English rock band formed in Wigan in 1990. Long-running lineup: Richard Ashcroft (vocals), Nick McCabe (guitar), Simon Jones (bass), and Peter Salisbury (drums). Distinguished by their layered, atmospheric rock production and Ashcroft's prominent stage presence.
Released four studio albums between A Storm in Heaven (1993) and Forth (2008). Commercial peak: Urban Hymns (1997, featuring "Bitter Sweet Symphony" — which famously had its publishing royalties surrendered to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards over a sampling dispute that was eventually resolved in 2019). The band has split and reformed multiple times.