English Pop Music Bands List
Voting Rules
Only pop bands and artists from England.
Renowned for his incredible songwriting and iconic voice, Sir Paul McCartney has been one of the most influential figures in pop music since the 1960s. As a key member of The Beatles and later as a solo artist, McCartney has contributed countless unforgettable hits, including "Yesterday," "Hey Jude," and "Maybe I'm Amazed." His unparalleled ability to craft catchy melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and timeless tunes has made him an enduring symbol of excellence in the world of pop music.
A true trailblazer in pop music, David Bowie continually reinvented himself throughout his illustrious career. His innovative style and groundbreaking sounds left an unmistakable mark on the landscape of popular music. Known for hit songs like "Space Oddity," "Heroes," and "Let's Dance," Bowie's unique blend of avant-garde sensibilities and mass appeal showcased his versatility as a musician. His timeless legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians across various genres.
The Best David Bowie Albums of All TimeSee all
- 1The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars1,547 Votes
- 2Hunky Dory1,384 Votes
- 3Low1,389 Votes
As one of the founding members of The Beatles, John Lennon's impact on pop music cannot be overstated. His powerful voice and poignant songwriting led to anthems such as "Imagine" and "Strawberry Fields Forever." Lennon's passion for peace and love resonated with millions around the world, securing his status as an icon in both music and activism. Despite his untimely death in 1980, Lennon's message of hope lives on through his timeless songs.
Arguably the most important band in the history of popular music, The Beatles transformed the face of pop during their time together from 1960 to 1970. Consisting of members John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, their innovative sound was characterized by unforgettable harmonies and memorable hooks that captivated fans all over the world. Hits like "A Hard Day's Night," "Hey Jude," and "Let It Be" have stood the test of time, further cementing their status as a legendary pop band.
The Best Songs on The Beatles' The White AlbumSee all- 1Blackbird552 Votes
- 2Happiness Is a Warm Gun553 Votes
- 3Dear Prudence537 Votes
With her powerful voice and heart-wrenching ballads, Adele has quickly become one of the most celebrated English pop artists of her generation. Her emotive delivery on songs such as "Someone Like You" and "Rolling in the Deep" has resonated with millions of fans around the world. Displaying an astounding level of maturity in her songwriting, Adele has solidified herself as a force to be reckoned with in pop music.
The Best Artists Like AdeleSee all- 1Amy Winehouse26 Votes
- 2Florence + the Machine16 Votes
- 3Leona Lewis17 Votes
Amy Winehouse's soulful voice and raw, poetic lyrics left an indelible mark on the pop music landscape. Her unique style, influenced by jazz and R&B, led to hit songs like "Rehab" and "Back to Black." Despite her tragic passing at a young age, Winehouse's undeniable talent continues to inspire countless musicians who have come after her.
As one of the most influential rock bands in history, The Who played an essential role in shaping the sound of English pop music during the 1960s and 70s. With iconic hits like "My Generation" and "Baba O'Riley," their dynamic performances and innovative songwriting pushed musical boundaries for decades. The Who's timeless contributions to pop culture continue to resonate with fans both old and new.
The Best Who Albums of All TimeSee all- 1Who's Next420 Votes
- 2Quadrophenia385 Votes
- 3Tommy324 Votes
Fronted by the incomparable Freddie Mercury, Queen blended theatricality with powerful melodies to create some of the most unforgettable anthems in pop history. Their diverse sound, which ranged from operatic rock to funk-infused dance tunes, produced hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody," "We Will Rock You," and "Don't Stop Me Now." Queen's enduring charm has solidified their position as one of the most beloved English pop bands of all time.
All Queen Albums, Ranked Best To WorstSee all- 1A Night at the Opera1,011 Votes
- 2Sheer Heart Attack862 Votes
- 3Queen II891 Votes
A true titan of pop music, Elton John's storied career has spanned over five decades and shows no signs of slowing down. Known for his flamboyant stage presence and emotive piano ballads, John has created some of the most enduring hits in the pop canon, including "Rocket Man," "Tiny Dancer," and "Your Song." His remarkable songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin has solidified Elton John as a one-of-a-kind talent in the world of pop music.
The Best Elton John Albums of All TimeSee all- 1Goodbye Yellow Brick Road804 Votes
- 2Madman Across the Water714 Votes
- 3Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy716 Votes
As the dynamic frontman for Queen, Freddie Mercury's powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence left an indelible mark on English Pop music. His unparalleled ability to captivate audiences, combined with his innate talent for crafting timeless tunes like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Somebody to Love," made Mercury one of the most iconic musicians of all time. His enduring legacy continues to influence countless artists across genres, proving that his impact on pop culture will never be forgotten.
With a career spanning over five decades, Rod Stewart has become one of the most iconic and enduring figures in English pop music. His raspy voice and soulful delivery have enchanted audiences around the world, leading to hits such as "Maggie May," "Forever Young," and "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy." Stewart's ability to seamlessly blend rock, pop, and R&B has solidified his status as a versatile, multi-faceted artist whose music continues to captivate listeners of all ages.
The Best Rod Stewart Albums of All TimeSee all- 1Every Picture Tells a Story261 Votes
- 2Never a Dull Moment196 Votes
- 3Gasoline Alley183 Votes
As drummer for Genesis and a prolific solo artist, Phil Collins has made an indelible mark on the landscape of English pop music. His memorable melodies, emotive vocals, and heartfelt lyrics have produced hit songs like "In the Air Tonight," "Against All Odds," and "Another Day in Paradise." Collins' impeccable musicianship and timeless songwriting have ensured his enduring legacy as one of England's most beloved musical talents.
Originally formed as a blues band, Fleetwood Mac evolved into one of the most successful English-American pop-rock acts of the 20th century. Their emotionally charged lyrics, intricate harmonies, and innovative musicianship resulted in hits like "Go Your Own Way," "Rhiannon," and "Don't Stop." The band's unique blend of musical styles cemented their status as trailblazers in the world of popular music.
As the drummer for The Beatles, Ringo Starr played an essential role in shaping one of history's most influential English pop bands. His distinctive playing style and memorable contributions to songs like "With a Little Help from My Friends" helped create some of the most iconic tracks in popular music history. Beyond his work with The Beatles, Starr also enjoyed a successful solo career with hits such as "Photograph" and "It Don't Come Easy."
The Best Ringo Starr Albums of All-TimeSee all- 1Ringo97 Votes
- 2Goodnight Vienna74 Votes
- 3Ringo Rama39 Votes
Mumford & Sons have made a name for themselves with their unique fusion of folk, rock, and pop influences. Known for their energetic live performances and anthemic songs like "I Will Wait" and "Little Lion Man," the band has garnered a devoted fan base since their formation in 2007. Mumford & Sons' distinctive blend of intimate lyrics and foot-stomping instrumentation has challenged traditional pop music conventions and earned them critical acclaim.
Hailing from the 1980s New Romantic movement, Duran Duran has become one of the most iconic English bands in pop music history. Their synth-driven sound, coupled with captivating visuals and innovative music videos, yielded hits like "Hungry Like the Wolf," "Rio," and "Ordinary World." With their fashion-forward style and timeless melodies, Duran Duran has continually pushed the boundaries of pop music for decades.
The Best Duran Duran Albums of All TimeSee all- 1Rio409 Votes
- 2Duran Duran320 Votes
- 3Notorious318 Votes
With her emotive voice and soulful delivery, Dusty Springfield remains one of England's most revered singers in pop history. Her timeless songs, such as "Son of a Preacher Man" and "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," effortlessly captured the essence of 1960s British pop while showcasing her powerful vocal talent. Springfield's enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians that have followed in her footsteps.
As both a member of Wham! and a successful solo artist, George Michael became one of the most influential English musicians during the 1980s and '90s. His smooth vocals, catchy hooks, and daring sense of style resulted in hits like "Faith," "Careless Whisper," and "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go." Michael's incredible impact on the world of pop music continues to be celebrated by fans around the globe.
As one of the most influential bands of the British Invasion era, The Kinks helped define the sound of English pop in the 1960s. Characterized by their clever songwriting and unique blend of rock and roll, their hits include "You Really Got Me," "Waterloo Sunset," and "Lola." The Kinks' innovative approach to music continues to influence countless artists today.
Emerging from the Britpop movement of the 1990s, Blur became one of the most successful English pop bands of their era. With catchy anthems like "Song 2" and "Girls & Boys," they deftly combined infectious melodies with hard-hitting lyrics that resonated with fans worldwide. Blur's distinct sound and bold songwriting have left a lasting impact on the landscape of popular music.
As a pioneer of the '90s big beat electronic scene, Fatboy Slim, aka Norman Cook, brought a fresh and innovative approach to pop music. With his energetic blend of techno, house, and hip-hop, he produced unforgettable hits like "Praise You" and "Right Here, Right Now." Fatboy Slim's unique style and infectious dance tracks have made him one of the most influential English artists in electronic music.
The Best Fatboy Slim Albums, RankedSee all- 1You've Come a Long Way, Baby22 Votes
- 2Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars18 Votes
- 3Better Living Through Chemistry15 Votes
With his distinctive voice and heartfelt lyrics, Cat Stevens has made a significant impact on English pop music throughout his career. His timeless songs, such as "Wild World," "Father and Son," and "Moonshadow," have captivated audiences for generations. As both a singer-songwriter and a visionary musician, Stevens' contributions to popular music are truly immeasurable.
Seal's velvety voice and emotive songwriting have made him one of the most acclaimed English pop artists of the past three decades. With hits like "Kiss from a Rose" and "Crazy," his soulful sound has resonated with fans all around the world. Seal's captivating melodies and undeniable talent continue to solidify his status as an essential figure in popular music.
Known for their innovative fusion of rock, pop, and classical elements, Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) left an indelible mark on the English pop music scene during the 1970s and '80s. Their unique sound produced hits like "Mr. Blue Sky," "Evil Woman," and "Don't Bring Me Down," showcasing their ability to craft timeless tunes that have continued to resonate with music lovers for decades.
Since forming on The X Factor in 2010, One Direction quickly rose to global stardom as one of the most successful English boy bands in modern pop history. With infectious pop hits like "What Makes You Beautiful," "Story of My Life," and "Drag Me Down," the group captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. Despite their hiatus, One Direction's influence on popular music remains undeniable.
Every Member Of One Direction, Ranked Best to WorstSee all- 1Niall Horan2,057 Votes
- 2Harry Styles2,296 Votes
- 3Louis Tomlinson1,916 Votes
Combining progressive rock with unmistakable pop sensibilities, Supertramp achieved widespread success during the 1970s and '80s. Known for their ambitious concept albums and memorable songs like "The Logical Song," "Give a Little Bit," and "Breakfast in America," their innovative sound has left a lasting impact on English pop music.
As the original drummer for The Who, Keith Moon's revolutionary playing style and larger-than-life personality helped shape English pop music during the 1960s and '70s. His explosive drumming contributed to the band's iconic sound, ensuring their place as one of the most important groups in popular music history.
