A FRIENDLY pop group from St Albans missed out on two top spots at the Brit Awards yesterday (16). Friendly Fires – comprising singer and bassist Ed Macfarlane, guitarist Edd Gibson and drummer Jack Savidge, who all met at St Albans School – were up for t

A FRIENDLY pop group from St Albans missed out on two top spots at the Brit Awards yesterday (16).

Friendly Fires - comprising singer and bassist Ed Macfarlane, guitarist Edd Gibson and drummer Jack Savidge, who all met at St Albans School - were up for the Best British Breakthrough Act and the Best British Band at Tuesday evening's ceremony in Earls Court, London.

The St Albans band, which was also nominated for a Mercury Music prize last year, had a hugely successful 2009 with the release of their self-titled debut album - including hits such as Kiss of Life and Paris - and performances at the country's biggest music festivals, including Glastonbury.

But despite their efforts, Best British Breakthrough Artist went to JLS, who also won the Best British Single with Beat Again, and Kasabian stole the title of Best British Band.