Joyfully rattled by a brush with international fame thanks to the viral sensation that was their sea shanty version of Nickelback’s ‘Rockstar’ , the irrepressably upbeat and endlessly industrious Greater Manchester four-piece, Lottery Winners return with Sleeper’s Louise Wener to release Bad Things. Deep thinkers wrapped in the bubblegum shine of pure pop, the band’s R’n’B-scented single is an affecting and appropriately-timed moment of reflection on where everyone’s luck lies. Or doesn’t.
Having been just one of the thousands of bands and artists contained by the absence of live music, the band also look to September 2021 for a return to the stage, announcing a rescheduled run of dates that starts in Brighton on Wed 1 September and ends with their landmark, homecoming date at Manchester’s O2 Ritz at the end of that month.
Their second feature from the upcoming Start Again EP, having released Start Again with Frank Turner in January, the track follows a hectic and bracigly successful New Year. Not only did Start Again hit the airwaves, but THAT ocean-going, Tik Tok cover with Nickelback made headlines around the world after the Canadian rock legends spotted guitarist, Robert Lally, playing around on the app. He has since uploaded his takes on Liam Gallagher singing Coldplay and The Cure covering Neil Diamond.
Having scored era-defining hits during Britpop’s peak, Sleeper need no introduction. The voice that propelled singles like Sale Of The Century and What Do I Do Now? Louise Wener joins Lottery Winners’ front man, Thom Rylance and bassist/vocalist Katie Lloyd on joint vocals on the fresh, beats-driven single. Rylance wrote the introspective lyrics following an ominous encounter with a person who left him with nothing other than the song. Having toured together in happier days in 2018, Wener required little convincing to get on board.
She says: “I’ve loved this band since we first toured with them. In the darkest, most dismal days of lockdown their online performances have been a ray of musical light. Funny, sweet, cool and important all at the same time. It was a joy to guest on this track – a pared back and beautiful song. Full of heart with their trademark lyrical bite and twist.”
Looking firmly ahead to brighter, louder and more celebratory times with their fans, Lottery Winners’ rearranged 2021 UK Tour dates are as follows:
- Wed 1 Sep Brighton, The Prince Albert
- Thu 2 Sep Southampton, Joiners
- Fri 3 Sep Birmingham, The Castle & Falcon
- Sun 5 Sep Nottingham, Bodega
- Tue 7 Sep Bristol, Thekla
- Wed 8 Sep Leeds, The Key Club
- Thu 9 Sep Blackpool, Bootleg Social
- Fri 10 Sep Wigan, The Boulevard
- Sat 11 Sep Stoke, The Sugarmill
- Thu 23 Sep London, Oslo
- Fri 25 Sep Manchester, The Ritz
- Thu 30 Sep Sheffield, The Leadmill
Tickets for all dates will be available from Fri 19 February 2021 with more information for existing ticket holders and booking links available via www.thelotterywinners.co.uk and the band’s social media.