As an innovative virtual band formed by Blur frontman Damon Albarn, Gorillaz brought a fresh perspective to English pop music with their eclectic blend of rock, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. With hit tracks like "Clint Eastwood," "Feel Good Inc.," and "On Melancholy Hill," Gorillaz have captivated audiences worldwide while pushing creative boundaries within the industry.
The Best Gorillaz Albums, RankedSee all- 1Demon Days279 Votes
- 2Plastic Beach286 Votes
- 3Gorillaz199 Votes
With their incredible chemistry, powerful vocals, and unmatched songwriting prowess, Eurythmics became one of the most influential English pop bands of the 1980s. Fronted by Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, they produced iconic hits such as "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)," "Here Comes the Rain Again," and "Would I Lie to You?." Eurythmics' groundbreaking fusion of synth-pop and soul continues to inspire musicians today.
Known for her witty lyrics and infectious melodies, Lily Allen emerged as a prominent figure in English pop music during the mid-2000s. With hits like "Smile" and "Not Fair," her candid songwriting and unique blend of pop, ska, and reggae made her an influential voice within the industry. Allen's unapologetic style and undeniable talent have left a lasting impact on popular music.
As the bassist for The Who, John Entwistle played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of one of England's most essential rock bands. With his innovative basslines and unmatched musicianship, he contributed to hits like "My Generation" and "Won't Get Fooled Again." Entwistle's pioneering approach to playing bass and his influence on English pop music continues to be celebrated by fans and musicians alike.
As the lead singer and pianist for Coldplay, Chris Martin has helped redefine English pop music with his emotive performances and evocative songwriting. With chart-topping hits such as "Yellow," "Viva la Vida," and "Clocks," Martin has captured the hearts of millions with his passionate lyrics and atmospheric melodies. His undeniable talent and dedication to his craft have solidified Coldplay's status as one of the most successful English bands in modern pop history.
With her sultry voice and timeless style, Sade Adu has become a symbol of sophistication within the world of English pop music. As the frontwoman of her eponymous band, Sade, her unique blend of smooth jazz, soul, and R&B elements can be heard on classic hits such as "Smooth Operator" and "The Sweetest Taboo." Decades after her debut, Sade's influential presence in popular music remains as alluring as ever.
Formed in 1971 by Paul McCartney after The Beatles' breakup, Wings became one of the most successful post-Beatles projects in English pop music history. Their worldwide hits like "Band on the Run," "Live and Let Die," and "Silly Love Songs" showcased McCartney's enduring talent for crafting unforgettable melodies while exploring new musical territories.
As the founding member and primary songwriter for The Kinks, Ray Davies played a crucial role in shaping the sound of English pop during the British Invasion era. Known for his storytelling prowess and distinctive guitar playing, Davies crafted timeless hits such as "Waterloo Sunset," "Lola," and "Sunny Afternoon." His indelible impact on the genre has established him as one of the most revered figures in popular music.
One of the quintessential bands of the 1980s, Tears for Fears combined lush synths and introspective lyrics to create some of the most unforgettable pop hits of their era. Their anthems like "Shout," "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," and "Head Over Heels" encapsulated the spirit of their time while showcasing their undeniable songwriting talent. Tears for Fears' influence on English pop music remains undeniable to this day.
The Best Tears For Fears Albums Of All TimeSee all- 1Songs From the Big Chair297 Votes
- 2The Seeds of Love234 Votes
- 3The Hurting265 Votes
With her powerful vocals and soulful delivery, Alison Moyet has been a constant presence in English pop music since her debut with Yazoo in the early '80s. Her successful solo career includes hits such as "All Cried Out" and "Love Resurrection," showcasing her incredible range and versatility as an artist. Moyet's distinctive voice continues to captivate fans and inspire fellow musicians across genres.
As pioneers of the British ska revival, Madness introduced a new generation to their unique blend of punk, reggae, and pop with infectious hits like "Our House" and "Baggy Trousers." Their distinctive sound and energy made them one of the most iconic English bands of the 1980s, influencing countless artists that followed in their wake.
As a member of Girls Aloud and a successful solo artist, Cheryl Cole has become one of England's most acclaimed pop stars. With catchy tunes like "Fight For This Love" and "Call My Name," her unique blend of dance-pop and R&B has resonated with fans around the world. Cole's undeniable stage presence and talent for crafting irresistible pop hits have ensured her lasting impact on the genre.
As the epitome of '90s girl power, the Spice Girls took English pop music by storm with their infectious personalities and catchy tunes. With hits like "Wannabe," "2 Become 1," and "Spice Up Your Life," they became one of the most successful girl groups of all time. The Spice Girls' enduring charm continues to inspire generations of fans and musicians alike.
As one of the leading bands of the New Romantic movement, Spandau Ballet's sultry sound and smooth style left an indelible mark on English pop music during the 1980s. With hits such as "True" and "Gold," their sophisticated blend of soul, funk, and pop showcased their undeniable talent for crafting timeless tunes that continue to captivate audiences.
Featuring George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, WHAM! quickly became a sensation in English pop music thanks to their infectious energy and danceable tunes. With feel-good hits like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and heartfelt ballads like "Careless Whisper," WHAM!'s diverse sound and unmatched charisma secured their place as one of the most beloved acts of the 1980s.
With their irrepressible charm and infectious pop sound, Bananarama emerged as one of England's most successful girl groups during the 1980s. Known for hits like "Cruel Summer," "Venus," and "Love in the First Degree," their high-energy performances and undeniable chemistry made them a force to be reckoned with in popular music.
Since her debut in 2004, Natasha Bedingfield has become a staple of English pop music with her heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies. With hits like "Unwritten" and "These Words," she has connected with fans around the world through her honest and emotive songwriting. Bedingfield's dedication to her craft continues to make her a powerful presence within the world of pop music.
As one of the first English rock 'n' roll musicians, Cliff Richard's impact on popular music is immeasurable. With hits like "Living Doll," "We Don't Talk Anymore," and "Summer Holiday," his smooth vocals and unforgettable tunes have captivated audiences for over six decades. As an enduring icon in English pop music, Richard's legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians.
The Best Cliff Richard MoviesSee all- 1The Young Ones49 Votes
- 2Summer Holiday59 Votes
3Expresso Bongo21 Votes
A pioneer in progressive rock and ambient music, Mike Oldfield's groundbreaking compositions have made him one of the most innovative English artists in pop music history. Perhaps best known for his groundbreaking album Tubular Bells, Oldfield's unique blend of classical, rock, and electronic influences has left a lasting impact on the musical landscape.
With their infectious indie-pop sound, The Kooks burst onto the scene in the mid-2000s as part of England's thriving indie-rock movement. Their catchy tunes such as "Naïve," "She Moves In Her Own Way," and "Ooh La" have garnered them a devoted fan base, showcasing their ability to create memorable melodies that resonate with listeners across generations.
David Gray's emotive songwriting and sincere performances have made him one of England's most beloved singer-songwriters since his debut in the 1990s. With hits like "Babylon" and "This Year's Love," his introspective lyricism and soothing voice have captured hearts around the world, solidifying his place as an essential figure in English pop music.
With his distinctive voice and evocative storytelling, Chris Rea has become a fixture in English pop music since the late 1970s. His blues-infused hits like "Fool (If You Think It's Over)" and "On the Beach" showcase his unmistakable style and talent for crafting timeless tunes that resonate with fans of all ages.
As one of the most successful British reggae-pop bands, UB40's blend of danceable grooves and heartfelt lyrics made them a fixture on the English music scene during the 1980s and '90s. With hits like "Red Red Wine" and "Can't Help Falling in Love," their unique sound has continued to captivate fans both old and new, solidifying their place in popular music history.
- Damon Albarn, a prominent figure in the British music landscape, was born on March 23, 1968, in Whitechapel, London. Raised in a creative environment with his father being an artist and his mother working in stage design, Albarn's early inclination towards music was no surprise. He received his education at Stanway Comprehensive School, where he met Graham Coxon and eventually formed the band "Blur" in 1988. Albarn's musical journey with Blur was a remarkable highlight of his career. The band, composed of Albarn, Coxon, Alex James, and Dave Rowntree, became synonymous with the Britpop movement in the 1990s. Their third album, Parklife, catapulted them to international fame with chart-topping hits and critical acclaim. The band enjoyed a successful run until 2003, after which they took a hiatus, allowing Albarn to explore other musical ventures. One such venture was the virtual band "Gorillaz," co-created with comic book artist Jamie Hewlett in 1998. Gorillaz was a groundbreaking concept that combined music with visual art, resulting in a unique multimedia experience. The band's self-titled debut album was released in 2001 and was a commercial success, further establishing Albarn as a versatile and innovative musician. Moreover, Albarn has also ventured into opera, theater, and film, demonstrating his wide-ranging artistic interests. His contributions to music were recognized when he was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2016. Undoubtedly, Damon Albarn's enduring influence continues to shape the face of contemporary music.
- Robert Smith is best known as the frontman of the influential rock band, The Cure. His iconic appearance, replete with smeared red lipstick, black eyeliner, and disheveled hair, has become emblematic of the post-punk era, and his musical contributions have cemented him as a major figure in alternative music. Born on April 21, 1959, in Blackpool, England, Smith's musical journey began at an early age. His brother Richard introduced him to the guitar when he was just six, sparking a passion that would guide the course of his life. Initially, Smith didn't intend to be a musician; he was more focused on his studies. However, in 1976, together with school friends Michael Dempsey, Laurence Tolhurst, and Porl Thompson, he formed The Easy Cure, which would later become The Cure. The band quickly gained traction, with their debut album Three Imaginary Boys receiving critical acclaim. Smith's poignant lyrics and distinctive voice became the band's signature, creating an immersive soundscape resonating with fans worldwide. Over the years, The Cure has released several albums, with noteworthy ones like Disintegration and Wish, solidifying their status as one of the most iconic bands of the 20th century. Despite numerous lineup changes, Smith remained the consistent face and creative force behind the band's enduring success. His contributions to music have been widely recognized, earning him and the band a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Beyond The Cure, Smith has also worked with other notable artists, including Siouxsie and the Banshees and Billy Corgan, further demonstrating his versatility and influence in the music industry.
- Christine McVie, born Christine Anne Perfect on July 12, 1943, in Bouth, Lancashire, England, is an iconic British singer, songwriter, and keyboardist, best known for her work with the legendary rock band Fleetwood Mac. She has been a key component of the band's distinctive sound since joining them in 1970, contributing the perfect blend of bluesy soulfulness and pop sensibility. Her musical prowess and artistic skills were nurtured from an early age, having been born into a musically inclined family; her father was a concert violinist and her mother, a medium replete with psychic abilities. McVie initially began her musical career in the late 1960s with a blues band called Chicken Shack, where she honed her skills as a keyboardist and vocalist. However, it wasn't until her transition to Fleetwood Mac that her talent truly blossomed. With the band, she penned some of their most enduring hits including "You Make Loving Fun," "Little Lies," and "Everywhere." Her soft-rock style and ability to capture the complexities of love and relationships resonated with audiences worldwide, helping to cement Fleetwood Mac as one of the most successful bands of their generation. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, including a tumultuous romantic relationship with bandmate John McVie and a struggle with substance abuse, Christine McVie's contributions to the music industry are immeasurable. After a temporary withdrawal from the public eye in the late 1990s, the talented musician made a triumphant return to Fleetwood Mac in 2014. Throughout her career, McVie's voice and songwriting have remained a constant, affirming her status as a true icon in the world of rock and roll. Her legacy in the music industry continues to influence generations of musicians and listeners alike.
