The Struts
The Struts are a British glam rock band formed in Derby, England, in 2012, renowned for their high-energy live performances and a sound drawing from classic rock influences such as Queen, the Rolling Stones, and Def Leppard.[1][2][3] Comprising lead vocalist Luke Spiller, guitarist Adam Slack, bassist Jed Elliott, and drummer Gethin Davies, the band relocated to Los Angeles in 2014 to pursue broader opportunities in the American music scene.[4][5] Their debut EP, Have You Heard, arrived in 2014, followed by four studio albums: Everybody Wants (2016), Young & Dangerous (2018), Strange Days (2020), and Pretty Vicious (2023).[1][6] The Struts gained prominence through relentless touring, opening for iconic acts including the Rolling Stones, Guns N' Roses, and Foo Fighters—the latter of whom praised them as "the best opening band we've ever had."[7] They have also performed at major festivals like Lollapalooza and collaborated with artists such as Robbie Williams, Kesha, and, as of 2025, Queen guitarist Brian May on a re-recorded version of "Could Have Been Me,"[1][8][9] solidifying their reputation for theatrical, anthemic rock that blends 1970s glam with modern arena sensibilities.Band members
Current members
The current lineup of The Struts, as of 2025, consists of four core members who have been together since the band's formation.[1] Luke Spiller serves as lead vocalist and pianist, having co-founded the band in 2012; he is renowned for his flamboyant stage presence and primary songwriting contributions that shape the group's glam rock aesthetic.[10][11][12] Adam Slack is the lead guitarist, also a founding member since 2012, and handles the band's signature riffs and guitar arrangements that drive their high-energy sound.[10][13] Jed Elliott plays bass guitar and contributes to the rhythm section, joining in 2012; as part of the band's collaborative production efforts on albums like Pretty Vicious, he helps craft their polished yet explosive tracks.[10] Gethin Davies provides drums and percussion, having joined in 2012, delivering the propulsive beats that underpin the band's theatrical and energetic performances.[10][14]Former members
The Struts' original lineup, formed in 2012 in Derby, England, included vocalist Luke Spiller and guitarist Adam Slack alongside bassist Jamie Binns and drummer Rafe Thomas. Binns and Thomas departed later in 2012, paving the way for the band's current configuration with bassist Jed Elliott and drummer Gethin Davies, which has remained stable since. This early transition occurred prior to the band's signing with Future Records and their relocation to Los Angeles in 2014, contributing to a more solidified rhythm section for their emerging glam rock sound.[15][16][17] Jamie Binns served as the band's bassist from its inception in 2012 until later that year, contributing to initial songwriting and live performances during the group's formative years in Derby.[18] His tenure ended with the lineup change that aligned the band with their breakthrough era, though specific reasons for his exit were not publicly detailed.[17] Rafe Thomas handled drums for the Struts from 2012 to later that year, providing the foundational backbeat for early demos and local gigs before the rhythm section overhaul. Like Binns, Thomas's departure was part of the 2012 shift, after which the band focused on refining their high-energy stage presence without further changes to the core quartet.[19] No additional short-term members, such as keyboardists, are documented in the band's early history.[20]History
Formation and early years (2012–2014)
The Struts were formed in Derby, Derbyshire, England, in 2012 by vocalist Luke Spiller and guitarist Adam Slack as a glam rock project drawing inspiration from 1970s acts such as Queen and Slade.[1][21] The duo bonded over their shared passion for high-energy rock music, aiming to revive the theatrical flair and swagger of classic glam eras.[21] The band's name originated from an observation during early rehearsals, where Spiller's confident, strutting stage presence caught the attention of their manager, who suggested "The Struts" to capture that bold posture and performative energy.[22][23] This playful reference aligned with their vision of creating anthemic, swagger-filled songs designed for explosive live performances.[24] The initial lineup included bassist Jamie Binns and drummer Rafe Thomas, completing the quartet for their first rehearsals and local gigs in UK pubs and small venues around Derby and nearby areas.[25] These early shows focused on developing high-energy anthems that emphasized Spiller's charismatic vocals and the band's glam-infused sound, building a grassroots following through consistent performances.[26] However, lineup tensions arose, leading to the departure of Thomas and Binns in 2012, after which they were replaced by bassist Jed Elliott and drummer Gethin Davies to solidify the group's rhythm section.[25][26] In 2014, The Struts released their debut EP, Kiss This, which showcased their polished glam rock style and garnered attention from industry scouts.[27] The EP, issued through Future Records Limited under exclusive license to Virgin EMI Records, marked their first major recording effort and led to a signing with the label, paving the way for broader exposure.[28]The Everybody Wants era (2014–2017)
