The Zutons
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Liverpool , England |
| Products | Indie rock music, albums, singles |
The Zutons are a Liverpool-based English indie rock group established in 2002. The band's current roster consists of Dave McCabe on vocals and guitar, Abi Harding playing saxophone, Jay Lewis handling guitar duties, Neil Bradley on keyboards, and Tim Cunningham on bass.
Their initial album, Who Killed...... The Zutons?, debuted in April 2004. Following this, their sophomore record, Tired of Hanging Around (2006), delivered UK chart successes with the singles "Why Won't You Give Me Your Love?" and "Valerie", both reaching number 9 on the UK Singles Chart.
After founding guitarist Boyan Chowdhury departed in 2007, Paul Molloy took his place for the third album, You Can Do Anything released in June 2008. The band quietly dissolved in 2009 but reunited briefly in 2016 to honor their late friend and former Tramp Attack frontman Kristian Ealey with a tribute show.
In November 2018, The Zutons announced a comprehensive reunion tour commemorating their debut album, with Jay Lewis stepping in for original bassist Russell Pritchard. The band continued performing together following the tour until Chowdhury exited once more in 2022.
Ending a sixteen-year hiatus, their fourth studio album, The Big Decider, was released in April 2024. This project was produced by Nile Rodgers, Ian Broudie of the Lightning Seeds, alongside drummer Sean Payne, and achieved a peak position of number seven on the UK Albums Chart. In 2025, Payne left the group and was succeeded on tour by Paul Maguire from The Stairs.
Formation
Originating from Liverpool in 2001, The Zutons derived their name from Zoot Horn Rollo, guitarist of Captain Beefheart's Magic Band. Prior to this formation, McCabe was part of Tramp Attack, while Pritchard and Payne played with Edgar Jones' post-Stairs ensemble The Big Kids (which also included Sean's brother Howie Payne from The Stands). Initially starting as a quartet, Payne’s partner Abi Harding joined mid-performance on saxophone, enriching their sound and eventually becoming a permanent member contributing vocals and saxophone.
Alan Wills of Deltasonic was initially doubtful about McCabe’s abilities; however, persistent encouragement from James Skelly of The Coral and the band's home-recorded demos persuaded Wills to offer them a contract. Early comparisons linked The Zutons to The Coral due to both bands being Liverpool-based acts signed to the same label, sharing producer Ian Broudie and maintaining close connections. Their music was difficult to categorize and has been described as "psychedelic cartoon punk." McCabe, who leads songwriting efforts, attributes his influences to artists such as Talking Heads, Devo, Sly & the Family Stone, Dexys Midnight Runners, Sublime, and Madness.
Early singles and Who Killed...... The Zutons? (2002–2005)
The Zutons’ debut release was a three-track CD titled Devil's Deal issued in September 2002. This was succeeded by Creepin' and a Crawlin', along with the download-exclusive single "Haunts Me" released in November 2003. At the start of 2004, the band modified their "Z" logo to prevent confusion with that of Zenith Electronics.
Their first full-length album, Who Killed...... The Zutons?, arrived in April 2004 and initially charted at No. 13 on the UK Albums Chart before climbing to No. 9 by early 2005. Notably, it featured a three-dimensional cover accompanied by viewing glasses that fans often donned during live performances. Early copies included an additional CD containing alternative versions of tracks. Receiving critical acclaim, the album earned a nomination for the 2004 Mercury Music Prize while the band was also shortlisted for British Breakthrough Act at the 2005 BRIT Awards. Following the release of the single "Don't Ever Think (Too Much)", the album was reissued incorporating this track. Additionally, "Confusion" was used in a UK television advertisement for the Peugeot 307 during 2004–2005.
Tired of Hanging Around (2006–2007)
Released on 17 April 2006, the album Tired of Hanging Around climbed to No. 2 on the UK album charts. Its initial singles, "Why Won't You Give Me Your Love?" and "Valerie", both reached No. 9 in the UK, outperforming their earlier highest chart position of No. 15 with "Don't Ever Think (Too Much)". After the album's release, the band toured across the UK in May 2006, appeared at the Jersey Live Festival on 2 September, and embarked on a second UK tour in November. They also took part in The Secret Policeman's Ball in October and performed key album tracks on Jools Holland's BBC Hootenanny for New Year's Eve 2006.
