

[@who_is_arnob]

Bastille is not just a band, it's an emotion ❤

[@pedrooscar1890]

These guys went from making pompeii to making one of the best Albums during the pandemic and grasping the feeling of distopia and escapism that cyberpunk usually has especially during a time where escaping was everything everyone wanted to do. We disconnected from the wolrd and sank into the cyberworld after breaking our hearts into a million pieces and we came out alright.

[@tlsgurl]

I got so many chills watching this and remembering all of those times I saw them perform live and all the friends I made through Tumblr because of them. This band absolutely defined my life for YEARS 😭😭

[@raimundaednaxavierdasilva1171]

Great! Pompeii is not only a beautiful song but a reflection of reality! Because "if you close your eyes"...

[@katyrussell4698]

His singing voice is the most pleasing voice ive ever heard

[@pulchrare2]

I remember loving it when I heard it on the radio in Canada! Went to the Toronto show in October of 2014, and I've been keeping up with the band since then! Pompeii really is classic, and while I personally think Doom Days is their best album, Pompeii will always bring me back to dancing around my room in high school on a hot summer night.

[@renatab6938]

I was fifteen when this came out and now, I've been a Bastille fan for ten years and I'm so happy with how far the band has come and I'm so excited to see where they go in the future 🔺

[@Kira_Mine]

Listening to Bastille is my happy place. Love to see the background of writing the song that started it all! Seen them every time they come to the US and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon ❤

[@bubblesrkw414]

That song came out about a year after my life had fallen apart. I was so lost, trying to mend relationships with my kids, and I didn't know what to do. Then I listened to the lyrics and lost it. It reminded me of where I was a couple years ago but also where I needed to go again. Now I hear this song it shows how far I came and if something bad happens you can always make it better.

[@christophercarmona7537]

I felt so excited when Dan talks about the Guatemalan who also knew his song Pompeii, I'm from Guatemala and I love the song

[@cardinalcopia2762]

One of the best Bands on this Planet. Pompeii is my Favorite Song of all Time ❤️

[@coldwetheart]

Bastille deserve all the success in the world. I hope they continue making music until the end of time, as I told Dan one time: I don’t think I can live without your music. I’ve been a fan for 11 years now and I don’t think I’ll ever quit!!

[@mitzie1734]

And the way they reinvent Pompeii at every turn! LOVE THAT!

[@valeriabaliocordero1857]

I heard Pompeii in an online radio, and I searched the song for hours, and when I found it my sister told me that song was a hit. After that, I´ve been obssesed with Bastille and I dont think this obsession will end anytime soon

[@maureenschaekers1554]

I am like that Volcano guy, did know the songs but didn't know who they were. Until summer 2019 at Rock Werchter festival. Pink was headlining that day and I told my friend that I really wanted to stand close to the stage to see her so we were going early to get a good spot. Bastille was going to perform before Pink and I remember checking on KZbin which songs Bastille had, and I played Pompeii on my phone and we were like "Oh yeah, I do like that song". Then we watched their amazing performance on the mainstage and I instantly became a fan. 4 years later and still my favo band to watch. Keep adding at least another 10 years guys !!!!

[@mommom75]

Dan says the popularity of their music is not dependent on them as people, but, every time an issue comes up, and I look to see their response, they respond in a way that makes me love them even more. So, yes, absolutely great music, stunning instruments, great voices, beautiful everything, amazing covers, but behind it all they seem like genuinely great humans and that counts for a lot.

[@melinaljung8105]

I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since I discovered you, I remember the feeling I felt when I first heard it so well. July of 2013 I discovered you and then saw you live in November 2013, it’s been a couple of more concerts seeing you since then. But hoping you will be back in Sweden soon it’s been so long. Congrats boys, I’m proud of you, and Dan congrats for overcoming your stage fright.

