Thom Rylance joins us on I Never Thought it would happen
Thom talks Britpop roots, channelling Freddie Mercury, and life-changing teachers — plus landing a second UK No.1 album.
In the latest episode of I Never Thought It Would Happen, host Chris Difford sits down with Thom Rylance, frontman of indie-pop powerhouse The Lottery Winners, for a candid and moving conversation. With the band fresh off announcing the second leg of their 2025 Keep On Keeping On tour, Thom reflects on his musical journey, personal challenges, and the thrill of connecting with fans.
The Lottery Winners’ newest album, KOKO (short for Keep On Keeping On), has become their second Number One LP, and Thom discusses how songwriting has always been his personal therapy. “I will tap into the emotions of a situation and when I write it, that feels like therapy,” he says. “And then when you get to play it live and someone says it’s important to them, that’s when I am absolved.”
The conversation touches on growing up in a working-class town in Greater Manchester and the role Help Musicians played during the COVID lockdowns. Thom is passionate about access in the arts: “Working-class people have the best stories to tell.”
There’s humour and warmth as he describes his first concert – Radiohead in Edinburgh – where he was so overcome by the power of music that he cried in the rain. Thom also opens up about receiving an ADHD diagnosis and the impact one inspiring teacher had by introducing him to the guitar: “That one act from him changed my entire life.”
He talks with joy about the excitement of playing live: “I just believe in entertainment… In a live gig situation, you need to provide a feeling. That’s my responsibility. My favourite one to provide is joy.”
There are laughs, too – from meeting his hero Johnny Marr under unexpected circumstances to the surreal reality of the band’s upcoming stadium tour with Robbie Williams: “I’m going to feel like a proper pop star… apart from flying on EasyJet!”
Chris and Thom also reflect on confidence, the importance of sobriety while on tour, and the evolving nature of the music industry: “We are waiting for the next adaptation.”
Catch the full episode now to hear more insights, stories, and listener questions answered by Chris. It’s a powerful reminder of why music matters – and the people behind it.