The Struts recorded their debut studio album Everybody Wants with producers Ray Hedges and Nigel Butler across several studios, including Metropolis Studios in London and Chateau Relaxeau in Malibu.[29] The album was released on 28 July 2014 through the Future Sons imprint of Play It Again Sam in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 52 on the UK Albums Chart.[30] A reissue followed in the United States on 4 March 2016 via Interscope Records, expanding the band's reach into the American market.[31] The album's lead single, "Could Have Been Me" (originally released in 2013), emerged as a breakout hit in 2015, gaining significant MTV exposure and peaking at number 5 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart through strong US airplay.[32] Follow-up singles "Kiss This" and "Put Your Money on Me" also contributed to the album's promotion, with both tracks receiving airplay on rock radio and charting on the UK Rock & Metal Singles Chart.[33] These releases highlighted the band's anthemic, hook-driven sound, blending glam rock energy with modern production. Early promotion in the US began with high-profile support slots, including opening for the Rolling Stones at Stade de France in Paris on 13 June 2014 before an audience of over 80,000.[20] The band secured festival appearances at events like South by Southwest and Lollapalooza in 2016, showcasing their high-energy performances to broader audiences.[34] Bassist Jed Elliott's addition in 2012 had solidified the lineup by this period, enabling consistent touring.[35] From 2015 to 2016, The Struts conducted extensive tours across Europe and the UK, including headline dates at venues like The Lexington in London, building a dedicated fanbase through their theatrical live shows featuring flamboyant stage presence and crowd interaction.[36] At the end of 2014, the band relocated to Los Angeles to focus on the US market, aligning with the album's reissue and intensified promotion efforts.[37] Critically, Everybody Wants received praise for its retro glam rock revival and infectious energy, with outlets highlighting tracks like "Could Have Been Me" for their arena-ready choruses and nostalgic swagger reminiscent of Queen and the Rolling Stones.[38] However, some reviews noted mixed reactions to its lack of originality, describing it as derivative despite the polished production and live vitality.[39] The album achieved modest initial sales of around 50,000 units, establishing a foundation for the band's growing international profile.[40]Young & Dangerous and breakthrough tours (2018–2019)
In 2018, The Struts recorded their sophomore album Young & Dangerous with producer Butch Walker, who helmed several tracks including "Fire," emphasizing the band's high-energy glam rock sound. The album was released on October 26, 2018, via Interscope Records, marking a step up in production polish while retaining their signature swagger and theatrical flair.[41][42] The lead single "Body Talks," initially released on June 15, 2018, was reissued as a collaboration with Kesha on August 28, 2018, blending the band's rock edge with her pop sensibility and peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. Another key track, "One Night Only," captured themes of fleeting hedonism and youthful rebellion, aligning with the album's overall exploration of indulgence and escapism. The record's reception highlighted its infectious hooks and live-ready anthems, solidifying the band's crossover appeal.[43] That summer, The Struts served as main support for Foo Fighters' Concrete and Gold Tour across North America, performing to sold-out arenas and gaining exposure to larger audiences alongside the headliners. Following the album's release, they launched their own Body Talks Tour in early 2019, hitting venues in the UK, Europe, and the US with special guests like White Reaper and Spirit Animal, including multiple sold-out headline dates that showcased their dynamic stage presence. The band also made high-profile TV appearances, such as performing "Body Talks" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in November 2018, further boosting their visibility. These tours contributed to substantial fanbase expansion, with "Body Talks" alone surpassing 50 million streams on Spotify by year's end.[44][45][46]Strange Days, Pretty Vicious, and recent developments (2020–2025)