[@oi-hw6bv]

I discovered Bastille about 7 years ago, and after that my life has been going more an more down, so this band this was my ground wire all this time :) I love you guys so much, you changed my entire life for good ❣️

[@thaiziono96]

“Pompeii” was my entrance door to Bastille. It was on an indie playlist shuffle and I was mesmerized by the chant “Eh-eh-oh, eh-oh” and then I bought the CD. I think it is a great song because of all the elements you guys mentioned - synth keyboards, epic drum, bass line and the chant. The chant reminds me a football chant, expression of a collective identity - awful comparison, I know … hehehe. The song is based on a tragic historical event but the song is very danceable. It is played on weddings and parties and the inspiration was a natural disaster. That is the trademark of this song, contrast, maybe?! … Just kidding! My interpretation of "Pompeii" is a metaphor for people who are stuck in life. For me, it's still one of my favorites songs of Bastille.

Ridiculous how nice those guys are. You just gotta love them!

[@ConradWeasel98]

I'll always remember exactly where I was when I first heard it. On BBC radio 2, stuck in traffic on the way to school with my mum, and it is still to this day the only time I listened so carefully to Chris Evans, the radio DJ, after the song to hear him say who the band was. Just so I could look them up after school. Thank you for everything Dan and Bastille, can't wait to come for Bastille X in London!

[@CameronPivirotto]

I’ve been a fan of Bastille for 10 years and never looked back , I preach their music like it’s gospel around my hometown. I can’t imagine my life without this band

[@paigedomanski6030]

I just visited Pompeii and this song is such a perfect combination of ode to them (the people of Pompeii) and ode to music!

[@chocoholicallemand9096]

Love them so much! So glad this little song he wrote in his childhood bedroom brought them to my attention almost a decade ago!!

[@chay75]

These guys are my favorite people on the planet!! The best friends I have yet to meet!! ❤❤❤

[@MatheusCirino]

This is the song you hear in all versions available on KZbin. Dan Smith is timeless

[@Jesseve24]

Can't believe its been 10 years! Still one of the best songs ever written!

[@driftingmikey]

Kyle - 8:10 "I don't know what just happened..." Kyle - 8:12 *questions the meaning of life*

[@ayeshaclassesgk]

Mtv▫️Lets all be grateful for you putting in hardwork into your videos to make us happy । True thing is you posts almost everyday with this quality of content is just insane।

[@happyrainbow136]

Thank u Bastille for change our lives for good 🤍

[@T2Exile]

I remember hearing this song in 2013 my first year at university. I remember being driven with this one girl who turned out ot be terrible, but i remember looking out the window, passing down a road next to the university, and i remember saying 'I like this song' and thats the last memory I can think back to

[@juliacarlsson9047]

So proud to be a stormer!!! One of the best songs of all time, by the best band of all time

[@canalcanal2007]

We love Bastille 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@r_loretta2588]

Bastille was my most played artist 2022 and Pompeii was #4 in my Spotify wrapped. Plug In was #2.

[@mcookie2]

I remember walking around actual Pompeii whistling the song. Probably not the time or place but it’s all my brain could muster. It wasn’t for a silly smart ass thing, just how it happened.

[@palominojoy1899]

Congratulations Guys, your songs bring so much joy to so many people. My dream is to see you live in Australia one day. I listen to you every day💗💚💗💗

[@sadiewatson2882]

Cannot wait for the 10th year anniversary eeekkk ...... 10 years of being OBSESSED with u boys so proud to be a stormer!! Love u so much!!!!

[@SM-dq3ix]

I saw Bastille last year for the first time. I've loved them for a decade, but I have a lot of anxiety and I don't know anyone else who likes them. I finally said screw it, I'll go to a show alone, and I'm so unbelievably glad I did. They were SO good! I cried so hard at Flaws 😅 It was a very memorable night.

[@JacobyIan]

Dan if you're reading this, please go do more BBC Radio 1 Live lounges! I need more of those mashups in my life! PLEASEEEEEE!!

