History
Toploader: A Britpop Success Story
Formed in Eastbourne, England, in 1997, Toploader emerged as a prominent force in the Britpop scene. The band quickly gained traction through energetic live performances, sharing stages with notable acts like Coldplay and Muse in intimate UK venues. Their early career saw them supporting established artists such as Paul Weller, Robbie Williams, and Bon Jovi, and they hold the distinction of being the last British band to perform at the original Wembley Stadium.
Chart Success and Global Hits
Toploader's rise to popularity was marked by a string of successful singles and albums. Their debut album, Onka's Big Moka, achieved significant commercial success, selling over one million copies and spending more than six months within the UK album chart's Top 5. Their rendition of King Harvest's "Dancing in the Moonlight" became a worldwide hit, solidifying their international presence. The band's second album, Magic Hotel, further cemented their status, reaching number 3 on the UK charts, surpassing their debut's performance. Collectively, their first two albums achieved over two million sales.
Hiatus and Reunion
The band took a hiatus in 2003, a decision influenced by the closure of their record label, S2. After an extended break, Toploader reunited in 2009. They subsequently signed a one-album deal with Underdogs Music, leading to the release of their third album, Only Human, in June 2011.
Current Lineup
The current lineup of Toploader features four of the original five members: Joseph Washbourn, Dan Hipgrave, Rob Green, and Matt Knight.
