Devon, a picturesque county in the southwest of England, is not only known for its stunning landscapes and historical landmarks but also for being the birthplace of some remarkable musical talents. From rock legends to soulful singers, Devon has produced a variety of artists who have made significant contributions to the music industry. Here, we explore the top 10 famous bands and musicians hailing from this beautiful region.
1) Muse (Band) – Teignmouth
Muse, one of the most influential rock bands of the 21st century, originated from Teignmouth, Devon. Formed in 1994, the band consists of Matt Bellamy (lead vocals, guitar, piano), Chris Wolstenholme (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Dominic Howard (drums). Known for their eclectic style, Muse blends elements of alternative rock, progressive rock, electronic music, and symphonic rock.
Their breakthrough album, Origin of Symmetry (2001), showcased their unique sound and paved the way for global success. Subsequent albums like Absolution (2003), Black Holes and Revelations (2006), and The Resistance (2009) cemented their reputation as innovative musicians.
Muse have won numerous awards, including 2 Grammy Awards, 2 Brit Awards, 5 MTV Europe Music Awards and 8 NME Awards. In 2012, they received the Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors. As of October 2022, they had sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.
2) Chris Martin (Musician) – Exeter
Chris Martin, the lead vocalist and co-founder of the globally acclaimed band Coldplay, was born in Exeter, Devon. Martin’s distinctive voice and poignant songwriting have been central to Coldplay’s success. The band’s debut album, Parachutes (2000), featuring hits like “Yellow” and “Shiver,” quickly catapulted them to international fame.
Over the years, Coldplay has released several critically acclaimed albums, including A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002), Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends (2008), and Everyday Life (2019).
Chris has won 7 Grammy Awards and 9 Brit Awards as part of the band. They have sold over 100 million albums worldwide as of 2021, making them the most successful group of the 21st century. Chris appeared on Debrett’s 2017 list of the most influential people in the United Kingdom, and his ability to convey deep emotion through his music has resonated with millions, making Coldplay one of the best-selling music acts of all time.
3) Ben Howard (Musician) – Bantham
Ben Howard, a singer-songwriter known for his introspective lyrics and acoustic guitar work, was born in London but grew up in Totnes, Devon. Howard’s debut album, Every Kingdom (2011), featuring the hit singles “Keep Your Head Up” and “Only Love,” received critical acclaim and earned him a Mercury Prize nomination.
His subsequent albums, I Forget Where We Were (2014) and Noonday Dream (2018), further showcased his evolving sound and lyrical depth. Howard’s ability to craft emotionally resonant songs has garnered him a loyal following and numerous awards.
4) Serge Pizzorno (Musician) – Newton Abbot
Serge Pizzorno, the lead guitarist and primary songwriter for the rock band Kasabian, was born in Newton Abbot, Devon. Known for his innovative guitar work and dynamic stage presence, Pizzorno has been instrumental in shaping Kasabian’s sound, which blends elements of rock, electronic, and psychedelic music.
Kasabian’s self-titled debut album (2004) received widespread acclaim, and subsequent releases like Empire (2006), West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum (2009), and 48:13 (2014) have solidified their status as one of the UK’s leading rock bands. Pizzorno’s creative vision and musical versatility continue to drive the band’s success.
Since 2004, Kasabian has been nominated for 40 awards and won 13 intotal, including Best British Group at the 2010 Brit Awards, Song of the year (Fire) at the 2010 MOJO awards and Best Live Band at the 2012 NME awards just to name a few.
5) Jon Lee (Musician) – Newton Abbot
Jon Lee, known for his role as a member of the popular pop group S Club 7, was born in London but grew up in Newton Abbot, Devon. S Club 7, formed in 1998, quickly became a sensation with their infectious pop tunes and engaging personalities. The group’s debut single, “Bring It All Back,” topped the UK charts, setting the stage for a string of hits including “S Club Party,” “Reach,” and “Don’t Stop Movin’.”
