How Robbie Williams became a 'therapist' to indie band Lottery Winners

The Lottery Winners, an indie-pop band known for their unique style, have made a name for themselves in the music industry. The band members, dressed in white boiler suits and yellow tops, have a lead singer named Thom Rylance who has faced challenges with anxiety throughout his life. Thom has experienced panic attacks since childhood, but he had never encountered one while performing until recently. During a concert in Bournemouth, he felt an overwhelming sense of dread and struggled to breathe. Despite his internal turmoil, the audience perceived his performance as successful, leaving him feeling apologetic afterward. This incident highlights Thom's ability to mask his anxiety, a skill he has honed over the years. At 35, he openly discusses his mental health struggles in the band's latest album, KOKO, which stands for 'Keep on keeping on. ' This phrase, which he learned from his grandmother, served as a source of comfort during difficult times in his youth. Thom recalls being expelled from school and feeling isolated, but his grandmother's encouragement helped him persevere. Two years ago, Thom was diagnosed with ADHD, which brought him a sense of relief. He described it as a 'release of guilt,' realizing that many of his struggles were not his fault. Reflecting on his past, he expressed sadness over the lack of support he received as a child. He remembers a teacher's harsh words about his future, which caused him significant distress. Now, he visits schools to share his story with children who have ADHD, showing them that success is possible despite educational challenges. The Lottery Winners have been tirelessly working since their formation in 2008, but their journey to success has been gradual. They signed their first record deal with Sire Records in 2016, but when the label's head left the company, their debut album was delayed for years. Eventually, their first album was released in 2020, just before the country went into lockdown, making promotion nearly impossible. Nevertheless, their catchy indie-pop songs and Thom's engaging online presence helped them cultivate a loyal fanbase. By 2023, their third album, Anxiety Replacement Therapy, reached number one on the charts, a significant milestone for Thom, who often felt like an outsider during his childhood. He humorously referred to the achievement as 'a trophy with a number one on it,' symbolizing his hard work and dedication. A remarkable turn of events occurred when Thom became friends with the famous singer Robbie Williams, who invited The Lottery Winners to join him on tour. This opportunity was monumental for Thom, who had admired Robbie for years. Their friendship blossomed, and they began collaborating on music together. Thom affectionately referred to Robbie as his 'therapist,' as they share similar experiences with ADHD. Their conversations range from deep discussions to lighthearted questions about everyday life. The Lottery Winners have also collaborated with other well-known artists, including Shaun Ryder and Boy George. Thom recalls their early days, including winning a music competition in 2010, which provided them with valuable exposure. However, not all moments have been smooth sailing. Last November, Thom faced backlash for a tweet criticizing another musician's campaign, but he sought advice from Noel Gallagher, a fellow musician, to navigate the situation. Despite the ups and downs, Thom remains passionate about advocating for working-class access to the arts. He reminisces about their first gig at a local pub, where they were paid a meager sum but remained committed to their music. Today, they are working hard to fund their European tour and have received support from the UK's Music Export Growth Fund to cover expenses. Thom's relentless creativity and determination drive him to find innovative ways to promote the band. They recently opened a pop-up shop in Leigh, offering free live music and selling their new album, KOKO. Thom is committed to their success and believes that their hard work will lead to more achievements in the future.