The Charlatans

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Biography

Since breaking through in 1990 The Charlatans have become one of the UK’s most beloved and enduring bands, their indie roots the focal point of a sound that has taken in everything from psychedelia to soul and funk via country rock.

In a history now stretching beyond 30 years, The Charlatans have crafted a back catalogue of enviable depth and variety, taking in three UK #1 albums (‘Some Friendly’, ‘The Charlatans’, ‘Tellin’ Stories’) and another seven Top 10 records. They’re an albums band with numerous iconic hits, with the classic Top 10 singles ‘The Only One I Know’, ‘One To Another’, ‘North Country Boy’ and ‘How High’ plus another eighteen Top 40 hits to their name. Many of those moments are captured in their ‘Melting Pot’ hits collection, one of two of their albums to have been certified Platinum.

So many instantly recognisable songs really benefits their live experience, whether they’re headlining the O2 Academy Brixton and The Royal Albert Hall, or hitting festivals such as Glastonbury, Reading and the Isle of Wight, or striding into stadiums as guests to the likes of Liam Gallagher and Gerry Cinnamon.

Their journey hasn’t been without immense challenges, notably the tragic losses of keyboardist Rob Collins in 1996 and drummer Jon Brookes in 2013. Yet the band – Tim Burgess (vocals), Martin Blunt (bass), Mark Collins (guitar) and Tony Rogers (keys) – have continued their storied legacy. Their previous album, 2017’s ‘A Different Days’, achieved their highest chart position since 2001, and was hailed by The Guardian as “their best album in 20 years.”

2024 saw The Charlatans start the year with a North American co-headline tour with Ride, before playing a selection of UK festivals. Tim Burgess was also presented with the inaugural Northern Music Award by members of New Order, adding to the band’s previous accolades which include two NME Awards.

The Charlatans kick off a new era with their 14th studio album, We Are Love, released 31st October 2025. Lead single ‘We Are Love’ is a celebratory statement of intent, an urgent, limber, clattering love song to the human race. Propelled forward by driving drums and anthemic guitar, frontman Tim Burgess describes it as “like an open top car ride in the credits of your favourite movie driving along the coast to somewhere amazing.”One of the first tracks to emerge from the album, it became a pathfinder for the record, as Collins explains: “Early on we thought it felt right. And it turned out that way: first single, title track, second song on the album. And things started forming around We Are Love. There was a certain energy to it that drove us forwards.”

Tragedy struck in 1996 when founding member and keyboard player Rob Collins was killed in a car accident. Despite this devastating loss, The Charlatans continued to create music, and released a string of successful albums throughout the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, including ‘Up to Our Hips’ (1994), ‘Tellin’ Stories’ (1997), and ‘Wonderland’ (2001).  Following this, the band sadly lost their drummer Jon Brookes from a brain tumour he was battling in 2013. The band aren’t shy of losses but still continue to push forward to make their fans happy, and to build upon the legacy for their band mates that no longer can.

Throughout their career, The Charlatans have consistently evolved their sound, embracing elements from Britpop and Alternative Rock, whilst remaining true to their unique, signature style. This has earned the band the reputation as musical innovators, and a loyal and dedicated fan base.

As of 2024, The Charlatans are creating new music and touring the world. With a legacy stretching over three decades, the band continue to entertain and inspire their global fanbase with electrifying live performances and timeless songs.

Selected Discography