- Herman's Hermits are an English beat rock band formed in Manchester in 1964, originally called Herman & the Hermits. Harvey Lisberg discovered them and signed on as their manager. He sent a plane ticket to Mickie Most so that he could come up from London to see the band play in Bolton, and Most became the group's record producer, controlling the band's output. He emphasised a simple, non-threatening, clean-cut image. This helped Herman's Hermits become hugely successful in the mid-1960s. Their first hit was a cover of Earl-Jean's "I'm into Something Good" which reached number one in the UK Singles Chart and number 13 in the US in late 1964. They never topped the British charts again, but they had two number one songs on the US Billboard Hot 100 with "Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter" and "I'm Henry the Eighth, I Am". These songs were aimed at a US fan base, with Peter Noone (singer) exaggerating his Mancunian accent. Their US records were released on the MGM label, which often featured their musical performers in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer films. The Hermits appeared in several MGM movies, including When the Boys Meet the Girls (1965) and Hold On! (1966). They also starred in the film Mrs. Brown You've Got a Lovely Daughter (1968) and appeared in the 1965 anthology film Pop Gear. The group appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Dean Martin Show, and The Jackie Gleason Show. Continued success in the US proved elusive beyond 1967, although they had as many Top Ten hits in Britain in 1967 through 1970. They recorded their final album of the 1960s Rock 'n' Roll Party, and Peter Noone left the band in 1971. Herman's Hermits reunited in 1973 to headline a British invasion tour of the US, culminating with a performance at Madison Square Garden and an appearance on The Midnight Special. A later lineup with lead guitarist Derek Leckenby and drummer Barry Whitwam opened for the Monkees on their 80s reunion tours of the US. The band continues to tour today, with Whitwam as the only remaining member from the original lineup.
- Rita Ora, a multi-talented British artist, has established herself as an influential figure in the global music and entertainment industry. Born in Pristina, SFR Yugoslavia (now Kosovo) in 1990, Ora's family relocated to London when she was just a year old. From a young age, her passion for performing arts was apparent, leading her to study at the renowned Sylvia Young Theatre School. Her incredible journey from a student of performing arts to a global superstar is indicative of her talent and dedication. Ora's breakthrough came in 2012 when she released her debut album, Ora, under Roc Nation, Jay-Z's record label. The album debuted at number one in the UK, signaling the arrival of a new pop sensation. The album included chart-topping hits such as "R.I.P." and "How We Do (Party)," showcasing her unique sound that blended pop, R&B, and dance elements. Her subsequent albums, including Phoenix in 2018, continued to perform exceptionally well, reinforcing her position in the industry. In addition to her music career, Ora has also made significant strides in acting and fashion. She has appeared in several high-profile films including Fifty Shades of Grey and its sequels, demonstrating her versatility as an artist. Moreover, Ora's distinct style and flair for fashion have led to collaborations with brands like Adidas and DKNY, further solidifying her status as a multi-faceted entertainer. Rita Ora's impressive trajectory, marked by her relentless drive and diverse talents, positions her as an inspiration for aspiring artists worldwide.
- Imogen Jennifer Heap (; born 9 December 1977) is an English singer-songwriter, record producer and audio engineer. Born in the London Borough of Havering, Heap became classically trained in piano, cello and clarinet at a young age. She began writing songs at the age of 13 and, while attending boarding school, taught herself both guitar and drums, as well as music production on Atari computers. Heap signed to independent record label Almo Sounds at the age of 18 and later began working with experimental pop band Acacia, alongside Guy Sigsworth, as a frequent guest vocalist. She released her debut album, an alternative rock record, iMegaphone (1998), again with assistance from Sigsworth working as a producer on the album. However, as funding for Almo Sounds began to decline, Heap was dropped from the label. In the following period while without a label she performed multiple songs for the film G:MT – Greenwich Mean Time, released two singles, and was featured on guitarist Jeff Beck's 2001 album You Had It Coming. In early 2002, Heap and Sigsworth formed the electronic duo Frou Frou, and released their only album to date, Details (2002). The duo broke up in late 2003, though they did reform temporarily to record a cover of the Bonnie Tyler song "Holding Out for a Hero" as part of the Shrek 2 soundtrack. Heap released two singles in late 2004, "Just for Now" and "Goodnight and Go", the latter of which is her highest charting single on the UK Singles Chart. Heap's second studio album, Speak for Yourself (2005), was released in the United Kingdom on her own label, Megaphonic Records. "Hide and Seek", her most commercially successful single to date, was certified gold by the RIAA and was heavily sampled in Jason Derulo's debut single, "Whatcha Say". Heap's third studio album, Ellipse (2009), was released to mostly positive reviews. This was followed by her fourth studio album, Sparks (2014). In October 2015, Heap revealed her blockchain-based music-sharing program, Mycelia. Heap also composed the music for the West End play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, which premiered in the summer of 2016, and which opened on Broadway in April 2018. As of March 2019, Heap has received two Grammy Awards, one Ivor Novello Award, and one Drama Desk Award.
- Take That are an English pop group formed in Manchester in 1989. The group currently consists of Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen. The original line-up also featured Jason Orange and Robbie Williams. Barlow is the group's lead singer and primary songwriter, with Owen and Williams initially providing backing vocals and Donald and Orange serving primarily as dancers.The group have had 28 top 40 singles and 17 top 5 singles in the UK Singles Chart, 12 of which have reached number one, including “Back for Good”, “Never Forget”, “Patience” and “Greatest Day”. They have also had eight number one albums on the UK Albums Chart. Internationally, the band have had 56 number one singles and 39 number one albums. They have received eight Brit Awards—winning for Best British Group and Best British Live Act. In 2012 they received an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music. According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), Take That has been certified for 14 million albums and 10.8 million singles in the UK.Williams left the band in 1995 while the four remaining members completed their world tour and released a final single before splitting up in 1996. After filming a 2005 Take That: For the Record about the group and releasing a new greatest hits album, a four-piece Take That without Williams officially announced a 2006 reunion tour around the UK, entitled The Ultimate Tour. On 9 May 2006, it was announced that the group were set to record new material together once again; their fourth studio album, Beautiful World, was released in 2006 and was followed up with The Circus, in 2008. The group achieved new success as a four-piece, scoring a string of chart hits across the UK and Europe while selling over 45 million records worldwide. Williams rejoined Take That in 2010 for the band's sixth studio album, Progress. Released on 15 November of that year, it was the first album of new material to feature Take That's original line-up since their 1995 album, Nobody Else. It became the fastest-selling album of the 21st century and the second fastest-selling album in British history.In 2014, the band recorded a seventh studio album, this time as a trio without Williams and Orange. The album, titled III, was released in November 2014 and became the band's seventh number one. It was preceded by the single "These Days", which became the band's 12th number one single in the UK.In 2011, Take That set the new record for the fastest-selling tour of all time in the UK with Progress Live, beating the previous record set by their Circus Live Tour in 2009. At the 2011 Brit Awards they won Best British Group. In 2012, Forbes named them the fifth highest-earning music stars in the world. The group performed at the London 2012 Olympic Games closing ceremony, playing “Rule the World” while the Olympic Flame was extinguished. In the same year, the Official Charts Company revealed the biggest-selling singles artists in British music chart history with Take That currently placed at 15th overall, making them the most successful boy band in UK chart history. Four of their albums are listed in the best-selling albums of the millennium, with three of them among the 60 best-selling albums in UK chart history.
- Adam Ant, born Stuart Leslie Goddard on November 3, 1954, is a renowned English singer and musician who became a star during the punk rock explosion of the late 1970s. A pivotal figure in the New Wave movement, Ant's eccentric style, both musically and visually, set him apart from his contemporaries. His distinct blend of pop and punk music, as well as his unique fashion sense characterized by flamboyant, tribal-inspired costumes and heavy makeup, became synonymous with the Adam and the Ants band. Ant's journey into music began at London's Hornsey College of Art, where he studied graphic design before forming the band Bazooka Joe. It was eventually rebranded as Adam and the Ants in 1977, marking the formal beginning of Ant's illustrious career. The band's first album Dirk Wears White Sox was released in 1979, introducing listeners to a fresh, innovative sound that blended punk's raw energy with an arty intellect. However, it was the consecutive releases of Kings of the Wild Frontier and Prince Charming in 1980 and 1981 respectively that propelled Adam and the Ants to international stardom. Beyond his success with Adam and the Ants, Ant also achieved considerable acclaim as a solo artist. After disbanding Adam and the Ants in 1982, he released his debut solo album, Friend or Foe, which produced several hits including the unforgettable Goody Two Shoes. His venture into acting further broadened his creative landscape. He starred in various films and television series, adding another layer to his expansive career. Ant's enduring influence on music and culture remains indisputable, solidifying his place as a distinguished icon in entertainment history.
- Five are an English boy band consisting of members Sean Conlon, Ritchie Neville, and Scott Robinson. They were formed in 1997 by the same team that managed the Spice Girls before they launched their career. The group were mostly known as a five-piece, consisting of Robinson, Neville, Conlon, Abz Love and Jason "J" Brown. Five enjoyed remarkable success worldwide, particularly in the United Kingdom, most of Europe, and Asia. The group have currently based on BPI certifications sold a minimum of 1.5 million albums and 2 million singles in the UK alone. They split up on 27 September 2001 after selling 20 million records worldwide. Robinson, Love, Neville, and Brown briefly reformed the group without Conlon in September 2006, with a new management team headed by music manager Richard Beck. Eight months later, having secured a lucrative tour but failing to gain enough record company interest, Five made an announcement via their official website that they would again disband. In 2012, the group announced that they were planning another reunion, this time with Conlon on board.
- Simply Red is a British soul and pop band which formed in Manchester in 1983. The lead singer of the band is singer and songwriter Mick Hucknall, who, by the time the band initially disbanded in 2010, was the only original member left. Since the release of their debut studio album Picture Book (1985), they have had ten songs reach top 10 in the UK Singles Chart, including "Holding Back the Years" and "If You Don't Know Me by Now", both of which reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. They have had five number one albums in the UK, with their 1991 album, Stars, being one of the best-selling albums in UK chart history.At the 1992 and 1993 Brit Awards, they received the award for Best British Group. They received three Grammy Award nominations: for Best New Artist in 1987, and "Holding Back the Years" and "If You Don't Know Me by Now" for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals. The band re-formed in 2015. Simply Red have sold over 50 million albums.
- ABC are an English pop band that formed in Sheffield in 1980. Their classic line-up consisted of lead singer Martin Fry, guitarist and keyboardist Mark White, saxophonist Stephen Singleton and drummer David Palmer. Developed from an earlier band, Vice Versa, ABC achieved ten UK and five US Top 40 hit singles between 1981 and 1990, and their 1982 debut album, The Lexicon of Love, was a UK number-one. Their early 1980s success in the US saw them associated with the Second British Invasion. Now essentially a solo project for Fry, ABC continues to tour and released a ninth studio album, The Lexicon of Love II, in 2016.
