The Wedding Present 40th Anniversary Tour heads to Bristol

The Wedding Present 40th Anniversary Tour heads to Bristol

Posted on: 29 Jan 2025

The Wedding Present will be live at Bristol Beacon on Friday 3 October 2025 as part of their 40th anniversary tour.

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The Wedding Present will perform at Bristol Beacon on 3 October 2025

The Wedding Present was born in Leeds, in 1985.
 
Rising from the ashes of a band called The Lost Pandas, The Wedding Present was assembled by David Gedge [singing & guitar] and Keith Gregory [bass], when they enlisted the services of Peter Solowka [guitar] and Shaun Charman [drums].
 
The band’s first single – ‘Go Out And Get ’Em, Boy!’ –  was released in May 1985 and now shares its title with the first volume of David’s autobiography, in which he describes the early days of playing in and around Leeds.
 
Since 1985, The Wedding Present have had eighteen UK Top 40 hit singles; not bad for a group that has, from its inception, stubbornly refused to play the record industry’s game. That pioneering spirit has been at the core of the band’s philosophy throughout. From George Best [“an unmitigated delight” (NME)] onwards, the band has charted an appealing, if often eccentric, course of its very own.
 
The band are planning several events [including a Wedding Present musical!] to celebrate their forty years in existence, including this wide-ranging tour throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom. These concerts will feature the band playing tracks from across their extensive repertoire and include many of their hits.
 
The Wedding Present will be joined in Manchester by special guests Mozart Estate. Founded by former Felt and Denim bandleader Lawrence in the late 1990s, Mozart Estate pull together glam rock elements, bleeping synths and tongue-in-cheek lyrics to create B-side bangers. 
 
40th Anniversary Tour Dates: 
 
October 2025
  
03 Bristol – O2 Academy with Mozart Estate
10 Manchester – O2 Ritz with Mozart Estate
18 Liverpool – O2 Academy with Mozart Estate
23 Birmingham – O2 Institute with Mozart Estate
24 Oxford – O2 Academy with Mozart Estate
25 London – O2 Forum Kentish Town with Mozart Estate
 

The Wedding Present: A Legacy of Indie Rock Excellence

The Wedding Present is a British indie rock band that emerged in the mid-1980s, gaining a reputation for their energetic performances, heartfelt lyrics, and jangly guitar-driven sound. Founded in 1985 in Leeds, England, by vocalist and guitarist David Gedge, the band quickly became a staple of the indie music scene and has maintained a devoted following ever since.

Early Years and Breakthrough

The Wedding Present's debut album, George Best (1987), was an instant classic, showcasing their raw and emotive style. The album, named after the famous Northern Irish footballer, received critical acclaim for its bittersweet lyrics and rapid-fire guitar work. The band followed up with a series of singles and EPs that further cemented their status as indie darlings.

Commercial Success and Sonic Evolution

In the early 1990s, The Wedding Present began to experiment with their sound. Their 1991 album Seamonsters, produced by Steve Albini, introduced a darker and more intense atmosphere. This shift was well received and demonstrated the band's willingness to evolve.

A defining moment in their career came in 1992 when they released a single every month for the entire year. This ambitious project, which resulted in 12 singles that all charted in the UK Top 30, earned them a place in the Guinness Book of Records and highlighted their prolific songwriting abilities.

Later Years and Continued Influence

After a brief hiatus in the late 1990s, The Wedding Present returned with new material and continued touring extensively. Albums such as Take Fountain (2005) and Going, Going... (2016) showcased their ability to blend nostalgia with fresh creativity.

David Gedge remains the driving force behind the band, collaborating with various musicians over the years while maintaining The Wedding Present’s signature sound. Their music has influenced countless indie rock bands and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Enduring Legacy

The Wedding Present’s ability to adapt and remain relevant across decades has solidified their place in indie rock history. Whether through their timeless songs, engaging live performances, or continued passion for music, they remain one of the most cherished bands in the genre. Their legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to their craft.


Article by:

Brendan Murphy

Bristol born and bred despite the name, Brendan has been working in the digital media sector for the last 15 years and advertising for the last 25 years. A wealth of knowledge about the city and more importantly at how to help businesses get as much online exposure as possible. Call Brendan on 07876 735153 or email Brendan@365bristol.com.