Lottery Winners claim UK No. 1 with 'KOKO', detail Williams mentorship
The Lottery Winners have achieved something no Leigh band has managed before: a UK Number One album. Their 2025 release 'KOKO' marks a commercial breakthrough that puts the Manchester indie outfit on the map in ways their previous releases couldn't quite manage. The chart success comes alongside high-profile touring slots that have elevated their profile considerably.
Frontman Thom Rylance spoke candidly about his working relationship with Robbie Williams during the former Take That star's 'BRITPOP' tour. The collaboration extends beyond simple support slots, with Williams bringing Rylance on stage as a special guest during Manchester dates. According to Rylance, the pop veteran has become both mentor and friend, offering creative inspiration through daily exchanges of poems, drawings, and song ideas.
The band's trajectory includes an unusual partnership with Nickelback's Chad Kroeger, sparked by a TikTok sea shanty during lockdown restrictions. What began as pandemic content creation evolved into actual recording collaboration, including tracks 'Rockstar Sea Shanty' and 'Ragdoll'. Kroeger maintains contact through regular video calls, demonstrating how digital platforms can forge unexpected industry connections.
Looking ahead, The Lottery Winners face their biggest test yet: headlining LSV Stadium on May 30. They become only the third act to headline the venue, following Elton John (2014) and Lionel Richie (2018). Support comes from Frank Turner, Reverend & The Makers, and Scouting For Girls, positioning the homecoming show as both celebration and statement of intent.
Rachel Huang covers the business side of music, from streaming data to label deals. She holds a degree in economics and has a weakness for deep-cut B-sides.