Lee’s tenure with S Club 7 saw the group achieve massive success, including 4 UK No.1 singles, 1 UK No.1 album, hits throughout Europe, and a top 10 single in the United States, Asia, Latin America and Africa. They recorded 4 studio albums, released 11 singles and sold over 14 million albums worldwide, earned the Record of the Year award in 2001 and had their own TV series. After the group disbanded in 2003, Lee pursued a career in musical theatre, showcasing his versatility and talent in productions like Les Misérables, Jersey Boys, and Aladdin.
6) Joss Stone (Musician) – Ashill
Joss Stone, a soul singer with a voice that belies her years, was born in Dover but raised in Ashill, Devon. She burst onto the music scene as a teenager with her debut album, The Soul Sessions (2003), which showcased her powerful vocals and mature interpretation of classic soul tracks.
Stone’s subsequent albums, such as Mind Body & Soul (2004), Introducing Joss Stone (2007), and Water for Your Soul (2015), further established her as a leading figure in contemporary soul music.
Joss Stone has earned several awards including 2 Brit Awards and 1 Grammy Award out of 5 nominations. And in 2012, her net worth was estimated to be £10 million, making her the fifth richest British musician under 30.
Her ability to blend soul, R&B, and reggae influences has earned her numerous awards and a dedicated global fan base.
7) Snowy White (Musician) – Barnstaple
Snowy White, an accomplished guitarist known for his work with Thin Lizzy and Pink Floyd, was born in Barnstaple, Devon. White’s blues-influenced guitar playing has made him a sought-after musician, contributing to the success of several iconic rock bands.
In addition to his work with Thin Lizzy and Pink Floyd, White has enjoyed a successful solo career, releasing albums like White Flames (1983) and Highway to the Sun (1994). His technical proficiency and emotive playing style have earned him a lasting reputation in the music industry.
8) Gaye Advert (Musician) – Bideford
Gaye Advert, the bassist for the punk band The Adverts, was born in Bideford, Devon. As one of the few female musicians in the punk scene of the late 1970s, Gaye Advert (born Gaye Black) broke new ground with her distinctive style and stage presence.
The Adverts’ debut single, “One Chord Wonders,” and their subsequent hit “Gary Gilmore’s Eyes” became anthems of the punk movement. Despite their brief career, The Adverts left a lasting impact on the genre, and Gaye Advert remains a pioneering figure in punk rock history.
9) The Rumble Strips (Band) – Tavistock
The Rumble Strips, an indie rock band from Tavistock, Devon, gained popularity in the mid-2000s with their energetic sound and catchy melodies. The band, consisting of Charlie Waller (vocals, guitar), Tom Gorbutt (saxophone), Henry Clark (trumpet), Matthew Wheeler (drums), and Sam Mansbridge (bass), drew influences from soul, punk, and pop music.
Their debut album, Girls and Weather (2007), received positive reviews, with standout tracks like “Alarm Clock” and “Motorcycle.” Although the band went on hiatus in 2010, their music remains a testament to their creative spirit and musical talent.
10) Buffseeds (Band) – Exeter
Buffseeds, an indie rock band from Exeter, Devon, made a significant impact on the local music scene in the early 2000s. The band, featuring Kieran Scragg (vocals, guitar), Ella Lewis (keyboards), Neil Reed (bass), and Dave Lister (drums), was known for their melodic sound and heartfelt lyrics.
Their debut album, The Picture Show (2003), featured the single “Sparkle Me,” which gained considerable airplay and brought them to the attention of a wider audience. Although Buffseeds disbanded in 2004, their music continues to be appreciated by fans of indie rock.
Devon’s contribution to the music world is both diverse and profound. From the anthemic rock of Muse to the soulful melodies of Joss Stone, the region has produced artists who have left an indelible mark on the industry. These musicians not only represent the rich cultural heritage of Devon but also serve as inspirations for future generations of artists. Whether through groundbreaking performances, innovative songwriting, or influential albums, the musical talents from Devon continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the globe.
If one day, you aspire to see your name added to this list, apply online for a music course at Access Creative College in Plymouth today!
- Top 10 famous bands and musicians from Devon - August 19, 2024
- The 3 Biggest August Music Festivals in Devon 2024 - July 29, 2024