- Small Faces were an English rock band from East London. The group was founded in 1965 by members Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, Kenney Jones, and Jimmy Winston, although by 1966 Winston was replaced by Ian McLagan as the band's keyboardist.The band is remembered as one of the most acclaimed and influential mod groups of the 1960s with memorable hit songs such as "Itchycoo Park", "Lazy Sunday", "All or Nothing", and "Tin Soldier", as well as their concept album Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake. They later evolved into one of the UK's most successful psychedelic bands until 1969.The Small Faces never disbanded; when Marriott left to form Humble Pie, the remaining three members recruited Ronnie Wood as guitarist, and Rod Stewart as their lead vocalist, both from The Jeff Beck Group, and carried on as Faces, except in North America, where this group's first album (and only their first album) was credited to Small Faces. This practice has continued on all subsequent North American reissues of the album to this day. A revived version of the original Small Faces existed from 1975 to 1978.Small Faces were one of the biggest musical influences on the Britpop movement of the 1990s. Despite the fact the band were together for just four years in their original incarnation, Small Faces' music output from the mid to late sixties remains among the most acclaimed British mod and psychedelic music of that era. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
- Frankie Goes to Hollywood were a British band formed in Liverpool, England in the 1980s. The group was fronted by Holly Johnson (vocals), with Paul Rutherford (vocals), Peter Gill (drums, percussion), Mark O'Toole (bass guitar), and Brian Nash (guitar). The group's 1983 debut single "Relax" was banned by the BBC in 1984 while at number six in the charts and subsequently topped the UK Singles Chart for five consecutive weeks, going on to enjoy prolonged chart success throughout that year and ultimately becoming the seventh best-selling UK single of all time. It also won the 1985 Brit Award for Best British Single. Their debut album, Welcome to the Pleasuredome, reached number one in the UK in 1984 with advanced sales of over one million. After the follow-up success of "Two Tribes" and "The Power of Love", the group became only the second act in the history of the UK charts to reach number one with their first three singles; the first being fellow Liverpudlians Gerry and the Pacemakers from the 1960s. This record remained unbeaten until the Spice Girls achieved a six-single streak in 1996–97. In 1985 the band won the Brit Award for British Breakthrough Act. Associated with the Second British Invasion of the US, they also received Grammy Award and MTV Video Music Award nominations for Best New Artist. Songwriters Johnson, Gill and O'Toole received the 1984 Ivor Novello Award from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors for Best Song Musically and Lyrically for "Two Tribes". In 2015, the song was voted by the British public as the nation's 14th favourite 1980s number one in a poll for ITV.
- Busted are an English rock band from Southend-on-Sea, Essex, consisting of James Bourne, Matt Willis and Charlie Simpson. Formed in 2000, the band had four UK number-one singles, won two Brit awards, released four studio albums and sold over 5 million records. The band released - Busted (2002) and A Present for Everyone (2003) - before disbanding in January 2005. Following the split, all three members pursued separate musical careers: Simpson as the frontman for the post-hardcore band Fightstar, Bourne as the lead singer of pop punk band Son of Dork and Willis as a solo artist. According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), Busted has been certified for 2.4 million albums and 1.2 million singles in the UK.In November 2013, Willis and Bourne announced plans to tour together with McFly as the "supergroup" McBusted in 2014, and this continued into 2015. On 10 November 2015, it was revealed that Simpson had rejoined Busted after successful secret writing sessions. The band then embarked on the Pigs Can Fly arena tour in May 2016 and released their third studio album, Night Driver, on 25 November 2016. On 26 October 2018, Busted announced their fourth album Half Way There, released on 1 February 2019, as well as a UK arena tour.
- Jamiroquai ( (listen)) are an English funk and acid jazz band from London, formed in 1992. Fronted by singer-songwriter Jay Kay, the band is best known for the song "Canned Heat" (1999), featured in Napoleon Dynamite, and for the iconic music video for the 1996 single "Virtual Insanity" which was named Video of the Year at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards. Their 1998 single, "Deeper Underground", reached number one in the UK. All eight of the band's albums have entered the UK top 10. Three of them, along with their greatest hits compilation, charted at number 1. The band débuted with "When You Gonna Learn" under Acid Jazz records, which led to Kay signing a record deal with Sony Soho2. While under this label, the group released a string of million-selling albums containing singles that have entered various charts worldwide, while having moderate success in the US in the Dance Club charts. Over the years, Kay has consistently remained as the leader through several line-up changes. With their sound influenced by black music, the group were one of the most prominent components in the London-based funk/acid jazz movement. They also drew from rock, electronica and Latin music, and have used live instrumentation over electronics. Their lyrics and visual concepts occasionally deal with social and environmental idealism. Although Kay had maintained these values, journalists have critiqued his lyrical motives on the group's more accessible material. Jamiroquai have sold more than 26 million albums worldwide as of 2017. Their third album Travelling Without Moving (1996), received a Guinness World Record for the best-selling funk album in history. The group has won an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors, as well as one Grammy Award, two MTV Video Music Awards and two Billboard Music Awards. They have also received sixteen Brit Award nominations.
- The Hollies are a British rock group best known for their pioneering and distinctive three-part vocal harmony style. The Hollies became one of the leading British groups of the 1960s (231 weeks on the UK singles charts during the 1960s, the 9th highest of any artist of the decade) and into the mid 1970s. The band was formed by Allan Clarke and Graham Nash in 1962 as a Merseybeat-type music group in Manchester, although some of the band members came from towns further north in East Lancashire. Graham Nash left the group in 1968 to form the supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash. They enjoyed considerable popularity in many countries (at least 60 singles or EPs and 26 albums charting somewhere in the world, spanning over five decades), although they did not achieve major US chart success until 1966 with "Bus Stop". The Hollies had over 30 charting singles on the UK Singles Chart, and 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, with major hits on both sides of the Atlantic that included "Just One Look", "Look Through Any Window", "I Can't Let Go", "Bus Stop", "Stop Stop Stop", "On a Carousel", "Carrie Anne", "Jennifer Eccles", and later "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother", "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress", and "The Air That I Breathe". The Hollies are one of the few UK groups of the early 1960s, along with the Rolling Stones, that have never disbanded and continue to record and perform. In recognition of their achievements, the Hollies were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.
- Richard Christopher Wakeman (born 18 May 1949) is an English keyboardist, songwriter, producer, television and radio presenter, and author. He is best known for being in the progressive rock band Yes across five tenures between 1971 and 2004 and for his solo albums released in the 1970s. He is a current member of Yes Featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman. Born and raised in West London, Wakeman intended to be a concert pianist but quit his studies at the Royal College of Music in 1969 to become a full-time session musician. His early sessions included playing on "Space Oddity", among others, for David Bowie, and songs by Junior's Eyes, T. Rex, Elton John, and Cat Stevens. Wakeman became a member of Strawbs in 1970 before joining Yes a year later, playing on some of their most successful albums across two stints until 1980. Wakeman began his solo career in 1973; his most successful albums are his first three: The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1973), Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1974), and The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (1975), all concept albums. He formed his rock band, The English Rock Ensemble, in 1974, with which he continues to perform, and scored his first film, Lisztomania (1975). Wakeman pursued solo projects in the 1980s that varied in levels of success; his most successful album was 1984, released in 1981, which was followed by his minor pop hit single, "Glory Boys", from Silent Nights (1985). He hosted the television show Gastank, and recorded his first of several New-age, ambient, and Christian music albums with Country Airs (1986) and The Gospels (1987), respectively. From 1988 to 1990 he was a member of Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe which led to his third Yes stint until 1992. He returned twice more between 1995 and 2004, during which he completed several more solo projects and tours, including his most significant of the decade, Return to the Centre of the Earth (1999). Wakeman continues to record albums and perform concerts worldwide in various capacities; his most recent album is Piano Odyssey (2018). Wakeman's discography includes over 90 solo albums that range from several musical styles. He has made many television and radio appearances; in recent years he became known for his contributions to the BBC comedy series Grumpy Old Men, Watchdog and his radio show on Planet Rock that aired from 2005 to 2010. Wakeman has written three books; an autobiography and two memoirs. In 2017, Wakeman was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Yes.
- Graham Nash, born on February 2, 1942, is an internationally renowned musician and songwriter, hailing from Blackpool, England. His exceptional talent came to light as a co-founder of the iconic British pop group, The Hollies, which was formed in the early 1960s. The group enjoyed tremendous success, with Nash contributing heavily as a songwriter and vocalist. His tenure with The Hollies was marked by many chart-topping hits, including "Bus Stop" and "Carrie Anne", which solidified his status as a standout figure in the UK music scene. In 1968, Nash relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he formed Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN) alongside David Crosby and Stephen Stills. This supergroup emerged as one of the defining acts of the era, known for their intricate vocal harmonies and politically charged lyrics. Nash's songwriting prowess was further demonstrated through classic CSN songs like "Teach Your Children" and "Our House". The group would later expand to include Neil Young, rebranding as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY), with whom Nash continued to attain both commercial and critical success. Beyond music, Graham Nash has made significant strides as a visual artist, photographer, and activist. His photographic works have been showcased in several major galleries worldwide, displaying his keen eye for capturing candid moments. As an activist, Nash uses his platform to advocate for various social and environmental causes. He remains a dedicated champion of peace and social justice, using his artistry to amplify his message. Despite his myriad accomplishments spanning several decades, Graham Nash continues to inspire with his enduring creativity and commitment to making a positive impact.
- Mika (, born Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr.; 18 August 1983), stylised as MIKA, is an English recording artist and singer-songwriter. After recording his first extended play, Dodgy Holiday, Mika was named the number-one predicted breakthrough act of 2007 in an annual BBC poll of music critics, Sound of 2007. Mika released his first full-length studio album, Life in Cartoon Motion, on Island Records in 2007, which sold more than 5.6 million copies worldwide and helped Mika win a Brit Award—winning Best British Breakthrough act, and receive a Grammy Award nomination. He topped the UK Singles Chart in January 2007 with "Grace Kelly". Two years later Mika released his second extended play, Songs for Sorrow, of which limited edition copies are now sold out worldwide. In 2009 Mika released his second studio album, The Boy Who Knew Too Much. Finishing his worldwide tour, Mika recorded his third album, The Origin of Love, stating it would be "more simplistic pop, less layered than the last one". The album was released internationally on 16 September 2012 and in the UK on 8 October 2012.His latest album, No Place in Heaven, was released 15 June 2015.
- Jasmine Lucilla Elizabeth Jennifer van den Bogaerde (born 15 May 1996), better known by her stage name Birdy, is an English singer, songwriter and musician. She won the music competition Open Mic UK in 2008, at the age of 12. Her debut single, a cover version of Bon Iver's "Skinny Love", was her breakthrough, charting all across Europe and earning platinum certification six times in Australia. Her self-titled debut album, Birdy, was released on 7 November 2011 to similar success, peaking at number one in Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands. Her second studio album, Fire Within, was released on 23 September 2013 in the UK. At the 2014 Brit Awards, she was nominated for Best British Female Solo Artist. Her third studio album, Beautiful Lies, was released on 25 March 2016.
