Wolf Alice have responded to making Mercury Prize history as the first act to be nominated for the award for four different albums.
The band were first shortlisted for the prize in 2015 for their debut album, ‘My Love Is Cool’. They then took home the trophy in 2018 for ‘Visions Of A Life’ and were shortlisted again in 2021 for ‘Blue Weekend’.
Their fourth album ‘The Clearing’ was confirmed to be on the shortlist for this year’s Mercury Prize, giving the band the record. They performed ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’ at the ceremony at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena last night (October 16). Speaking to NME from the red carpet ahead of the event, they reflected on the history-making nomination.
“It’s overwhelming,” said drummer Joel Amey. “I think it will settle in, maybe post the ceremony. People keep mentioning, and I’m like, ‘Wow, that is incredible.’ We’re very grateful.”
Turning their attention to ‘The Clearing’’s nomination, bassist Theo Ellis added: “It’s so nice for anyone to recognise what you’ve worked really hard on. We’re really proud of this album and if anyone likes it, that means a lot. This institution champions such great records, they’re people who really revere the art of making an album and we wanted to make a proper album-album this time, so I think that’s double nice. We’re happy to come and have a drink.”
Wolf Alice have just returned from North America, where they completed their first stint of touring in support of ‘The Clearing’. Towards the end of the tour, the band shared a post on Instagram, talking about the little moments during the gigs. “I die when I see your star patches or blue glittery eyeshadows, dead when I see that green tee with the white sleeves, dead when I see guys dancing to ‘Just Two Girls’, dead when the sparkly curtain catches the light,” the caption partially read.
Singer and guitarist Ellie Rowsell reflected on the run of shows so far, saying: “It does feel different. It’s really exciting. I feel like everyone’s playing better and we’ve put a little bit more thought and fun into the performance.”
The band’s tour will continue across Europe before the UK leg begins at the end of November. The final stint will see them headline two nights at London’s The O2 for their biggest headline shows to date. “Shit scared,” Amey replied when asked how they’re feeling about the gigs.
“I’m up for it. They’re gonna be fun. It’s obviously strange because Joff [Oddie, guitarist] wasn’t with us for this last tour, but it was the first time we’ve brought these songs to the stage and I’ve been loving it, so now we’re just going to keep building upon that as the weeks go past.”
Oddie sat out of the North American tour in September as he was awaiting the birth of his first baby. “I’m sad I won’t be with you but I’ll be leaving you in the capable hands of John Victor who is one of my fav all time guitarists and a lovely man to boot,” he shared in an Instagram post at the time.
Sam Fender was crowned the winner of the 2025 Mercury Prize last night for his third album, ‘People Watching’. He thanked “very good friends” Fontaines D.C. and CMAT during his acceptance speech, saying that he was in “great company” on the shortlist.
In the winner’s room afterwards, Fender added: “We didn’t think we were going to win anything so I’m still in shock. It’s an absolute honour and it’s amazing it’s happened up here, for the first time outside of London. I think it’s a really important thing that’s happened right now in the music industry – I think it’s great.”