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Rick Witter

Rick Witter (born 23 November 1972) is an English , and radio , best known as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the York-based band . Born in and raised in various locations including and before settling in at age 11, Witter formed in 1990 with school friends, including bassist Tom Gladwin; guitarist Paul Banks joined shortly after. The band rose to prominence during the era, achieving significant commercial success between 1994 and 1999 with fifteen Top 40 singles—including the Top 10 hit "" in 1996—and four Top 20 albums. Witter co-wrote many of the band's songs and became recognized for his energetic stage presence and distinctive vocal style. Shed Seven disbanded in 2003 but reunited in 2007, continuing to tour and release music, culminating in their first UK number one album, A Matter of Time, in January 2024, followed by a second chart-topper, the orchestral album Liquid Gold, later that year—making them one of only twenty acts to achieve two number one albums in a single calendar year. Beyond the band, Witter has pursued side projects, including the short-lived group Rick Witter & The Dukes in 2005 and earlier collaborations like Pet Project, while also hosting a weekly indie music show on Jorvik Radio since at least 2020.

Early life

Family background

Richard James Witter was born on 23 November 1972 at in , , . His family's early home was in the nearby suburb of . Witter's father was Roger Witter, who died at the age of 60 from cancer while under care at St Leonard's Hospice in . Following his father's passing, Witter dedicated his 2007 album to Roger's memory. The Witter family experienced several relocations during his childhood, including stints in and , before settling in when he was 11 years old. This move to marked a significant shift in their family life.

Education

Rick Witter was born in in 1972 and moved to at the age of 11, where he attended Huntington School, a coeducational comprehensive . Upon arrival in 1983, an administrative error initially placed him in the second year ahead of his age group, but this was quickly rectified by his biology teacher during a lesson, allowing him to join the correct first-year class. At Huntington School, Witter formed initial musical bonds with future collaborator Paul Banks, whom he met while cycling home from school around 1984. Their shared enthusiasm for music began to develop through casual conversations and peer interactions, laying the groundwork for collaborative creative pursuits. The school's environment, as a large comprehensive with approximately 1,500 pupils, encouraged exploration of personal interests among students, including music and performance, through everyday social dynamics and extracurricular opportunities that fostered creativity without formal band structures. This setting in during the helped nurture Witter's early passion for music amid a supportive community of like-minded peers.

Music career

Shed Seven

Shed Seven was formed in 1990 in by vocalist and lyricist Rick Witter, alongside school friend and guitarist Paul Banks, bassist Tom Gladwin, drummer Alan Leach, and guitarist Joe Johnson, emerging from the remnants of their earlier group Brockley Haven. The band signed a six-album deal with in 1993, marking the beginning of their rise in the scene. Witter's role as frontman quickly became central, with his lyrics often drawing from personal and observational themes, complemented by his energetic stage presence that energized live performances. During the Britpop era, Shed Seven achieved significant commercial success, releasing 15 consecutive UK Top 40 singles between 1994 and 2001, including the hit "Going for Gold" in 1996, which peaked at number eight on the UK Singles Chart. Their debut album Change Giver (1994) and follow-ups like A Maximum High (1996) and Let It Ride (1998) solidified their status, with Witter's charismatic delivery and the band's anthemic sound resonating with audiences. The group entered a hiatus in 2003 after parting ways with Polydor amid creative frustrations, but Witter maintained his commitment to the band's legacy through sporadic performances. The band reformed in 2007 for a greatest-hits tour, gradually rebuilding momentum with new material and consistent UK shows, leading to albums such as Instant Pleasures (2017). In 2024, Shed Seven marked a career pinnacle with two number-one albums on the UK Official Albums Chart: A Matter of Time, their first studio release in seven years, and the orchestral tribute Liquid Gold, celebrating 30 years since their debut. Witter's contributions as lyricist continued to shine, with themes of resilience and reflection driving the records, while his dynamic frontmanship fueled sold-out tours. Ongoing activity includes high-profile 2024 homecoming gigs in , their headline slot at in 2025—their first appearance there in 30 years—and a 30th anniversary tour spanning 23 dates in late 2024, where Witter's enduring energy on stage has been praised for captivating crowds and bridging generations of fans. These developments underscore Witter's pivotal role in sustaining Shed Seven's relevance three decades after formation.