In 2020, amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, The Struts recorded their third studio album, Strange Days, in isolation at a Los Angeles studio after the band members tested negative and quarantined together for safety.[47] The album, which explores themes of uncertainty and introspection reflective of the era's disruptions, was completed in just ten days and released on October 16 via Interscope Records.[48] Key singles included "Another Hit of Showmanship," featuring Albert Hammond Jr. of The Strokes, which addressed the addictive pull of performance during confinement, and the title track "Strange Days" with Robbie Williams, capturing a sense of disorientation.[49] The band demonstrated resilience by channeling the lockdown's challenges into creative output, including remote collaborations with artists like Def Leppard's Joe Elliott and Phil Collen on "I Hate How Much I Want You."[50] While live tours were halted, The Struts maintained fan engagement through virtual promotions and the album's release, which highlighted their adaptability without any lineup changes disrupting the process—bassist Jed Elliott, a member since 2012, continued to anchor the rhythm section.[51] Shifting to a more upbeat glam rock sound post-pandemic, The Struts released their fourth album, Pretty Vicious, on November 3, 2023, through Big Machine Records, produced by Julian Raymond and Scott Borchetta alongside the band.[52] The record emphasized high-energy anthems and rock 'n' roll swagger, with singles like "Too Good at Raising Hell" and the title track "Pretty Vicious" showcasing their return to live-wire performance vibes.[53] It marked a stylistic pivot from Strange Days' introspection, reaffirming their glam roots while achieving notable airplay success, including "Pretty Vicious" reaching No. 38 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.[54] The post-pandemic period saw The Struts reclaim their touring momentum with the Pretty Vicious Tour in 2024, a North American headlining run that included stops at venues like the Fillmore in Detroit and the Mission Ballroom in Denver, delivering explosive live sets drawn from the new album.[55] In 2025, they launched the Everybody Wants 10-Year Anniversary Tour, celebrating their debut album with full-album performances across over 38 dates, highlighted by a sold-out show at Brooklyn Paramount on August 22.[56] That September 3, the band released a re-recorded version of their breakthrough single "Could Have Been Me," featuring Queen's Brian May on guitar, accompanied by a performance video that amplified its triumphant energy.[57] In November 2025, the band announced an upcoming event at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles on December 8, featuring a performance and discussion. Looking ahead, The Struts have announced initial 2026 dates, including a residency in Miami from January 29 to February 6, signaling continued expansion of their live circuit.[58][59] Through these releases and tours, The Struts have sustained their relevance by prioritizing high-octane live experiences and strategic collaborations, evolving from pandemic-era constraints into a more robust phase of their career.[60]Artistry
Musical style
The Struts are known for their glam rock revival sound, characterized by infectious pop hooks and arena-ready production that emphasizes expansive choruses and high-energy dynamics. Their music blends bold, swaggering melodies with a polished modern rock edge, creating tracks designed for large-scale spectacle and audience participation.[1] Central to their instrumentation is frontman Luke Spiller's commanding falsetto vocals, which deliver a force-of-nature performance ranging from soaring highs to poignant, tenderhearted delivery, often layered over piano accents for dramatic effect.[1] Guitarist Adam Slack provides riff-heavy, classic rock-inspired lines that drive the songs' momentum, supported by a tight rhythm section featuring bass and drums that maintain a danceable, thumping energy throughout. This setup fosters a wall-of-sound mix, where guitars and percussion build immersive, live-like intensity without overpowering the vocal hooks.