The Charlatans U.K. on Tour
The Charlatans U.K. are one of Britain's hardiest and endlessly creative rock acts. Long after becoming a defining band of the moment when rock converged with rave culture, they weathered the changes around them to stake out a unique place in British music. A powerful demonstration of their melodic, guitar-driven blend of rock, soul, and dance music, Different Days became their 13th album to reach the U.K. Top 40 in 2017.
The Charlatans originally formed in Birmingham in 1989 before relocating to the Northwich hometown of singer Tim Burgess. Success came quickly for the young act, which scored an indie hit with debut single "Indian Rope."Ā
They then became a nationwide phenomenon with the release of "The Only One I Know." With its fusion of 1960s R&B and the energy of British rave culture, the Charlatans' first Top 10 hit helped define what would become the Manchester sound ā so what if they actually hailed from the West Midlands? The Charlatans' debut album Some Friendly went straight to No. 1 in 1990.
Despite the legal challenge by an American band that resulted in the addition of "U.K." to their name, the group made a strong first impression with U.S. listeners. Some Friendly reached No. 73 on the Billboard 200, with "The Only One I Know" peaking at No. 37 on the Mainstream Rock singles chart.
The Charlatans U.K. topped the British charts again in 1995 with their self-titled fourth album. Streamlining their sound for the Britpop era, the Charlatans U.K. found a sweet spot between acid house and Rolling Stonesāstyle classic rock. The band members' love of folk, soul, R&B, and reggae would shine through on subsequent albums like Telling Stories (another No. 1 in 1997), Us and Us Only (1999), and Simpatico (2006).
Sadly, their history would be marked by the tragic loss of original keyboardist Rob Collins, who died in an auto accident in 1996; and drummer Jon Brookes, who succumbed to a battle with cancer in 2013. But the band ā now a foursome of singer Tim Burgess, bassist Martin Blunt, guitarist Mark Collins, and keyboardist Tony Rogers ā brandish the same verve and vitality they displayed in those early days. A four-track EP released in 2018, Totally Eclipsing is convincing proof for any who may need it.
