Final Straw
2003Fiction Records
The breakthrough. Run is one of the most-played British songs of the decade.
Snow Patrol
All Artists
Alternative Rock / Post-Britpop
Snow Patrol
Chasing Cars is one of the most-played British songs of the 21st century. Gary Lightbody's songwriting has always been better than the backlash suggested.
Dundee / BelfastFormed 1994Active
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Biography
Snow Patrol
Snow Patrol formed in Dundee in 1994, Gary Lightbody's emotionally direct songwriting giving the band a quality that was immediately distinctive. They spent several years building a following before signing to Fiction Records and releasing 'Final Straw' (2003) — the album that broke them to a mainstream audience.
'Run' became one of the most-played British songs of the decade. 'Eyes Open' (2006) was the commercial peak — 'Chasing Cars' became one of the most-played songs in the history of UK radio. Lightbody's lyrics — emotionally direct, occasionally overwrought, always sincere — connected with millions of people.
Snow Patrol have continued to record and tour with remarkable consistency. 'A Hundred Million Suns' (2008) and 'Wildness' (2018) were both strong albums. Lightbody has also collaborated with other artists and has been open about his struggles with mental health. They remain one of the most beloved British acts of their generation.
My Take
I was always hunting for new UK music back in the day, and that's how I found Snow Patrol. Living in the Boston area, I caught them on what I think was their first US tour, with Eisley opening — in Providence and then Boston a few days later. Like a lot of people, I was a huge fan of Run, and I got to meet the band at both shows, back when Mark McClelland was still on bass. Over the years I met them four or five times and shared a few beers with Nathan Connolly. Looking back now, it's amazing how Run became such an anthem and changed their lives.
Discography
The Albums
Eyes Open
2006Fiction Records
Chasing Cars is one of the most-played songs in UK radio history.
A Hundred Million Suns
2008Fiction Records
Take Back the City and Crack the Shutters are career highlights.
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