Elbow

Elbow formed in Bury in 1990, Guy Garvey's extraordinary voice and the band's atmospheric, emotionally direct sound giving them a quality that was immediately distinctive. They spent years being rejected by record labels before signing to Island Records and releasing their debut album 'Asleep in the Back' (2001) — one of the most acclaimed British debuts of the year.

'Asleep in the Back' was Mercury Prize nominated. 'Cast of Thousands' (2003) and 'Leaders of the Free World' (2005) maintained the quality. But it was 'The Seldom Seen Kid' (2008) that broke them to a mainstream audience — 'One Day Like This', 'Grounds for Divorce', and 'Mirrorball' were all extraordinary. The album won the Mercury Prize. Garvey's lyrics — warm, specific, and possessed of a genuine humanity — connected with millions of people.

Elbow have continued to record and tour with remarkable consistency. 'Build a Rocket Boys!' (2011) and 'The Take Off and Landing of Everything' (2014) were both strong albums. 'Giants of All Sizes' (2019) was their most politically engaged record. Garvey has also had a successful solo career and is one of the most beloved figures in British music.