- Level 42 are an English band formed on the Isle of Wight in 1979. They had a number of UK and worldwide hits during the 1980s and 1990s. Their most successful single in the UK was "Lessons in Love", which reached number three on the UK Singles Chart, and number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, upon its release in 1986. The earlier single, "Something About You", was their most successful single in the United States, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. After much success as a live and studio band in the 1980s, Level 42's commercial profile diminished during the early 1990s following a series of personnel changes and musical shifts. After disbanding in 1994, the band reformed in 2001.
- Jacob Taio Cruz (born 23 April), known professionally as Taio Cruz , is an English singer, songwriter, rapper and record producer. In 2008, he released his debut album Departure, which he wrote, arranged and produced. The album achieved certified gold status in the United Kingdom and earned him a Music of Black Origin Awards (MOBO) nomination. In October 2009, Cruz released his follow-up album Rokstarr, which includes the number one singles "Break Your Heart" and "Dynamite". Cruz collaborated with Kesha on the single "Dirty Picture", and with Kylie Minogue and Travie McCoy on his single "Higher". Cruz wrote and recorded the song "Telling the World" as the lead single from the soundtrack to the 2011 animated film Rio. Cruz's third studio album, TY.O, was first released in Germany in December 2011. In 2012, Cruz co-wrote David Guetta and Usher's song "Without You". In April 2015, Cruz released the first single, "Do What You Like" from his forthcoming Roses Collection. In late 2015, Taio added vocals to Tujamo's Melbourne track, "Booty Bounce" which was released by Spinnin' Records.
- Andy Summers, best known as the guitarist for the globally-renowned band, The Police, has crafted an awe-inspiring career that spans over five decades. Born in Poulton-le-Fylde, England in 1942, his interest in music was ignited at a tender age and by the time he reached his teens, he was already playing in local bands. His knack for guitar playing led him to London's prestigious music school, the Royal College of Music, where he honed his skills further. Summers embarked on his professional journey with the rock band, Zoot Money's Big Roll Band, and later had stints with Soft Machine and The Animals before achieving global acclaim with The Police. With The Police, Summers along with Sting and Stewart Copeland, redefined the rock scene in the late 70s and 80s. Their unique fusion of rock, reggae, and jazz brought forth numerous chart-topping hits like "Roxanne" and "Every Breath You Take," with Summers's innovative guitar work serving as one of the band's defining features. Together they won six Grammy Awards and two Brit Awards, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003. Beyond The Police, Summers also established a successful solo career, releasing over a dozen albums that showcase his versatility and virtuosity as a musician and composer. Aside from his illustrious music career, Summers is also a renowned photographer and author. He published several books which include his memoir, One Train Later, that won the Book of the Year award in the Mojo magazine in 2006 and was later turned into a documentary called Can't Stand Losing You: Surviving The Police. His photography works have been exhibited worldwide, providing an evocative visual narrative of his experiences.
- Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark are an English new wave/synthpop group formed in 1978, whose founding members, Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, are originally from the Wirral Peninsula, North West England. While steadily eschewing pop star status, the band cultivated a fanbase in the United Kingdom from 1978–1980. They gained popularity throughout Europe with the 1980 single "Enola Gay", and achieved broader recognition via album Architecture & Morality and its singles. OMD also garnered acclaim for their experimental recordings. Although retrospectively lauded, their album Dazzle Ships eroded European consumer interest during the mid 1980s; Junk Culture marked a shift toward more pop-oriented songwriting. Concurrently, OMD reached their peak in the United States and had a major hit with 1986's "If You Leave", written for the film Pretty in Pink. Humphreys departed in 1989 with Martin Cooper and Malcolm Holmes to form The Listening Pool, leaving McCluskey to lead the outfit; Sugar Tax and its initial singles were sizeable hits in Europe.The Best Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Albums, RankedSee all
- 1Architecture & Morality172 Votes
- 2Organisation133 Votes
- 3Dazzle Ships142 Votes
- Kim Wilde, born as Kim Smith, is an iconic figure in the world of pop music. Born in Chiswick, London on November 18, 1960, she grew up in a household where music was deeply ingrained. Her father, Marty Wilde, was a famous rock 'n' roll singer in the 1950s and her mother, Joyce Baker, was part of the singing group, The Vernons Girls. This early exposure to music undoubtedly influenced Wilde's career trajectory. Wilde's breakthrough came in 1981 with the release of her debut single, "Kids in America." It soared to number two on the UK Singles Chart and reached the top 5 in many other countries. This marked the beginning of her successful music career which spans over three decades. Throughout her career, she has produced a multitude of chart-topping hits such as "You Keep Me Hangin' On," which topped the charts in the United States, and "Cambodia," that was immensely popular across Europe. In addition to her musical success, Wilde has also been recognized with prestigious awards including the BRIT Award for Best British Female Solo Artist in 1983. In the mid-1990s, Wilde shifted gears from music and pursued a career in gardening after studying at Capel Manor College. She has presented several television shows, penned books on the subject, and even won a gold award for her garden at the Royal Horticultural Society's Chelsea Flower Show in 2005.
- Kamaljit Singh Jhooti (born 26 March 1981), better known by the stage name Jay Sean, is an English singer and songwriter. He debuted in the UK's Asian Underground scene as a member of the Rishi Rich Project with "Dance with You", which reached No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart in 2003. This led to him being signed to Virgin Records and having two UK top 10 hits as a solo artist in 2004: "Eyes on You" at No. 6 and "Stolen" at #4. They were included in his critically acclaimed debut album Me Against Myself which, though only moderately successful in the UK, sold more than two million copies across Asia and remains his most successful album to date. Alongside the Rishi Rich Project, Sean was a pioneer of Bhangra-R&B fusion, which his debut album helped popularize among the worldwide South Asian diaspora.He eventually left Virgin in 2006 and founded his own independent label, Jayded Records. After a gap of nearly four years, he returned in 2008 with "Ride It", which reached No. 11 in the UK and topped the charts in several Eastern European countries, including Romania where it was one of the best-selling singles of the year. It was followed by hits such as "Maybe", which reached No. 7 on the Japan Hot 100, and "Tonight". They were included in his second album, My Own Way, which became his most successful album on the UK Albums Chart, reaching No. 6, and topped the UK R&B Chart. At around this time, he began increasingly incorporating electropop sounds into his R&B music.From 2009 up to 2014, he was signed to Cash Money Records. In 2009, his American debut single "Down" topped the Billboard Hot 100, making him the first solo artist of South Asian origin and first UK urban act to top the Hot 100. It was the seventh-best selling song of 2009, having sold more than three million copies in the United States that year, eventually reaching six million sales in the United States, making him the most successful British/European male urban artist in US chart history at the time. As of 2011, it is the fifth best selling song by a British artist in the digital era. It was soon followed by another hit, "Do You Remember", which has sold more than a million copies in the US, and entered the top ten on the Hot 100, making him the first male act since Chingy in 2003 to "simultaneously appear in the Hot 100 top 10 with his first two charting singles." They were included in his American-debut album All or Nothing, which debuted at No. 37 on the US Billboard 200 and reached No. 11 on the Japan Oricon Albums Chart. Sean has also been a featured artist on several hits including "What Happened to Us" by Australian singer Jessica Mauboy, which charted within the top 20 on the ARIA singles chart and certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association. Sean was ranked No. 35 in Billboard's Hot 100 Artists of 2009.
- The Move, from Birmingham, England, were one of the leading British rock bands of the 1960s. They scored nine Top 20 UK singles in five years, but were among the most popular British bands not to find any real success in the United States. Although bassist-vocalist Chris "Ace" Kefford was the original leader, for most of their career The Move was led by guitarist, singer and songwriter Roy Wood. He wrote all the group's UK singles and, from 1968, also sang lead vocals on many songs, although Carl Wayne was the main lead singer up to 1970. Initially, the band had 4 main vocalists who split the lead vocals on a number of their earlier songs. The Move evolved from several mid-1960s Birmingham based groups, including Carl Wayne & the Vikings, the Nightriders and the Mayfair Set. Their name referred to the move various members of these bands made to form the group. Besides Wood, The Move's original five-piece roster in 1965 was drummer Bev Bevan, bassist Kefford, vocalist Carl Wayne and guitarist Trevor Burton. The final line-up of 1972 was the trio of Wood, Bevan and Jeff Lynne; together, they rode the group's transition into the Electric Light Orchestra.
- 10cc are an English rock band founded in Stockport, England, who achieved their greatest commercial success in the 1970s. The band initially consisted of four musicians – Graham Gouldman, Eric Stewart, Kevin Godley, and Lol Creme – who had written and recorded together for some three years, before assuming the name "10cc" in 1972. 10cc featured two songwriting teams, one "commercial" and one "artistic". Stewart and Gouldman were predominantly pop songwriters, who created most of the band's accessible songs. By way of contrast, Godley and Creme were the predominantly experimental half of 10cc, featuring an "art school" sensibility and cinematically-inspired writing.Every member of 10cc was a multi-instrumentalist, singer, writer and producer, and the writing teams frequently switched partners, so that Godley/Gouldman or Creme/Stewart compositions were not uncommon (although compositions credited to Creme/Gouldman and Godley/Stewart are rare, only found on 1974's Sheet Music). After Godley and Creme left the band in 1976, Gouldman and Stewart were the main creative forces behind 10cc. Stewart left the band after 1995, and Gouldman continues to lead a touring version of 10cc. Most of the band's albums were recorded at their own Strawberry Studios (North) in Stockport and Strawberry Studios (South) in Dorking, with most of those engineered by Stewart. 10cc was co-managed by Ric Dixon and Harvey Lisberg at Kennedy Street, who had represented the individual members of the band since the mid-1960s.
- John Howard Jones (born 23 February 1955) is an English singer, musician and songwriter. He had ten top 40 hit singles in the UK between 1983 and 1986; six of those 10 singles reached the top ten, including, “What Is Love?”, “New Song”, and “Things Can Only Get Better”. His 1984 album Human's Lib reached number one on the UK Albums Chart. Around the world, Jones had 15 top 40 hit singles between 1983 and 1992. The 1986 hit single "No One Is to Blame" reached no. 4 on the U.S. charts. Jones is associated with the 1980s Second British Invasion of the US. He has been described by AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine as "one of the defining figures of mid-'80s synth-pop." He performed at the historic Live Aid concert in 1985.
- Manfred Mann was an English rock band, formed in London in 1962. The group was named after their keyboardist Manfred Mann, who later led the successful 1970s group Manfred Mann's Earth Band. The band had two different lead vocalists during their period of success, Paul Jones from 1962 to 1966, and Mike d'Abo from 1966 to 1969. Manfred Mann was regularly in the UK charts in the 1960s. Three of the band's most successful singles, "Do Wah Diddy Diddy", "Pretty Flamingo" and "Mighty Quinn", topped the UK Singles Chart. They were the first southern-England-based group to top the US Billboard Hot 100 during the British invasion.