Side projects

In 2004, Witter collaborated with producer Fraser Smith in the short-lived duo Pet Project, a York-based two-piece that released the single "Emergency". In 2005, Rick Witter formed the York-based alternative rock band Rick Witter & the Dukes as a side project during Shed Seven's hiatus. Comprising Witter on vocals, Rob Wilson on guitar and backing vocals, Stuart Fletcher on bass, and Matt Lunn on drums, the group recorded their self-financed debut album at Soundworks Studios in Leeds during late 2006 and early 2007, produced by the band alongside Will Jackson. Titled The Year of the Rat, the album was released in April 2007 via the Hookline and Singer label and features 11 tracks blending and elements, with contributions from fellow musicians on select songs. The band supported the release with a week of low-key concerts in , mixing new material with select tracks. Following the album's launch, Rick Witter & the Dukes maintained limited activity, with only sporadic performances thereafter and no additional recordings, framing the endeavor as a singular creative outlet for Witter outside his primary band commitments.

Broadcasting career

Radio hosting

Rick Witter launched his radio show "Rick Witter's Down" in the early on Minster FM, where it aired Sundays from 7 to 9 p.m. and included monthly podcasts available for download on the station's website. The program was revived in on Jorvik Radio for a one-night special on May 31, also in the 7 to 9 p.m. slot, fostering a sense of musical among listeners. By , Witter continues to host the two-hour show weekly on Jorvik Radio (94.8 FM or online), maintaining the same evening schedule from his hometown of . The format features indie music selections, particularly from the era, interspersed with Witter's personal anecdotes, tailored to engage local audiences through its -oriented broadcasts. This draw partly stems from Witter's Shed Seven fanbase, enhancing the show's appeal for music enthusiasts in the region. Witter has also made guest appearances on national platforms, such as , where he discussed Shed Seven's performances and promotions in interviews tied to events like Radio 2 in the Park in 2024.

DJ performances

Rick Witter began performing occasional DJ sets at venues around . His earliest documented appearance was on 7 2013 at PJ Molloys in , . These solo performances have taken place at clubs, aftershow parties, and themed nights, including events on minicruises and at locations such as The in (February 2019) and The Old Woollen in (October 2022). Witter has also appeared at festivals and prominent spots like The Welly Club in and The Birdwell Venue in . Bookings for Witter's DJ appearances are managed through professional contacts, with enquiries directed to [email protected]. His sets typically blend tracks with indie and disco selections, as featured in events under the banner of "Rick Witter's Disco Down," such as the Star Shaped Club party at in , held monthly on the last Friday. Many of Witter's DJ gigs tie into Shed Seven's touring schedule, including exclusive aftershow sets following band concerts, like the official afterparty at The Britpop Disco, where he spins tracks to extend the live energy for fans. These solo outings underscore his adaptability as an entertainer, distinct from his by emphasizing in-person, event-based mixing at clubs and post-gig celebrations.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Rick Witter married his long-term partner in 2011. They are the parents of at least four children, including sons and , and daughters (also known as ) and . The family resides in , where Witter balances the demands of his and career with everyday responsibilities such as school runs and afternoons in local parks. Although Witter has historically valued regarding his family—as noted in a 2012 interview—he has publicly shared details about some of his children in recent years, including musical collaborations with in 2020 and performances with in 2018 and 2019.

Interests

Rick Witter is a lifelong supporter of Manchester United, with his fandom deeply rooted in his birthplace. Born in 1972 at in , , he attended his first match—a 2-0 victory over rivals at 's —just before turning five in 1977. Influenced by his father, another devoted United fan, Witter has frequently discussed this passion in interviews, recalling early memories of the club's icons like and the "overwhelming" atmosphere at that solidified his allegiance despite later family moves away from the region. Witter resides in , where he leads a low-profile centered on local connections and . He champions the city's vibrant scene, advocating for regular outdoor events to boost cultural life and provide economic benefits for residents, such as supporting nearby businesses during gatherings like the 2024 concerts at that drew thousands without incident. His commitment to York ties into his family life, allowing him to nurture personal roots while contributing to the area's artistic fabric through support for emerging local talent. Beyond , Witter maintains casual interests in sports and , enjoying York's community-oriented pursuits that align with his everyday routine.

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