[@alineluz8429]

I love bastille so much ❤️

[@christinegore3131]

💜💜 so glad I discovered Bastille on soundcloud over 10 years ago! 💜💜

[@chloewall6241]

i always asked for this song in year 7, was my TOP FAVOURITE song

[@Leoprosy82]

Me and my dad share a lot of music but we both got pretty big into Bastille and listen to them a lot together

[@rosalieferguson5756]

I absolutely love Bastille! Been a fan from the beginning. Over the last couple of years, their music got me through so much.

[@ani_sans]

Até soltei umas lágrimas aqui véi, aff, Pompeii você é eterna e completamente atemporal, como eu amoooo

[@hokuto-genshinimpact6493]

This guy is a legend, heck this whole band is legendary they made my childhood song and I like how his birthday is on the 14th of the July which was, well you guessed it Storming of the Bastille.

[@danpp12]

This band changed my life

[@ritciii2779]

Thank you for making an episode of this beautiful song - its been 10years but still no days without listening to it ❤️

[@keenington]

I love this so much. What a heartwarming story of a wonderful group of gents ❤

[@lisbethyoung3047]

They were my whole existence back in 2014

[@ashleytuesdays6442]

Favorite band ever.

[@NymphPrincess222]

Will forever love the band💜

[@cindyblankfield1961]

Dan has come a long way--he's more comfortable with being "front man " the entire group is phenomenal 😊

[@keigojo]

Bastille fan from Argentina!

[@rosettejf]

love bastille to bits since 2012!!!!

[@SunMoonRising555]

2012 I was so obsessed… still in love 🫶 Also this is such an amazing video! 🥰✨♾️✨

[@ferstille]

so proud to be a fan of these guys

[@MrJohn0fficial]

These videos make my day instantly better ❤️

[@missyb1020]

Love love love this band ❤ I read an article about Dan that he's uncomfortable performing and has body dysmenorrhea and WOW you would never know. He's f@ntastic, good looking and has a great personality. ❤ I hope he's able to see that someday!

[@ClaireJohnston-p4h]

Happy 10 years to be ❤

[@natalierose98]

Now I'm off to go listen to the song! 😄

[@LAVISHING]

Love this video guys! Can’t wait to see England in 2025! The performance you guys had with the dancing couple for the 10 year anniversary and orchestra was fantastic!

[@monjamartic9965]

MTV you are one and only. Nobody else Can't copy of you everything 🍀 and still are not going to be, by your knees. MTV it was First, and second,.,and is going to stay for a long time..... 💯 ✔️☮️🤘🤩🌺☯️😘💋🌈🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@Chriss120]

one thing you did not mention, all bastille songs are so amazing when they perform them live.

[@manuelbastidas6500]

Dang, this is great...... such a legends. I LOVE YOU GUYS thanks for changing my life for the better. IMCRYING

[@Jenny-kf4gz]

obrigada por mudar minha vida, Dan Smith!

[@dreitonn]

eh-eh-oh-eh-oh, eh-eh-oh-eh-oh, eh-eh-oh-eh-oh, eh-eh-oh-eh-oh

[@maiawen2553]

I love you Dan

[@BenKennedy-Weeks]

Great vid. Such a genuine band and a timeless song

[@EmmyC.G.]

It's an amazing song. I'm glad to hear it's story.

[@Howtobeabeast]

Still a bop

[@cindyblankfield1961]

Greatly underrated song 🎵-- BBC IS USING PART OF IT FOR AN AD IN THE US---2023

[@bayanbishara6666]

13:42 love this🧡

[@nezargatere4710]

Pompeii is just one of many, and people will find out one day

[@ArmandoRamirez-ee4nq]

This was my pandemic soundtrack song.

[@Laughterlines_laurapalmer]

I love this guys so much

[@amanatee27]

12:00 and here I was convinced you were going to feature the "emOtional dAmage!" stitch from tiktok 😅

[@englishvoodoo676]

Got sick, still sang, old skool :)

[@QS0924]

iactually can recall hearing that song in different movies.. Haha

[@Rob_Cary]

What's crazy is that Pompeii doesn't even scratch the surface of what their best music is.