- Gerry is both a surname and a masculine or feminine given name. As a given name, it is often a short form (hypocorism) of Gerald or Geraldine. Notable people with the name include:
- Andrew John Partridge (born 11 November 1953) is an English singer, songwriter, and record producer who founded the rock band XTC. He and Colin Moulding each acted as a songwriter and frontman for XTC, with Partridge writing and singing about two-thirds of the group's material. While the band were a formative punk group, Partridge's music drew heavily from British Invasion songwriters, and his style gradually shifted to more traditional pop, often with pastoral themes. The band's only British top 10 hit, "Senses Working Overtime" (1982), was written by Partridge. Partridge is sometimes regarded as the "godfather" of Britpop. Since the 1980s, he has worked, written with, or produced many other recording artists—efforts which include collaborative albums with Peter Blegvad, Harold Budd and Robyn Hitchcock. From 2002 to 2006, Partridge's APE House record label released several volumes of his demos and songs as part of the Fuzzy Warbles album series. Beyond music, he is a graphic illustrator, toy soldier hobbyist, and designer of board games. His son is the web animator Harry Partridge.
- M was a British new wave and synthpop music project from London, England led by English musician Robin Scott for a brief period in the late 1970s and early 1980s. M is most known for the 1979 hit "Pop Muzik", which reached number two in the UK Singles Chart in May 1979, and number one in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart on 3 November 1979. Musicians who contributed to M at one time or another included Wally Badarou, Mark King, Phil Gould, Lydia Canaan and Gary Barnacle of Level 42.
- Johnny Hates Jazz is a British pop rock band, presently consisting of Clark Datchler and Mike Nocito. In April 1987, they had international success with their first hit single "Shattered Dreams".
- Noisettes are an English indie rock band from London, currently composed of singer and bassist Shingai Shoniwa and guitarist Dan Smith. The band first achieved commercial success and nationwide recognition with the second single of their second album, "Don't Upset the Rhythm" which reached number two on the UK Singles Chart in Spring 2009.
- The Wombats are an English indie rock band formed in Liverpool. The band comprises native Liverpudlians Matthew Murphy, Daniel Haggis and Norwegian-born Tord Øverland Knudsen. The band is signed to 14th Floor Records in the United Kingdom and Bright Antenna in the United States.
- Craig Ashley David (born 5 May 1981) is an English singer, songwriter, rapper, DJ and record producer who rose to fame in 1999, featuring on the single "Re-Rewind" by Artful Dodger. David's debut studio album, Born to Do It, was released in 2000, after which he has released a further five studio albums and worked with a variety of artists such as: Tinchy Stryder, Big Narstie, Kano and Jay Sean. David has 20 UK Top 40 singles, and seven UK Top 40 albums, selling over 15,000,000 records worldwide as a solo artist. David has been nominated for fourteen Brit Awards: five times for Best British Male, and twice received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
- The Shadows (originally known as the Drifters) were an English instrumental rock group. They were Cliff Richard's backing band from 1958 to 1968 and on numerous reunion tours. The Shadows have placed 69 UK charted singles from the 1950s to the 2000s, 35 credited to the Shadows and 34 to Cliff Richard and the Shadows. The group, who were in the forefront of the UK beat-group boom, were the first backing band to emerge as stars. As pioneers of the four-member instrumental format, the band consisted of lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass guitar and drums. Their range covers pop, rock, surf rock and ballads with a jazz influence.The core members from 1958 to 2015 were Hank Marvin and Bruce Welch. Along with the Fender guitar, another cornerstone of the Shadows sound was the Vox amplifier. The Shadows, with Cliff Richard, dominated British popular music in the late 1950s and early 1960s in the years before the Beatles. The Shadows' number one hits included "Apache", "Kon-Tiki", "Wonderful Land", "Foot Tapper" and "Dance On!". They disbanded in 1968, but reunited in the 1970s for further commercial success. The Shadows are the fourth most successful act in the UK singles chart, behind Elvis Presley, the Beatles, and Cliff Richard. The Shadows and Cliff Richard & the Shadows each have had four No. 1 selling EPs.
- Gary Barlow (born 20 January 1971) is an English producer, musician, songwriter and singer. He is best known as the lead singer of the British pop group Take That. Barlow also served as head judge on The X Factor UK in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and Let It Shine in 2017. Barlow is one of Britain's most successful songwriters, having written fourteen number one singles and twenty-four top 10 hits. As a solo artist he has had three number one singles, six top 10 singles and two number one albums, and has additionally had seventeen top 5 hits, twelve number one singles and eight number one albums with Take That.Barlow has received six Ivor Novello Awards from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors, including the award for Outstanding Services to British Music. He has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
- All Saints are an English-Canadian girl group formed in London in 1993. They were founded as All Saints 1.9.7.5 by members Melanie Blatt, Shaznay Lewis and Simone Rainford. The group struggled to find commercial success upon being signed to ZTT Records and were dropped by the label shortly after Rainford left the group. In 1996, the group were joined by sisters Nicole and Natalie Appleton and signed to London Records under their shortened name.Part of the British girl group wave of the 1990s, their debut album, All Saints (1997), peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart and went on to become the UK's third best-selling girl group album of all time. The album contained three UK number one singles: "Never Ever", "Under the Bridge"/"Lady Marmalade" and "Bootie Call". "Never Ever" is the second best-selling girl group single of all-time in the UK, behind the Spice Girls' "Wannabe". It also won two Brit Awards: Best British Single and Best British Video, and the group were nominated for Best British Breakthrough Act. Their second album, Saints & Sinners (2000), became their first UK number-one album and achieved multi-platinum success. It included the UK number one singles "Pure Shores" and "Black Coffee". Amid in-fighting among the group members, All Saints split the following year. The group later reformed after signing to Parlophone Records to release their third album, Studio 1 (2006). However, the album bowed at number 40 in the United Kingdom and All Saints were dropped by their label shortly afterwards. Following a second split in 2009, the group reunited in 2014 for a series of live performances, prompting the group to release of Red Flag (2016), and Testament (2018). As of January 2016, All Saints have sold 12 million records.
- English songwriter Kate Nash owed her career to two pieces of bad luck: She was rejected by the Old Vic Theatre School, which dashed her hopes of an acting career, then she broke her foot at home, which nearly cost her job in the fashion world. While laid up she began writing songs, and this turned her luck around. She began uploading songs online and the first to catch on was "Caroline's a Victim," also the A-side of her first single. With its half-spoken, heavily-accented vocal and skeletal arrangement, the single was oddly reminiscent of the Flying Lizards' "Money"; an accompanying video underlined the 20-year-old Nash's endearing quirkiness and the song was an underground hit. She quickly signed a record deal, but to the surprise of many her label was Fiction, the UK indie that had broken the Cure three decades earlier. Her first album Made of Bricks included her breakthrough hit "Foundations," which went #2 in the UK drove the album to #1. "Foundations" had a fullier, poppier production and more of her now-trademark Cockney-accented humor, though the song's underlying theme was again serious, looking at the last stages of a relationship. Along with the commercial success came a critical backlash; an oft-quoted review in The Independent said it was in "pole position for worst album of the year." Nonetheless it produced two further UK hits in "Mouthwash" and "Pumpkin Soup." Meanwhile she and Cribs frontman Ryan Jarman (who she met on Jools Holland's TV show) became known as one of UK pop's glamor couples. All wasn't entirely well, however; she confessed in interviews that the pressures of a world tour caused her a temporary breakdown and a struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder. For the second album My Best Friend is You she worked with producer and ex-Suede member Bernard Butler who encouraged her love for '60s girl-group pop, which emerged on the singles "Do-Wah-Doo" and "Kiss That Grrl" (which again had grabbing videos, respectively depicting her as a stewardess and a'60s chorus girl). 2013's Girl Talk was a marked change of direction, with fewer jokes, louder guitars and a more explicitly feminist tone, reflecting her admiration of riot grrl icons Kathleen Hanna and Courtney Love. Though it got her most favorable reviews to date, it brought her hit streak to an abrupt end, only reaching #85 in the UK with no charted singles. With the new sound came a more politically active stance, as she performed at LBGT rallies, supported Russian punks Pussy Riot and wrote an unreleased song for the Occupy London movement. Now recording for her own Girl Gang label, Nash crowd-sourced her fourth album, 2018's Yesterday Was Forever. Its lyrics were often upfront about the effects of anxiety and OCD, while the music scaled back the grunge and returned to the giddy pop sound of her peak years.
- Dead or Alive were a British new wave band from Liverpool, England. The group found success in the 1980s and had seven Top 40 UK singles and three Top 30 UK albums. They were the first group to have a number one single under the production team of Stock Aitken Waterman. Dead or Alive, which has variously included Pete Burns, Wayne Hussey, Mike Percy, Steve Coy, Timothy Lever, have released seven studio albums and five compilation albums, and became popular in Japan. Two of the group's singles reached the U.S. Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100; "You Spin Me Round" No. 11 in 1985, and "Brand New Lover" No. 15 in 1986. "You Spin Me Round" charted in 1985 in the UK, then again in 2003 and 2006 following Burns' appearance on the television reality show Celebrity Big Brother. The latter also became the first of two singles to top the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.The 14 Best 'Dead Or Alive' Games, Ranked By FansSee all
- 1Dead or Alive 371 Votes
- 2Dead or Alive 289 Votes
- 3Dead or Alive 583 Votes
- Catherine Roseanne Dennis (born 25 March 1969) is a British singer, songwriter, record producer and actress. After a moderately successful international solo career, Dennis later received great success as a writer of pop songs, scoring eight UK number ones and winning five Ivor Novello Awards.In 2004, Dennis was listed 66th in the Q Magazine list of the top 100 most influential people in music and in 2006, she won the UK music industry's Woman of the Year Award.