During their November tour, the band engaged in songwriting and touring discussions with The Killers while in the US. On 13 July 2007, guitarist Boyan Chowdhury departed from the group citing "musical differences". Later that year, Paul Molloy, previously with The Skylarks and The Stands, joined as his replacement.
You Can Do Anything and split (2008–2009)
Their third studio effort, You Can Do Anything, was released on 2 June 2008 and marked Paul Molloy's first album as lead guitarist. The lead single "Always Right Behind You" came out on 26 May 2008. Recorded earlier that year in Los Angeles, the band promoted the album with an appearance on Soccer AM on 17 May 2008 and embarked on their first UK tour in two years during summer 2008, which included seven open-air shows as part of The Forestry Commission's Forest Tour.
On 26 July, they performed at Japan's Fuji Rock Festival for a third occasion and later headlined the indie festival Jersey Live alongside The Prodigy on 30 August. By the end of 2008, The Zutons were dropped by Sony/BMG. Following several festival performances in 2009, including Summer Sundae and Wickerman Festival, the band quietly dissolved.
Afterward, Chowdhury formed Venus Fury and collaborated on Shoebox, a musical set in Liverpool during the 1950s. In 2016, Abi Harding joined The Lightning Seeds, led by former Zutons producer Ian Broudie.
Reunion and The Big Decider (2016–present)
In April 2016, three members—including original guitarist Chowdhury—performed at a tribute concert honoring Warrington indie rock band Viola Beach, whose members had tragically passed away earlier that year. On 23 June 2016, the original lineup reunited for a one-off charity gig at Mountford Hall, Liverpool, paying tribute to actor and ex-Tramp Attack frontman Kristian Ealey, who had died earlier that year. This event was promoted as the band's "last ever" performance. McCabe mentioned he remained open to performing as The Zutons but noted that others preferred not to continue due to personal reasons and commitments such as Russ's involvement with Noel Gallagher. Although a near reunion occurred in 2014 for their debut album’s tenth anniversary, it was anticipated that any full reunion would not feature all original members.
In November 2018, The Zutons announced a reunion tour commemorating the 15th anniversary of Who Killed..... The Zutons?. Original members Boyan Chowdhury, Sean Payne, and Abi Harding took part; however, Russell Pritchard confirmed via social media that he would not participate. Jay Lewis was brought in as bassist for this tour.
On 27 July 2021, The Zutons revealed via Twitter they would support Nile Rodgers on a UK tour date and that Rodgers would produce their fourth studio album. By October of that year, recording sessions were underway at Abbey Road Studios. In November 2023, they announced their fourth album titled The Big Decider, scheduled for release on 26 April 2024. Alongside this announcement came plans for a 22-date UK tour in more intimate venues from late January through March 2024. Due to strong demand, an extension was added featuring 11 additional UK dates at larger venues throughout April.
On 20 March 2025, The Zutons disclosed via Facebook that Sean Payne had exited the band and would be replaced on tour by Paul Maguire, former drummer of the Stairs. Maguire had previously filled in with The Zutons in 2004 when Payne was sidelined by injury.
Members
Present lineup
- Dave McCabe – lead vocals, rhythm and acoustic guitar, piano (2001–2009, 2016, 2018–present)
- Abi Harding – saxophone, backing vocals (2002–2009, 2016, 2018–present)
- Neil Bradley – keyboards, percussion, backing vocals (2018–present)
- Jay Lewis – lead guitar, backing vocals (2022–present); previously bass (2018–2022)
- Tim Cunningham – bass (2022–present)
- Paul Maguire – drums (touring from 2025; substitute in 2004)
Past members
- Sean Payne – drums, percussion, backing vocals, acoustic guitar, bass, additional keyboards (2001–2009, 2016, 2018–2025)
- Russell Pritchard – bass guitar, backing vocals, acoustic guitar (2001–2009, 2016)
- Boyan Chowdhury – lead guitar, backing vocals (2001–2007, 2016, 2018–2022)
- Paul Molloy – lead guitar, piano, keyboards, backing vocals (2007–2009)
Timeline
Discography
Albums
- Who Killed...... The Zutons? (2004)
- Tired of Hanging Around (2006)
- You Can Do Anything (2008)
- The Big Decider (2024)