Shed Seven
Pressing Play
Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we introduce Shed Seven, a York-based band known for their string of anthemic hits and their unwavering dedication to melody-driven rock in the Britpop era.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signalled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there, or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Originated in: York, England
Active years: 1990–2003, 2007–present
Associated genres: Alternative rock, Britpop
Record labels: Polydor, Artful, Taste Media, BMG, Cooking Vinyl
Members: Rick Witter – vocals / Paul Banks – guitar / Tom Gladwin – bass / Tim Wills – keyboards, guitar / Rob Maxfield – drums
Former members: Alan Leach – drums / Joe Johnson – guitar / Fraser Smith – keyboards
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1990 by Rick Witter, Paul Banks, and Tom Gladwin after playing in various local bands.
Signed a six-album deal with Polydor Records in 1993 after gaining a reputation for high-energy live shows.
Released debut single "Mark"/"Casino Girl" in 1994, laying the groundwork for their Britpop breakthrough.
Rise to Prominence
Achieved their first UK Top 40 hit with "Dolphin" (1994), leading to a performance on Top of the Pops.
Debut album Change Giver (1994) spawned multiple hits, cementing their status as Britpop stalwarts.
By 1996, A Maximum High propelled them to mainstream success, with "Going for Gold" becoming their highest-charting single at number 8.
Commercial Success and Albums
Released three studio albums during their peak era: Change Giver (1994), A Maximum High (1996), and Let It Ride (1998).
Their compilation album Going for Gold (1999) included new material and became a fan favourite, selling over 130,000 copies.
Post-reunion, Instant Pleasures (2017) marked a triumphant return, while A Matter of Time (2024) and Liquid Gold (2024) saw the band achieve their first number one albums.
Later Activities and Legacy
Disbanded in 2003 but reunited for a successful greatest hits tour in 2007, reigniting interest in their music.
Continued to tour and release new music, maintaining a loyal fanbase affectionately known as "Shed Heads."
In 2024, they became one of the few bands to achieve two number one albums in the same year.
Notable Facts
Chart Dominance in 1996: Shed Seven had more UK Top 40 singles that year than any other act.
Unique Fanbase: In Thailand, their single "Ocean Pie" beat Take That to the Christmas number one spot.
Two Number Ones in 2024: A Matter of Time and Liquid Gold marked their first and second UK chart-topping albums in the same year.
Defining Lyric
"While my mind is blind again" - Going for Gold (1996)
Discography
Change Giver (1994)
A Maximum High (1996)
Let It Ride (1998)
Truth Be Told (2001)
Instant Pleasures (2017)
A Matter of Time (2024)
Liquid Gold (2024)
Essential Listening
"Going for Gold" (1996): Their iconic anthem and highest-charting single, capturing Britpop’s hopeful spirit.
"Disco Down" (1999): A danceable, melodic triumph from their Going for Gold compilation.
"Cry for Help" (2001): A heartfelt track showcasing the band’s evolution in the early 2000s.
Why You Should Be Listening to Shed Seven Now
Shed Seven’s journey from Britpop favourites to enduring rock icons is a testament to their talent and passion. With recent chart-topping albums and a catalogue full of timeless hits, they remain as relevant as ever.
See you on down the road.