[1] The band's sound has evolved from the raw, confident energy of their 2016 debut album Everybody Wants, which showcased playfully decadent rock with straightforward bombast, to the more refined sheen of 2018's Young & Dangerous and beyond. By their 2020 release Strange Days, the style incorporated heightened emotional depth and collaborative flair, while 2023's Pretty Vicious refined this into feisty tracks that balance aggression with melodic polish, marking a progression toward broader sonic experimentation.[1] This development maintains their core glam foundation but adds layers of production sophistication over time.[12] Lyrically, The Struts focus on themes of confidence, romance, escapism, temptation, and resilience, steering clear of political commentary in favor of personal, uplifting narratives that encourage showmanship and emotional release.[1] Songs like "Another Hit of Showmanship" and "Burn It Down" exemplify this approach, using vivid imagery to evoke chaos in love and triumphant survival.[1] Their production techniques emphasize a live-feel aesthetic, as seen in the frenzied, organic recording of Strange Days—completed in just ten days at a Los Angeles home studio—resulting in vibrant, unpolished energy mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer to capture the band's onstage spectacle.[1] This method prioritizes immediacy and grandeur, ensuring recordings translate seamlessly to arena environments with big, anthemic builds.[1]Influences
The Struts' frontman Luke Spiller has frequently cited Queen as a primary influence, particularly for the band's harmonic complexity and theatrical presentation on stage. Spiller has stated that Queen's music inspired him to pursue a career as a frontman during his early teens, drawing from their blend of operatic vocals and showmanship.[61] This influence was exemplified in their 2025 collaboration with Queen's Brian May on a re-recorded version of "Could Have Been Me".[9] David Bowie also profoundly shaped the band's aesthetic, with Spiller highlighting Bowie's role in the 1970s glam rock movement as a key source of inspiration for persona and visual style. He has described being influenced by Bowie alongside Marc Bolan of T. Rex, emphasizing the era's bold, androgynous flair that informed his own flamboyant approach to performance.[62] Other classic rock acts contributed to the band's strut and hook-driven energy, including T. Rex, which Spiller has called one of his biggest influences for its raw power and infectious riffs. The Sweet similarly impacted their sound through its glam hooks and anthemic choruses, elements the band emulates in their energetic delivery.[63] In more contemporary terms, the band nods to acts like The Darkness, whose revival of retro rock sensibilities motivated Spiller to form The Struts and prioritize fun, larger-than-life rock. Scissor Sisters represent another modern influence, with Spiller appreciating their theatrical pop-glam fusion in the context of broader rock evolution.[61][64] Broader cultural elements further inform the band's ethos, including the high-energy pulse of 1970s disco and punk, which Spiller incorporates into tracks for a sense of urgent, danceable vitality. Hollywood glamour from the mid-20th century also permeates their visual and performative identity, evoking old-school cinematic allure. Spiller's own background in musical theater training enhances this, providing a foundation for the band's elaborate stagecraft and dramatic flair.[42][65] Band members have emphasized in interviews that they aim to avoid direct imitation of these influences, instead blending retro elements with contemporary pop sensibilities to create something fresh and accessible. Spiller has noted that while homage to past icons is intentional, the goal is to infuse modern production and attitude, ensuring the band's work feels current rather than nostalgic.[66][67]Discography
Studio albums
The Struts have released four studio albums since their formation, each showcasing their glam rock sound with increasing production polish and collaborations. These full-length releases, distributed primarily through Interscope Records following their initial UK debut, have achieved moderate commercial success, particularly in rock-specific charts, though none have attained gold certification in major markets as of 2025. Critical reception has been generally positive, with Metacritic scores ranging from 67 to 81 across the catalog, highlighting the band's energetic hooks and theatrical flair.