Thom Rylance, the lead singer of indie band The Lottery Winners, has struggled with anxiety since childhood. However, he never faced a panic attack on stage—until last month. While performing in Bournemouth, he felt overwhelmed by fear, shortness of breath, and a racing heartbeat. Despite this, he completed the show, engaging the audience and taking selfies.
After the show, he apologized to his bandmates, convinced he had failed. But to his surprise, they reassured him that everything went smoothly. At 35, Rylance has learned to mask his anxiety, a theme he explores in the band’s latest album, KOKO—an acronym for “Keep On Keeping On.” The phrase comes from his grandmother, who comforted him with those words when he was expelled from school.
Diagnosed with ADHD two years ago, Rylance finally understood why he struggled in school. It was a relief, but also a moment of reflection on the lack of support he had received. He now visits schools to encourage kids with ADHD, proving that success isn’t limited by academic struggles.
The Lottery Winners, formed in 2008 in Leigh, Greater Manchester, have worked tirelessly to reach success. They initially signed with Sire Records in 2016, but their debut album was delayed when the label’s boss left. When it was finally released in 2020, the pandemic disrupted promotions. However, the band built a loyal fanbase through social media, leading to their 2023 album Anxiety Replacement Therapy reaching number one.
A major turning point came when Robbie Williams heard their song You Again on BBC Radio 2 and invited them on tour. Rylance, a lifelong Robbie fan, was shocked to learn that the pop icon had listened to all their albums. Over time, the two became close friends, talking almost daily.
Williams, who also has ADHD, became a mentor to Rylance. He provides support not just in music but in everyday life—sometimes even offering advice on cooking! Beyond Williams, Rylance has formed connections with artists like Noel Gallagher, Shaun Ryder, Nickelback, and Boy George.
Not all moments have been smooth. A tweet criticizing Kate Nash landed Rylance in controversy, but Gallagher’s guidance helped him navigate the backlash. Ultimately, Rylance apologized and offered to collaborate with Nash, turning a misstep into an opportunity.
Despite their success, The Lottery Winners understand the struggles of working-class artists. Their first gig at a local pub earned them just £30, which they spent on a demo tape. Financial challenges remain, with their European tour only possible due to a UK Music Export Growth Fund grant.
Rylance embraces his ADHD as a “neurospice” that fuels his creativity. The band works relentlessly, even hosting a pop-up shop in Leigh to boost sales for their latest album. They are determined to secure another number-one hit, proving that hard work and resilience pay off.
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