Shed Seven’s reflects on Monumental 2024: “was a Year of Triumph, Relevance, and Homecoming”
2024 has been nothing short of a landmark year for York’s own Shed Seven. From topping the charts twice to performing in front of their hometown crowd at the Museum Gardens for the first time in over three decades, the iconic Britpop band has proven they still have a significant place in today’s music scene.
Reflecting on the band’s monumental achievements, frontman Rick Witter is understandably proud. “We hope that we’re doing York proud,” he says. The band’s success in 2024 has reaffirmed their status as a force to be reckoned with in the music world, 30 years after they first formed in their hometown of York.
A Year of Chart-Topping Triumph
Shed Seven kicked off the year with a bang in January, landing their first-ever number one album, *A Matter of Time*. That milestone was followed by an even more impressive feat in October, when they secured another number one album with *Liquid Gold*, making them just the 20th artist in history to achieve the rare feat of topping the charts twice in the same calendar year.
For Witter, these successes mark a significant moment of vindication. “What we’ve done in 2024 is not only win some people round, but prove we deserve our place now,” he reflects. While the band’s earlier years were dominated by their association with the nineties Britpop movement, 2024 has demonstrated that Shed Seven is far more than just a nostalgic
Museum Gardens: A Historic Homecoming
One of the standout moments of the year for Shed Seven came in the summer when they became the first band to perform a headline gig at York’s Museum Gardens in over three decades. The event was a triumphant homecoming for the band, and the response from their fans was overwhelming. “The reaction when playing live has never been better,” Witter says. “We seem to have upped it a level.”
The sold-out shows, which took place over two days, were more than just a celebration for the band—they were a testament to the city’s deep connection to the group. Witter notes that the success of the Museum Gardens gig also had a broader impact, benefiting the local economy. “The revenue that it must have brought into the city is a brilliant thing. From taxis to hotels to bars, it’s a win-win really because we get to play homecoming shows in a unique setting and everyone else wins out of it as well.”
The event not only helped solidify Shed Seven’s place in the hearts of York’s residents but also opened the door for more major acts to perform in the venue. With bands like Elbow already booked for 2025, Witter is optimistic about the future of live music at Museum Gardens. He also jokes about keeping an eye on concertgoers by the river to ensure they’ve paid for their tickets.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
While Shed Seven’s 2024 has been a year to remember, the band isn’t resting on their laurels. With 2025 on the horizon, Witter says the band plans to “go a little bit quiet” during the early months of the year before launching into a busy summer festival season. Despite their success, Witter remains grounded in the band’s approach to new music. While they may explore new material in their downtime, he insists that they won’t release anything unless they’re certain it’s up to their high standards.
After the success of *A Matter of Time* and *Liquid Gold*, Witter is unbothered by the pressure to top their achievements. “We’ve never really released something with any intention other than we want people to hear it,” he says. “So, anything else is a bonus. If people like it, that’s a bonus and if it goes high in the charts, that’s an amazing thing.” For Witter and his bandmates, the most important thing is that their new music endures, just as their nineties hits have done.
“It’s the biggest buzz for me,” he says. “That’s what makes me want to do it.”
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s clear that Shed Seven’s influence extends far beyond their Britpop roots. With two number-one albums, a historic hometown performance, and a renewed sense of relevance, the band has proven they’re far from a relic of the past—they’re a vital part of today’s music landscape. The road ahead is full of promise, and if 2024 is any indication, Shed Seven’s legacy is only just beginning to shine even brighter.
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