The Winners of the Lottery Achieve New Heights
The winners of the lottery celebrated their second number one album with “Koko,” surpassing notable artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Lady Gaga in the official UK albums chart.
The group garnered media attention in 2023 when their third album, “Replacement Therapy of Anxiety,” soared to the top of the official UK albums chart. Their latest release, “Koko” (“Continue to Continue”), released last Friday (March 21), has now reached the number one spot.
Celebrating Their Success
The group, hailing from Leigh in Greater Manchester, comprises Robert Lally, Katie Lloyd, and Joe Singleton. Reflecting on their achievement, the winners of the lottery exclaimed: “’Koko’ is officially album No. 1 in the UK! It took a lot of hard work, but it’s all worth it. This whirlwind of emotions is indescribable. We are so grateful to everyone who supported us and this album.
“If I could go back in time and tell the 12-year-old me that we would have two number one albums, I would be in disbelief. This is for the masses. This is for the working class. This is for anyone with dreams—pursue them!”
The official charts recognized the winners of the lottery with their award at their pop-up album store located in Spinners Mill.
Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, congratulated the group on their accomplishment, stating: “I’ve been a big fan of the winners of the lottery since they played in pubs and clubs around Leigh, and I know the whole city is proud of them today.
“Landing their first number one album was incredible, but to do it again is something truly special. They are one of the hardest-working bands in the business, and they deserve every success.”
The winners of the lottery outperformed notable artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Deacon Blue, Lady Gaga, and Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco in the official UK albums chart.
Official Albums in the Top Five
- The Winners of the Lottery – “Coco” (Modern Sky)
- Sabrina Carpenter – ‘Short N’ Sweet’ (Island)
- Deacon Blue – “Great Western Road” (Vinyl preparation)
- Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco – “I Said I Love You First” (Interscope)
- Lady Gaga – ‘Mayhem’ (Polydor)
“Koko,” named after Keepon On Hearn On, features the single “Ragdoll,” which includes a guest appearance by Chad Kroeger from Nickelback—an opportunity the group discovered while supporting Nickelback during their British and European arena tour last year. Other guest appearances on the album include Frank Turner, Shed Seven, and Reverend & The Makers.
The album also debuted on the official vinyl albums chart and the official recording stores chart. The winners of the lottery will embark on their “Continue Next Month” tour in 2025. Find the remaining tickets here. Additionally, this year, the group is set to perform at prominent UK festivals, including the Isle of Wight, Kendal Calling, and Boardmasters.
Last year, Tom Rilant, the frontman of the winners of the lottery, spoke with NME about his regret over his comments regarding Kate Nash’s work and the lack of representation for the working class in the arts. Rilant expressed on Twitter that Nash should not try to claim representation for working-class musicians, criticizing her background as a private school attendee.
He later apologized to Nash, stating, “Sorry, sincerely. What Kate does is significant; it highlights the systemic issues that working-class individuals encounter in the arts. The lack of access that working-class people face is disproportionately silenced.”
https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-lottery-winners-score-second-number-one-album-with-koko-this-is-for-grassroots-music-this-is-for-the-working-class-3850188?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-lottery-winners-score-second-number-one-album-with-koko-this-is-for-grassroots-music-this-is-for-the-working-class
