Lottery Winners perform an intimate set at Manchester pub to support grassroots music

Manchester’s Founder’s Hall was buzzing with excitement yesterday as The Lottery Winners, fresh from the new release of their latest album KOKO, took to the stage to celebrate the places that helped shape their musical journey.

They will find out on Friday whether they have scored another big number one, but they are currently ahead on the midweek charts.

As part of the nationwide ‘Pubs Go Live’ initiative, the Leigh-based band played an intimate and energetic set, paying homage to grassroots pubs and their role in nurturing live music.

Pubs Go Live

Launched by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) and PRS for Music, Pubs Go Live runs from March 20th to 30th, celebrating the vital role pubs play in the UK’s live music scene. It’s a celebration close to the heart of The Lottery Winners, who credit the pub circuit for honing their sound and stage presence.

“Pubs are where live music lives,” said Lottery Winners frontman Thom Rylance.

Thom Rylance from Lottery Winners

“Before the arenas, before the festivals, it starts in the back rooms of boozers, where the crowd is right in front of you and every song has to earn its place. The pub scene is the beating heart of live music.”

Rylance reflected on how performing in small, bustling rooms taught the band invaluable lessons about resilience and connection. “Some of the best gigs you’ll ever see aren’t in stadiums, they’re in pubs. That raw, unfiltered energy, the closeness, the feeling that anything could happen: that’s what makes live music special.”

The Lottery Winners are no strangers to larger venues. With a number one album, Anxiety Replacement Therapy, under their belt and a forthcoming release titled KOKO, the band will soon support Robbie Williams on his European stadium tour.

Yet, despite their meteoric rise, they remain deeply committed to supporting grassroots music venues.

“We cut our teeth in the pubs. Those small rooms teach you everything; how to connect, how to hold an audience, how to handle it when things don’t go your way. You don’t get to the big stages without earning it first.”

Thoms’s words resonated through the crowd at Founder’s Hall, where fans were absolutely loving the intimate high energy the band delivers every time they perform.

British Beer and Pub Association

The BBPA and PRS for Music also revealed new research to mark the launch of Pubs Go Live, ranking Manchester as the ninth-best city for pub gigs in the UK. Belfast took the top spot, with other music hubs like Birmingham, Nottingham, and Bristol also making the list.

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, highlighted the importance of protecting these venues. “Pubs are a cornerstone of our cultural heritage. Many legendary artists started their careers in these intimate spaces, and we must ensure they remain open for future generations of musicians and music lovers.”

As the crowd sang along and the last notes echoed through Founder’s Hall, it was clear that the spirit of live music in pubs was alive and well. For The Lottery Winners, it’s a legacy they are proud to honour — and one they’re determined to see thrive for years to come.

Catch The Lottery Winners’ latest album, KOKO, released this Friday, March 21st. And if you’re near a local pub this week, why not stop by and support live music in its purest form?

Buy the Lottery Winners new album KOKO

You can buy the Lottery Winner’s new album KOKO by clicking here