The Lottery Winners - Live Review

The Lottery Winners at The Bullingdon: A Night of Music, Laughter, and Connection

The Lottery Winners brought their unique blend of indie-pop, humor, and heartfelt moments to The Bullingdon in Oxford as part of their KOKO album launch outstore tour. The intimate venue was packed with fans eager to celebrate the band’s recent success, and the evening turned out to be a perfect mix of music, comedy, and genuine connection.

The Lottery Winners, hailing from Leigh, Greater Manchester, are fronted by the charismatic Thom Rylance, whose quick wit and charm kept the audience entertained throughout the night. Joining him were Katie Lloyd on bass and backing vocals, Rob Lally on guitar, and Joe Singleton on drums, each bringing their own energy and personality to the stage.

From the moment they stepped on stage, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a typical gig. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend music with comedy created an atmosphere that felt more like a gathering of friends than a concert.

The setlist was a mix of tracks from their new album KOKO and fan favorites, with a few surprises thrown in. They opened with Worry and The Meaning of Life, immediately setting the tone for the night with their infectious melodies and relatable lyrics.

One of the standout moments was their cover of Joy Division’s Love Will Tear Us Apart, which was both unexpected and brilliantly executed. Later in the set, they briefly performed Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol, adding their own unique twist to the classic track, comparing their similar chart success.

The band also brought a touch of nostalgia with It Must Be Love (originally by Labi Siffre, but famously covered by Madness). This wasn’t just any cover, though - a Welsh audience member who had traveled from Swansea shouted out a request to sing with Thom. To everyone’s delight, he was invited on stage and delivered a surprisingly good rendition of the song, creating one of the most memorable moments of the evening.

The Lottery Winners’ humor was a constant throughout the night. Thom’s banter with the audience had everyone laughing, whether it was joking about the lighting engineer turning on the mirrorball or sharing stories about the band’s journey.

One particularly touching moment came when the band brought out their number one plaque from their first album (as they hadn’t yet received the one for KOKO). They passed it around the audience, allowing fans to hold a piece of the band’s history - a gesture that perfectly encapsulated their down-to-earth nature and connection with their fans.

The crowd itself was a mix of dedicated followers and newcomers, including a couple who had flown in from Canada that morning and a couple from Swansea. I found myself standing with them, along with “Uncle Steve,” and it was clear that everyone in the room felt like part of the Lottery Winners’ extended family.

The night ended with an encore featuring Turn Around and Burning House, leaving the audience on a high. The Lottery Winners proved that they’re not just a band - they’re entertainers, storytellers, and, above all, a group of people who genuinely care about their fans.

This was my first time seeing The Lottery Winners live, and it certainly won’t be my last. Their ability to combine great music with humor and heartfelt moments made for an unforgettable evening. If you get the chance to see them live, don’t hesitate - it’s an experience that will leave you smiling long after the final note.