- Born in 1962, in Hatfield, England, singer Tracey Thorn originally got into music to meet boys. It worked, but not the way Thorn thought it would. She was in a couple of bands as a teenager, but her talent wasn't recognized until she went to University of Hull in 1981 and met Ben Watt. The two of them meshed romantically and creatively, forming the duo Everything But the Girl in 1982. From 1984 through 2000, Everything But the Girl released nine studio albums and in 1995 had a worldwide hit single that put Thorn's voice on dance floors everywhere. The couple put the band on hiatus in 2000, before Thorn began to release solo albums and in 2013 published an acclaimed, best-selling memoir, Bedsit Disco Queen: How I Grew Up and Tried to Be a Pop Star. As a teenager growing up in a small suburban town near London, Thorn discovered punk rock during the initial 1977 explosion. Inspired by the DIY aesthetic, she picked up a guitar and started to play in a local teen band. She formed the Marine Girls, an all-girl post-punk band with some school friends; their two albums, Beach Party (1982) and Lazy Ways (1983), became extremely influential on what would soon be known as the twee-pop scene. Between the two albums, Thorn started classes at University of Hull, and on her first day at school met a singer/songwriter named Ben Watt, who was a solo artist signed to the same label as the Marine Girls, Cherry Red Records. In Watt, Thorn met a soul mate, and found her voice. Although Thorn's immediate focus was on her first solo album, A Distant Shore (1983), the budding young couple joined forces in the collaboration Everything But the Girl, impulsively named after a sign in a local shop. The duo's jazz leanings (Watt's father, Tommy Watt, had been a noted British jazz musician in the 1960s) and Thorn's butter-smooth voice and modern, feminist songwriting sensibility made them an instant indie success. Their first album, 1984's Eden produced their first U.K. top 40 hit in "Each and Every One." Everything But the Girl released six studio records from 1984 to 1992, ranging from the Smiths-inspired indie pop of Love Not Money (1985) to the heavily orchestrated '60s-style melodrama Baby, the Stars Shine Bright (1986). Their steady stream of music was interrupted in 1992, when Watt was brought close to death by a rare disease. Although their label had dropped them, the duo returned from their enforced hiatus with a new outlook. Thorn collaborated with Massive Attack on their 1994 single "Protection," which became an electronic dance music favorite. Everything But the Girl's 1994 effort, Amplified Heart, was on its surface another smooth jazz-pop record, but the band had another trick up their sleeve. They gave the single "Missing" to electronic producer Todd Terry, whose inventive drum'n'bass remix became a worldwide dance floor hit. The single was on the Billboard Hot 100 for 55 weeks (a record at the time) and made it into Top 10 charts around the world. On 1996's Walking Wounded, Everything But the Girl embraced their new fans and released a record of soulful chill-out electronica with a helping of dance friendly tracks. The album became the duo's highest charting to date thanks to the hit singles "Walking Wounded" and "Wrong." Temperamental (1999), another electronica-infused album, followed, but Thorn--anxious to take a break from touring and recording and start a family--chose to retire in 2000. While Watt started a new career as an EDM producer and DJ, Thorn raised the couple's children, twin daughters and a son. In 2006, Thorn returned to the studio to record her second solo album, an electronic dance record called Out of the Woods (2007). It was followed by the quieter Love and its Opposite (2010), and the Christmas-themed Tinsel and Lights (2012), both released in conjunction with her husband's label Strange Feeling. In 2013, Thorn published her first book, a memoir entitled Bedsit Disco Queen: How I Grew Up and Tried to Be a Pop Star. An engaging account of her life, the book received critical accolades and was a Sunday Times top-ten bestseller. Following its success, Thorn became a regular columnist for London's New Statesman newspaper and began working on her second book, a study of singing called Naked at the Albert Hall (2015). Thorn released her first album of original material in eight years, Record, in March 2018 to widespread acclaim for its emotional lyrics and feminist themes.
- Alastair Ian Stewart (born 5 September 1945) is a British singer-songwriter and folk-rock musician who rose to prominence as part of the British folk revival in the 1960s and 1970s. He developed a unique style of combining folk-rock songs with delicately woven tales of characters and events from history.Stewart is best known for his 1976 hit single "Year of the Cat", the title song from the platinum album of the same name. Though Year of the Cat and its 1978 platinum follow-up Time Passages brought Stewart his biggest worldwide commercial successes, earlier albums such as Past, Present and Future from 1973 are often seen as better examples of his intimate brand of historical folk-rock, a style to which he returned in later albums.Stewart is a key figure in British music and he appears throughout the musical folklore of the revivalist era. He played at the first-ever Glastonbury Festival in 1970, knew Yoko Ono before she met John Lennon, shared a London flat with a young Paul Simon, and hosted at the Les Cousins folk club in London in the 1960s.Stewart has released sixteen studio and three live albums since his debut album Bed-Sitter Images in 1967, and continues to tour extensively in the US, Canada, Europe, and the UK. His most recent release, Uncorked, was released on Stewart's independent label, Wallaby Trails Recordings, in 2009.Stewart has worked with Peter White, Alan Parsons, Jimmy Page, Richard Thompson, Rick Wakeman, Francis Monkman, Tori Amos, and Tim Renwick, and more recently has played with Dave Nachmanoff and former Wings lead-guitarist Laurence Juber.
- Freddie and the Dreamers were an English band who had a number of hit records between May 1963 and November 1965. Their stage act was based around the comic antics of the 5-foot-3-inch-tall Freddie Garrity, who would bounce around the stage with arms and legs flying. The group remained active until December 2000 when they played their final gig at Margate Winter Gardens. After that date, Garrity was told by his doctor that due to his pulmonary hypertension it was not advisable for him to continue working, and he officially retired from all work in February 2001. He died in Bangor, North Wales, on 19 May 2006.
- BBMak is an English pop group consisting of Mark Barry, Christian Burns and Stephen McNally. Together they sold three million albums and had hit singles worldwide between 1999 and 2003 when they disbanded. The band guest starred on ABC's All My Children in 2000 and Disney's Even Stevens in 2001. They also featured on many movie soundtracks.
- Paul Antony Young (born 17 January 1956) is an English singer, songwriter and musician. Formerly the frontman of the short-lived bands Kat Kool & the Kool Cats, Streetband and Q-Tips, he was turned into a 1980s teen idol by subsequent solo success. His hit singles include "Love of the Common People", "Wherever I Lay My Hat", "Come Back and Stay", "Every Time You Go Away" and "Everything Must Change", all reaching the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart. Released in 1983, his debut album No Parlez, the first of three UK number-one albums, made him a household name. His smooth yet soulful voice belonged to a genre known as "blue-eyed soul". At the 1985 Brit Awards, Young received the award for Best British Male. Associated with the Second British Invasion of the US, "Every Time You Go Away" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985. It also won Best British Video at the 1986 Brit Awards.In July 1985, Young appeared at Live Aid held at Wembley Stadium, London, performing the Band Aid hit "Do They Know It's Christmas?" (having sung the opening lines on the original single release), and his own hits "Come Back and Stay" and "Every Time You Go Away", with Alison Moyet joining him on stage to perform "That's The Way Love Is". Since the mid-1990s, Young has performed with his band Los Pacaminos.
- Haircut One Hundred are a British New wave group formed in 1980 by Nick Heyward. The band had four UK Top 10 hit singles between 1981 and 1982, including "Favourite Shirts", "Love Plus One" and "Fantastic Day".
- The Dave Clark Five, often called the DC5, were an English rock and roll band formed in Tottenham in 1957. In January 1964 they had their first UK top ten single, "Glad All Over", which knocked the Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand" off the top of the UK Singles Chart. It peaked at No. 6 in the United States in April 1964. Although this was their only UK No. 1, they topped the US chart in December 1965, with their cover of Bobby Day's "Over And Over". Their version of Chet Powers' "Get Together" reached No. 8 on the UK Singles Chart retitled as "Everybody Get Together".They were the second group of the British Invasion to appear on The Ed Sullivan Show in the United States (for two weeks in March 1964 following the Beatles' three weeks the previous month). They would ultimately have 18 appearances on the show. The group disbanded in late 1970. On 10 March 2008, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- Danny Jones (born 12 March 1986) is an English musician who is one of the lead vocalists and the lead guitarist for pop-rock band McFly. Jones' fellow band members are Tom Fletcher (rhythm guitarist and vocals), Dougie Poynter (bass and vocals), and Harry Judd (drums). Jones is married to former Miss England, Georgia Horsley.
- The Action were an English band of the 1960s, formed as The Boys in August 1963, in Kentish Town, North West London. They were part of the mod subculture, and played soul music-influenced pop music.
- Kajagoogoo are a British new wave band, best known for their hit single, "Too Shy", which reached No. 1 in the UK Singles Chart and No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1983.
- Shakespears Sister is a British/Irish-American pop and alternative rock musical act that was formed in 1988 by singer–songwriter Siobhan Fahey, a former member of Bananarama. Based in the United Kingdom, Shakespears Sister was initially a solo act, but by 1989 it had become a duo with the addition of the American musician Marcella Detroit. Together they released two Top 10 albums and a string of Top 40 hits, including the 1992 hit "Stay" which peaked at No. 1 in the UK for eight consecutive weeks. Detroit was sacked from the band in 1993, leaving Fahey as the sole member again until she ended the project in 1996. After working under her own name for some years, Fahey revived the Shakespears Sister name in 2009. In 2019, Fahey and Detroit reunited as Shakespears Sister for a tour and released a single, "All the Queen's Horses".
- Sigue Sigue Sputnik were a British new wave band formed in 1982 by former Generation X bassist Tony James. The band had three UK top 40 hit singles, including the songs "Love Missile F1-11" and "21st Century Boy".
- Incognito is a British acid jazz band. Their debut album, Jazz Funk, was released in 1981. Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick is the band's leader, singer, guitarist, composer, and record producer. The band has included Linda Muriel, Jocelyn Brown, Maysa Leak, Tony Momrelle, Imaani, Vanessa Haynes, Mo Brandis, Natalie Williams, Carleen Anderson, Pamela (PY) Anderson, Kelli Sae, and Joy Malcolm.
- Thomas Michael Fletcher (born 17 July 1985) is an English musician, singer, composer, author and YouTube vlogger. Among his accomplishments, he is one of the lead vocalists and the Rhythm guitarist of English pop rock band McFly, in addition to being the group's founder. He originally auditioned and was accepted into the band Busted before losing out on the place after the record label Island decided the band should be a trio rather than a four-piece. However, he still carried on writing with the band. In his thirteen-year career as a professional songwriter, Fletcher has penned ten UK number one singles and twenty-one top ten singles. He is credited as having written songs for bands including One Direction, Busted, the Vamps and 5 Seconds of Summer.
- Priscilla Maria Veronica White OBE (27 May 1943 – 1 August 2015), better known as Cilla Black, was an English singer, television presenter, actress, and author. Championed by her friends in the Beatles, Black began her career as a singer in 1963, and her singles "Anyone Who Had a Heart" and "You're My World" both reached number one in the UK in 1964. She had 11 Top Ten hits on the British charts between then and 1971, and an additional eight hits that made the top 40. In May 2010, new research published by BBC Radio 2 showed that her version of "Anyone Who Had a Heart" was the UK's biggest-selling single by a female artist in the 1960s. "You're My World" was also a modest hit in the US, peaking at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. Along with a successful recording career in the 1960s and early 1970s, Black hosted her own variety show, Cilla, for the BBC between 1968 and 1976. After a brief time as a comedy actress in the mid-1970s, she became a prominent television presenter in the 1980s and 1990s, hosting hit entertainment shows such as Blind Date (1985–2003), The Moment of Truth (1998–2001), and Surprise Surprise (1984–2001). In 2013, Black celebrated 50 years in show business. British television network ITV honoured this milestone with a one-off entertainment special which aired on 16 October 2013. The show, called The One & Only Cilla Black, featured Black herself and was hosted by Paul O'Grady.Black died on 1 August 2015 after a fall in her villa in Estepona. The day after her funeral, the compilation album The Very Best of Cilla Black went to number one on the UK Albums Chart and the New Zealand Albums Chart; it was her first number one album.