[68][69] Their debut album, Everybody Wants, was released on 28 July 2014 in the UK via Future Sons and Virgin EMI Records, featuring 11 tracks that blend arena-ready anthems with retro influences; key songs include "Could Have Been Me" and "Kiss This." A re-recorded and expanded US version followed on 4 March 2016 through Interscope, adding bonus tracks for a total of 16. The album peaked at No. 52 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 99 on the US Billboard 200, while the US edition reached No. 15 on the Billboard Rock Albums chart, marking an early breakthrough in alternative rock radio.[30] The band's second album, Young & Dangerous, arrived on 26 October 2018 via Interscope Records, comprising 10 core tracks with a deluxe edition expanding to 13; standout cuts feature the Kesha collaboration "Body Talks" and the lead single "Primadonna Like Me." It debuted at No. 77 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 7 on the US Top Rock Albums chart, also topping the US Heatseekers Albums chart, reflecting growing US popularity through tours with acts like the Foo Fighters. The record earned an 81 Metacritic score for its polished production and infectious energy.[30][68] Strange Days, released on 16 October 2020 through Interscope, contains 10 tracks produced by Butch Walker at his Nashville studio, with pandemic-inspired artwork depicting masked figures amid chaotic scenes; notable inclusions are the title track featuring Robbie Williams and "Another Hit of Happiness." Amid COVID-19 disruptions, it reached No. 51 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 24 on the US Album Sales chart, though it missed the Billboard 200, and received a 70 Metacritic average for its resilient, upbeat themes during isolation.[70] The latest release, Pretty Vicious, came out on 3 November 2023 via Interscope and Big Machine Label Group, spanning 11 tracks with guest production from figures like Jonny Kohan; themes of rebellion and self-assurance dominate, highlighted by the title track and opener "Too Good at Raising Hell." It peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart but did not enter the UK top 100 or US Billboard 200, earning a 67 Metacritic score for its defiant glam edge despite mixed visibility.Extended plays
The Struts released their debut extended play, Kiss This EP, on 7 April 2014, through Future Records under exclusive license to Virgin EMI Records.[71] This digital-only release featured four tracks, including the title track "Kiss This" and early singles such as "Could Have Been Me," serving as an introductory showcase to build anticipation ahead of their full-length debut album.[28] The EP's glam rock energy and high-production hooks helped establish the band's presence in the UK rock scene, with all tracks later appearing on their 2014 album Everybody Wants. In 2015, the band issued Have You Heard EP on August 14 via Interscope Records, targeting the US market as a promotional vehicle during their North American push.[72] Comprising four tracks totaling about 14 minutes, it included B-sides and covers like a rendition of David Bowie's "Let's Dance," alongside originals such as "All Dressed Up (With Nowhere to Go)," which highlighted their retro influences and live-wire charisma.[73] This EP functioned as a teaser for their expanded US album reissue, blending familiar hits with fresh material to engage new audiences.[16]Singles
The Struts have released several singles that have achieved notable success on rock and alternative charts, particularly in the United States, helping to establish their glam rock presence. Their early singles from the mid-2010s gained traction through airplay, while later releases featured collaborations and remixes that extended their reach. Key tracks include debut efforts tied to their Everybody Wants era and more recent ones from Young & Dangerous and Pretty Vicious.| Title | Release date | Album | Peak chart positions | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Put Your Money on Me" | 14 October 2014 | Have You Heard (EP) | US Alt. #25 | — |
| "Kiss This" | 7 April 2014 | Everybody Wants | UK Rock #1, US Alt. #8 | — |
| "Could Have Been Me" | 3 February 2015 | Everybody Wants | US Alt. #5, US Rock #15 | — |
| "Body Talks" (feat. Kesha) | 2 November 2018 | Young & Dangerous | US Alt. #12, US Rock #33, CAN Rock #17 | — |
| "One Night Only" | 28 September 2018 | Young & Dangerous | US Alt. #26 | — |
| "Pretty Vicious" | 3 November 2023 | Pretty Vicious | US Alt. #16 | — |
| "How Can I Love You (Without Breaking Your Heart)" | 9 February 2024 | Non-album single | — | — |
| "Heaven's Got Nothing On You" | 2024 | Non-album single | — | — |
| "Can't Stop Talking" | 2024 | Non-album single | — | — |
| "Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy" | 2025 | Non-album single | — | — |
| "Could Have Been Me" (feat. Brian May) | 3 September 2025 | Non-album single | — | — |