Rock's Resurgence: Lottery Winners Headline Hometown Stadium
Three years after climbing to number one on the UK charts as a relatively unknown band from Leigh, the Lottery Winners are now preparing to headline their hometown stadium. Lead singer Thom Rylance expressed mixed feelings about the upcoming show at Leigh Sports Village stadium on Saturday, May 30.
'I've got a lot of mixed feelings about it,' Thom confessed. 'I've literally always wanted to do it since we were playing in the pubs in the shadows of the stadium. I always looked at it and thought one day. That day is rapidly approaching, which makes me anxious and nervous.'
Stadium Success and Chart Triumphs
This performance marks a significant milestone for the band, which includes Thom Rylance, Robert Lally, Katie Lloyd, and Joe Singleton. While they have previously opened for Robbie Williams at stadiums, headlining their own show feels distinctly different. Thom admitted the booking was an impulse suggestion, quickly forgotten until management confirmed dates.
Despite initial concerns about a 'very expensive mistake,' the band is now 'a hair away from selling out' the 12,000-capacity venue, with only 'bad seats' remaining. Fans, however, insist there are no bad seats for a Lottery Winners concert, praising their energetic live performances.
Chart success has also been impressive, with two consecutive number one albums. Yet, Thom revealed struggles with public criticism, particularly from an influencer who mocked the band's Brits nomination. His Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, linked to ADHD, intensified his emotional response, leading to a candid social media reply.
Creative Outlets and Celebrity Friendships
To cope with the pressures of fame, Thom has turned to poetry and spoken word, sharing his work on social media. After feeling stuck while working on their fifth album, he explored photography and poetry as creative alternatives. 'I need to make stuff. I couldn't just keep trying to write Angels every day,' he quipped, referencing Robbie Williams' hit.
His friendship with Robbie Williams has been transformative. Robbie praised Thom as 'the most important person' he'd met in the last year, a sentiment Thom reciprocated, noting how their shared ADHD diagnosis fosters a deep connection. 'Having that kind of support network of people who understand the way you feel is just so incredibly important,' Thom emphasized.
This network includes artists like Reverend and the Makers' Jon McClure, Frank Turner, and Nickelback's Chad Kroeger, with the former two set as special guests for the stadium show. Scouting For Girls will support, a choice Thom laughed at, calling them a 'tough act to follow.'
Future Ambitions and Self-Doubt
Looking ahead, Thom has drafted around 80 songs for the next album, aiming for 100 before selecting the best 10. 'I really want a song to really land this time,' he shared. 'I want that song that everybody knows. I just want everyone's grandma to know who I am.'
Despite their success, Thom still battles feelings of inadequacy. 'I don't feel like we're a proper band still, and I don't think I ever will,' he reflected. 'I still feel like I'm blagging it or pretending. And I hope that goes away.'
The Lottery Winners' stadium show on May 30 represents a triumph for rock music, challenging notions of the genre's decline. With tickets still available through Ticketmaster, this event underscores the band's journey from local pubs to global stages, one stadium at a time.
