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Biography
The band was started by bassist Martin Blunt, who roped in fellow Midlanders, Rob Collins and Jon Brookes, as well as front man Tim Burgess, who was from Northwich. As the band recorded demos and became known on the underground scene, they were often attributed to being a part of the late 80s “Madchester” scene, mainly due to Burgess’ Mancunian roots, but in actual fact, they were recording their music in Birmingham.
However the band moved to Chester in 1990 as they released their debut single “Indian Rope”. After gaining a buzz on the indie circuit, the band were snapped up by major label Situation Two, who released their first top ten single, “The One I Only Know”. Their debut album “Some Friendly” quickly followed, debuting at number one in the UK Charts, as they established themselves as a major force in the early Britpop days.
Their second album “Between 10th and 11th” was released in 1992, and saw The Charlatans taste international success, as their single “Weirdo” charted at Number 1 in the US alternative charts. The band continued their chart topping ways in 1995, when their eponymous debuted at number one in the UK album charts.
During the writing and recording of their next album, 1997’s “Tellin’ Stories”, founding member Rob Collins was killed in a car crash, making it the last release to feature his work. It was the band's most commercially successful album, featuring three top ten singles.
Since 2000, the band have released a further handful of albums, on Universal Records, Sancturary Records and Cooking Vinyl. All of the Charlatans albums have successfully charted in the UK Top 40. The band has also played a variety of high profile gigs such as opening for the Rolling Stones and The Who.
In 2013, the band announced that drummer Jon Brookes had lost his battle with brain cancer. The band played a tribute show for Brookes, and other bands such as Beady Eye and Manic Street Preachers joined them. Money made from the night went towards The Brain Tumour Charity, who have set up a fund in Brookes' name.
Live reviews
Once upon a time, it felt like The Charlatans were going to rule the music world following a series of consistently hit-filled albums which culminated in 1997’s Telling Stories. Sadly, tragedy intervened in the band’s career, taking from them their incredibly talented keyboardist Rob Collins at far too early an age, stalling their successes. Before all that, The Charlatans burst out of Northwich in the Black Country via the indie-dancefloor classic ‘The Only One I Know’, taken from their 1990 LP Some Friendly. They probably peaked with 1995’s self-titled record, inspired by US artists loved by singer Tim Burgess as much as it was by the UK’s burgeoning dance scene. Later albums saw the band dipping their toes into country and Curtis Mayfield-esque soul with varying levels of success. The band sadly lost a second member, drummer Jon Brookes, to cancer in 2012, leaving Burgess, Mark Collins and Martin Blunt as the only original members. To see The Charlatans live is to be regaled with a set full of familiar hits providing comfort and euphoria in equal measure. Burgess’ voice has aged surprisingly well (thanks in part to a varied solo career running beside his band’s) and it’s a sheer delight to hear ‘Can’t Get Out of Bed’, ‘North Country Boy’ and ‘One to Another’ delivered with as much power as they were fifteen years ago. And of course, stick around for the encore and you’ll be exhilarated by every fan’s favourite Charlies moment – ‘Sproston Green’.
AndyHannah
I've seen the Charlatans over 30 times. This was by far the least enjoyable. The band did nothing wrong and were in great form, as they always are.
I've seen them do 2 of these double header gigs with James and I have to say that I don't really get it. Having a show like this so close to Christmas just seems to attract what I call 'commadores', as in once, twice, three gigs a year. Pissed up idiots who are only there to sing along to Sit Down by James or North Country Boy by The Charlatans. They stand around talking or making repeat trips to the bar whilst moaning about the band not playing enough hits. In reality they're not huge fans of either band, they're just there to kill two birds with one stone.
There's no such thing as a co-headlining gig. One band will always be a support act. The Charlatans are too good to be supporting James and vice versa. Just because neither band is capable of selling out arena's on their own these days doesn't mean that sticking them on the same bill in an arena is a good idea.
Personally I'd much rather see The Charlatans and James doing their own headline show each, in a smaller venue like Manchester Apollo.
The real fans would certainly find it a far more rewarding experience.
steve-molyneux
Is there a better way than spending a warm summer evening in the company of the Charlatans?
Blossoms opened proceedings and I was intrigued to see whether Blossoms would live up to the hype and they did pretty well would love to see them headline their own show indoors somewhere.
Super Furry Animals were next on and although 6 years on from the last time I saw them it felt like they'd never been away.
Coming on to the Coronation Street theme, Tim Burgess grinning like the Cheshire Cat, the band launched into hit after hit finishing with an epic version of Sproston Green. I can't think of an other band where there is so much mutual love and goodwill between audience and band. A fantastic evening for all involved.
frogonastick
I didn’t realise just how much I’d missed The Charlatans until Friday night’s gig at Brudenell Social Club, Leeds. Tim Burgess is one of British music’s most underrated front-men - full of energy and banter, as he and the band filled the intimate venue with a set of greatest hits. ‘Back in the day’ The Charlatans were sometimes overshadowed by their baggy contemporaries - but this gig was a reminder of their consistent output over the years. Each and every song provoked a trip down memory lane, whilst also being a timeless classic. A very hot night for a rather cool return.
colgriff
These guys still have it!... Great new album. Tim Burgess never seems to age, is the Peter Pan of the band with the coolest hair cut in town. So much time and appreciation for their fans they all took photos and signed every purchased album. I left feeling special and touched by these guys. An evening to remember.
Kirs10
My first time seeing the Charlies. They sounded good. Tim's hair was a bit of disaster but that is as bad as it got. The set list was the same as they did in Japan no suprises there. 9 out of 10!
petenlydia-dolinsk-1
