Over the past few years, Leigh-based band The Lottery Winners have built a reputation as one of the most engaging support acts on the circuit. Their success has seen them perform at major festivals and open for acts like Nickelback, Noel Gallagher, and Richard Ashcroft. Their growing popularity is evident in the number of sold-out shows on their Keep On Keeping On (KOKO) tour. Rumours abound (fuelled on the night by frontman Thom Rylance) that they will soon be supporting Robbie Williams.
The band recently joined Frank Turner at his 3000th show at Alexandra Palace, and their KOKO tour has been a resounding success. Kicking off in December with three Manchester dates, it continued in 2025 with shows at major O2 Academy venues and Glasgow’s St Luke’s. The 1200-capacity O2 Academy in Liverpool, hidden behind the Empire Theatre and Lime Street Station, provided the perfect setting for the tour’s penultimate UK performance. With local openers Honey Motel and Manchester’s The Covasettes, the night promised to be lively.
The tour coincides with the rollout of tracks from their upcoming album, also titled KOKO. Initially delayed to avoid clashing with other releases, its new launch date, March 21, aligns with their single Turn Around being named BBC Radio 2’s Record of the Week.
For those who have seen The Lottery Winners live, their success isn’t just about the music—it’s their ability to interact with the crowd. Their performances are unpredictable, shifting between humor, heartfelt anecdotes, and high-energy songs. The band’s dedication to fans is evident in their intimate pre-show hangouts, where around 100 lucky attendees enjoy acoustic sets and chaotic singalongs. These informal gatherings often overrun, frustrating stagehands but delighting fans, who also get first access to prime spots in the crowd.
As the Liverpool show began, Honey Motel opened the night in what was a major moment for the young band. With Freddie Griggs on vocals, Sam Meredith (guitar/keys), Jack Hughes (bass), and Lewis Fogg (drums), they delivered an indie-inspired set blending rock and synth-driven pop. Tracks like Punch Drunk and The Matinee showcased their catchy, festival-ready sound, while When We Die We Die stood out as a punchy highlight. Closing with Aphrodite to an enthusiastic response, they no doubt gained new fans.
Next up, The Covasettes, a Manchester-based indie four-piece, took the stage. Already gaining traction on Spotify and set to support The Zutons, they used this tour to introduce new material. Frontman Chris Buxton (vocals/guitar), Matt Hewlett (lead guitar), Jamie McIntyre (bass), and Matt Buckley (drums) opened with Wave, setting a buoyant tone. Fan favourites Plastic Gold and Polaroid kept the energy high, while Duvet Thief and Be Mine had the crowd engaged. They closed with the gritty Top Drawer, leaving a strong impression. In a crowded indie scene, The Covasettes managed to stand out with their engaging stage presence and infectious tracks.
After a short interlude, The Lottery Winners took the stage to the sound of Robbie Williams’ Let Me Entertain You. Thom Rylance, ever the showman, launched into Worry, instantly igniting the crowd. More than just musicians, The Lottery Winners bring comedy and storytelling to their gigs, and tonight was no exception. Between songs, Thom’s entertaining monologues kept the audience laughing, even if he didn’t quite match his record-breaking nine-minute speech from a previous show.
Musically, the set was a showcase of their diverse sound. 21 channeled a Madchester vibe with reverb-heavy guitars and anthemic lyrics. Superpower, from the upcoming album, saw Thom’s Eminem-style rap contrast with bassist Katie Lloyd’s honeyed vocals. Sertraline and You Again demonstrated their ability to blend upbeat melodies with deeper themes. The poignant You’re Not Alone, featuring Boy George in its video, explored Thom’s struggles with ADHD, while UFO touched on feelings of not belonging. These emotional moments had some fans wiping away tears, mirroring Thom’s own reaction at a previous show.
To lighten the mood, an over-the-top ‘ad break’ for their new album showcased their humour before they dived back into their setlist.
Favourite Flavour, the band’s 2021 feel-good hit from Something To Leave The House For, kicked off with Thom attempting—perhaps unnecessarily—to coach the crowd in their backing vocals. The powerful storytelling of Letter flowed into Much Better before a bold young fan, Marti Swindel, seized his moment. Holding up a sign asking to join the band on stage, his audacity led to five minutes of banter before Thom handed over his guitar. Marti confidently opened Start Again, prompting Thom to quip, “So glad he isn’t shit,” before the band and fans joined in. As the final notes rang out, Thom laughed, “He’s better than me, isn’t he?”
Despite Thom’s earlier reassurance—“you know we’ll be back”—fans insisted on the encore ritual. They returned with Joe Singleton at centre stage, teasing a drum solo before Thom and Katie turned it into an impromptu dance lesson for Turn Around. Thom, never missing a chance for a joke, bragged about the kebab he’d buy with his £32 BBC Radio 2 royalties. The Covasettes rejoined them on stage, and the entire crowd swayed to the track’s infectious groove.
The night closed with the anthemic Burning House, the audience in full voice for one final sing-along. Then came the grand finale—Thom downing beer from his cowboy boot and spraying the crowd, before the band linked arms for a playful send-off to Cotton Eye Joe. A wild, unforgettable night.
The energy never wavered, proving why The Lottery Winners are rapidly rising stars in the UK music scene. With their combination of talent, humour, and deep connection with fans, it’s clear they’re not just keeping on—they’re soaring.
Bryan Fowler
