Shed Seven frontman Rick Witter with BBC news Celebrate Historic Chart Achievement with Second Number One Album of 2024
Shed Seven frontman Rick Witter has admitted that the band is still coming to terms with a remarkable achievement—securing their second number one album of 2024. The York-based Britpop band, which marked its 30th anniversary this year, has joined a prestigious group of just 20 artists to have topped the UK album charts twice in a single calendar year.
The band’s first chart-topping success came in January with *A Matter of Time*, their first-ever number one album, and it has now been followed by *Liquid Gold*. This achievement has cemented their place in musical history, alongside icons like The Beatles, Elton John, Queen, and Taylor Swift, all of whom have also reached this rare milestone.
“It’s madness, I think it’s going to take a little bit of time to compute,” Witter reflected on the accomplishment. 
Witter also expressed how special this moment is for the band’s hometown, York. “We have kind of done something very unique for York, which is just as amazing as anything else – we’ve well and truly put York on the musical map,” he said, proud of their contribution to the city’s cultural legacy.
Shed Seven’s Journey: From Top 40 to Historic Triumph
While the band has long been a fixture on the UK music scene, *Liquid Gold* is a major milestone in their 30-year career. Prior to this, Shed Seven had enjoyed six Top 40 albums, with four of them breaking into the Top 10. Notable entries include *A Maximum High* (1996), *Let It Ride* (1998), *Going for Gold* (1999), and *Instant Pleasures* (2017), all of which garnered widespread acclaim.
But it’s *Liquid Gold* that has taken their success to new heights, marking a creative and commercial peak for the band. The album also revisits famous tracks from their past, acting as both a celebration of their legacy and a continuation of their artistic journey.
Guitarist Paul Banks expressed his amazement at the achievement, saying, “Can’t quite really believe that we’re standing here once again this year, but this is our second number one of 2024, which is just absolutely mind-blowing.”
Celebrating 30 Years with Hometown Gigs
To commemorate their 30th anniversary, Shed Seven returned to their roots with two sold-out homecoming shows in York’s historic Museum Gardens. The gigs, which drew around 4,000 people each night, showcased the band’s enduring appeal and gave fans a chance to relive their greatest hits in the very city where it all began.
As they celebrated their milestone with their hometown crowd, it was clear that the band’s journey—one that has spanned three decades—is far from over. *Liquid Gold* isn’t just a career-defining album for the band, but a testament to their resilience and continued relevance in the music industry.
A Bright Future Ahead
With *Liquid Gold* topping the charts and a string of successful releases behind them, Shed Seven has proven that they still have plenty to offer. Their ability to revisit their past while creating fresh, exciting new music has resonated with both long-time fans and new listeners alike. As Witter suggested, the band may take some time to reflect on their success in the quieter months ahead, but for now, they can savor their place in history—an accomplishment that will be remembered for years to come.
In a year already marked by significant achievements, Shed Seven’s two number one albums in 2024 serve as a powerful reminder that some bands just get better with age. Their unique journey continues to inspire and solidify their position as one of the UK’s most enduring and beloved acts.
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