- Nick Rhodes (born Nicholas James Bates; 8 June 1962) is an English musician, singer and producer, best known as a founding member and keyboardist of the new wave band Duran Duran. He is also informally monikered as "The Controller", after being introduced as such on stage by band mate Simon Le Bon during the Astronaut album world tours of 2004-2005. He is the youngest member of the original lineup. Rhodes has been involved in several side projects outside of, but related to Duran Duran: he released albums with Arcadia in 1985 (featuring 3 members of Duran: Rhodes, Simon Le Bon and Roger Taylor), and recorded and performed as The Devils in 2002 with Stephen Duffy, longtime musical friend and the original lead singer of Duran Duran. In March 2013, he released the TV Mania side project with former Duran Duran guitarist, Warren Cuccurullo.
- Chumbawamba were a British alternative band that formed in 1982 and ended in 2012. The band constantly shifted in musical style, drawing on genres such as punk rock, pop, and folk. Their anarchist or libertarian socialist political stance exhibited an irreverent attitude toward authority, and the band have been forthright in their stances on issues including animal rights and pacifism (early in their career) and later regarding class struggle, feminism, gay liberation, pop culture, and anti-fascism. The band are best known for their song "Tubthumping", which was nominated for Best British Single at the 1998 Brit Awards. Other singles include "Amnesia", "Enough Is Enough" (with MC Fusion), "Timebomb", "Top of the World (Olé, Olé, Olé)", and "Add Me". In July 2012, Chumbawamba announced they were splitting up after 30 years. On its website the members stated "That’s it then, it’s the end. With neither a whimper, a bang, or a reunion." The band was joined by former members and collaborators for three final shows between 31 October and 3 November 2012, one of which was filmed and released as a live DVD.
- Robert George "Joe" Meek (5 April 1929 – 3 February 1967) was an English record producer, sound engineer and songwriter who pioneered space age and experimental pop music. He also assisted the development of recording practices like overdubbing, sampling and reverb. Meek is considered one of the most influential sound engineers of all time, being one of the first to develop ideas such as the recording studio as an instrument, and becoming one of the first producers to be recognized for his individual identity as an artist.Meek's charting singles he produced for other artists include "Johnny Remember Me" (John Leyton, 1961), "Just Like Eddie" (Heinz, 1963), "Angela Jones" (Michael Cox, 1963), "Have I the Right?" (the Honeycombs, 1964), and "Tribute to Buddy Holly" (Mike Berry, 1961). The Tornados' instrumental "Telstar" (1962), written and produced by Meek, became the first record by a British rock group to reach number one in the US Hot 100. It also spent five weeks at number one in the UK singles chart, with Meek receiving an Ivor Novello Award for this production as the "Best-Selling A-Side" of 1962. He also produced music for films such as Live It Up! (US title Sing and Swing, 1963), a pop music film. Meek's concept album I Hear a New World (1960), which contains innovative use of electronic sounds, was not fully released in his lifetime. His reputation for experiments in recording music was acknowledged by the Music Producers Guild who in 2009 created "The Joe Meek Award for Innovation in Production" as a "homage to [the] remarkable producer's pioneering spirit". In 2014, Meek was ranked the greatest producer of all time by NME, elaborating: "Meek was a complete trailblazer, attempting endless new ideas in his search for the perfect sound. ... The legacy of his endless experimentation is writ large over most of your favourite music today."At the time of his death, Meek possessed thousands of unreleased recordings later dubbed "The Tea Chest Tapes". His commercial success as a producer was short-lived, and he gradually sank into debt and depression. On 3 February 1967, using a shotgun owned by musician Heinz Burt, Meek killed his landlady Violet Shenton and then shot himself.
- Blue is a color. Blue may also refer to:
- Underworld are a British electronic music group formed in 1980 in Cardiff, Wales and the principal name of Karl Hyde and Rick Smith recording together. Prominent former members include Darren Emerson, from 1991 to 1999, and Darren Price, as part of the live band from 2005 to 2016. After initial incarnation as a funk and synth-pop band, resulting in two albums between 1988 to 1989, Underworld gained prominence, after reshaping in 1993, into the progressive house and techno act, and releasing seven subsequent albums, including critically acclaimed Dubnobasswithmyheadman (1994), Second Toughest in the Infants (1996), and the signature 1996 single "Born Slippy .NUXX." Known for visual style and dynamic live performances, Underworld have influenced a wide range of artists and been featured in soundtracks and scores for films, television, and the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.
- Annie Haslam (born 8 June 1947 in Bolton, Lancashire, England) is an English vocalist, songwriter, and painter. She is best known as the lead singer of progressive rock band Renaissance since 1971, and for her long and diverse solo singing career. She has a five-octave vocal range. From 2002, Haslam has developed a parallel career as a visual artist, producing paintings on canvas, painted musical instruments, and giclées.
- Melanie Brown, better known as Mel B or Scary Spice, is an iconic figure in the global music industry. Born on May 29, 1975, in Leeds, England, she started her career with the groundbreaking girl band, Spice Girls, which was formed in 1994. Mel B propelled to international fame as one of the five members of this globally popular quintet. Spice Girls quickly became a sensation, selling over 85 million records worldwide, making them the best-selling female group of all time and etching their name permanently in pop music history. The band's debut album, Spice, released in 1996, was a phenomenal success, topping charts around the world with hit singles like "Wannabe" and "Say You'll Be There." Mel B's talents are not limited to the realms of music alone. After the Spice Girls disbanded in 2000, she embarked on a solo career that once again underscored her versatility. Her debut solo album, Hot, released in 2000, was a testament to her unique musical style, blending elements of pop and R&B. In addition to music, Mel B ventured into television, hosting shows like This Is My Moment (2001-2002) and starring in Broadway productions like Rent (2004). She solidified her presence in TV by taking up roles as a judge on popular reality shows, including America's Got Talent and The X Factor. Beyond her flourishing career, Mel B is also known for her advocacy. She has been vocal about her experiences with domestic abuse, inspiring many with her resilience and strength. She published her candid autobiography, Brutally Honest, in 2018, which details her struggles with mental health, substance abuse, and a volatile marriage.
- The Sugababes were a British girl group formed in 1998 by Siobhán Donaghy, Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan. Their debut album, One Touch, was released in the UK through London Records on 27 November 2000. The album achieved moderate success, peaking at number 26 in April 2001 and eventually being certified Gold. In 2001, Donaghy departed the group amid rumours of a rift with Buchanan and the group were dropped by their record label. With the introduction of Heidi Range, former member of fellow British girl group Atomic Kitten, the group began to experience a higher level of commercial success whilst keeping the critical acclaim they had achieved with their debut album. They released three studio albums before Buena announced her departure in December 2005, leading to Amelle Berrabah being brought in to replace her. Following the release of their first greatest hits album, the new line-up released two studio albums. In September 2009, after 11 years in the Sugababes, Buchanan, the final original member, was replaced by former UK Eurovision entry Jade Ewen. Range, Berrabah and Ewen released the group's seventh studio album, Sweet 7, in 2010, after which they signed to RCA Records, before announcing an indefinite hiatus in 2011. In 2013, Ewen confessed that the Sugababes had split two years earlier. The original line-up of the band reformed in 2011, under the new name Mutya Keisha Siobhan. In 2006, British Hit Singles & Albums named the Sugababes as the most successful female act of the 21st century with six UK number-one singles and eighteen UK top ten hits. They racked up six number-one singles, "Freak like Me", "Round Round", "Hole in the Head", "Push the Button", "Walk This Way" and "About You Now"; the Spice Girls are the only British girl group to have had more. They also released five UK top ten albums, four of which reached at least platinum certification in the UK, and have been nominated for six Brit Awards, winning one for Best British Dance Act in 2003. They have been a long-term fixture in the British tabloids due to their several line-up changes and alleged group infighting.
- Gary Husband (born 14 June 1960) is an English jazz and rock drummer, pianist, and bandleader. He is also a composer, arranger and producer. Husband is a member of John McLaughlin's group The 4th Dimension and also performs with Germany's Norddeutscher Rundfunk Big Band and as a solo pianist. He has been a member of many of Billy Cobham's groups (including Cobham's Spectrum 40 band), the guitarist Allan Holdsworth's groups, British pop/funk band Level 42 and groups led by Jack Bruce and guitarist Gary Moore. As a session musician, Husband also performed, recorded or toured with Jeff Beck, Robin Trower, Nguyên Lê, Lenny White, Randy Brecker, Soft Machine Legacy, Foley, Al Jarreau, Hessischer Rundfunk Big Band, George Martin, Quincy Jones, Andy Summers, UK, Mike Stern, Dewa Budjana, Jack DeJohnette, Tony Levin, Lincoln Goines, Jimmy Haslip, and Antoine Fafard.
- Roland Jaime Orzabal de la Quintana (born 22 August 1961) is an English musician. He is a co-founder, main songwriter and joint vocalist of Tears for Fears, and has also produced other artists.
- Katrina and the Waves were a British-American rock band best known for the 1985 hit "Walking on Sunshine". They also won the 1997 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Love Shine a Light".
- McFly are an English Pop band formed in London in 2003. The band took its name from the Back to the Future character Marty McFly. The band consists of Tom Fletcher (lead vocals, guitar, and piano), Danny Jones (lead vocals, harmonica, and guitar), Dougie Poynter (bass guitar) and Harry Judd (drums). They were signed to Island Records from their 2004 launch until December 2007, before creating their own label, Super Records.McFly rose to fame after fellow band Busted helped launch them by inviting them to tour in 2004. In 2005, they won the Brit Award for Best British Pop Act. McFly's debut album Room on the 3rd Floor debuted at number 1 in the UK Album Chart and is certified as double platinum; this led to them becoming known as the youngest band ever to have an album debut at number one—a title taken from The Beatles. A month after the album was released, the band had their first UK headlining tour.The band's second album, Wonderland, which was released in 2005, also charted at number 1 in the UK making them the youngest band to have topped the UK album charts twice. Their third album, Motion in the Ocean, was released on 6 November 2006 and charted at number 6 in the UK. McFly released their All the Greatest Hits compilation album on 5 November 2007, which charted at number 4 in the UK. The band's fourth studio album, Radio:Active, was given away for free as a supplement in the Mail on Sunday on 20 July 2008, before being released in the conventional manner (via physical release) on 2 September 2008. Fifth album Above the Noise was released in November 2010 and charted at number 20. As of 2016, McFly have had 18 consecutive UK top 20 singles, seven of which reached number one in the UK Singles Chart and seventeen of which were consecutive top ten singles. According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), McFly has been certified for 2 million albums and 1.8 million singles in the UK. and more than 10 million records worldwide. In 2006, McFly appeared as themselves in the film Just My Luck, starring Lindsay Lohan and Chris Pine. They released a US album, Just My Luck, which was also used as the film's soundtrack. They have also performed at various charity projects such as Comic Relief, Children in Need, Live 8, Sport Relief and Earth Hour. In November 2013, it was announced that McFly would be joining forces with Busted to form the "supergroup" McBusted. They played a 34-date tour with both Busted and McFly songs. The only member of the original groups not to participate in the new lineup was former Busted singer Charlie Simpson. After Simpson's return to Busted in November 2015, McFly made a return and sold out their Anthology Tour in September 2016. After that, the band took an indefinite hiatus, with their Twitter account confirming that the boys are focusing on solo projects in 2018. On January 5, 2019, Poynter confirmed via a podcast that the band would be reforming that year with a new album and tour. The plans have since fallen through.
