It was A Matter of Time for Shed Seven to top the album chart as the UK five-piece has secured their first No 1 almost 30 years after their debut LP.
Topping the chart in 2024 means the group has had the longest gap (more than 29 years) between a debut LP and first No 1 album from a British rock band, according to the Official Charts Company.
After learning of the good news, the band – comprising Rick Witter, Paul Banks, Tom Gladwin, Tim Wills and Rob Maxfield – said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to say we’re No 1 in the official albums chart this week with our album A Matter Of Time.
“It’s also our 30th anniversary. What better way to start proceedings? We’re just getting started.
“Thanks everyone for the support over the years, and especially for buying this record.
“It’s much appreciated and we shall see you on the road.”
The band, who saw off competition from Lewis Capaldi and Taylor Swift to take the top spot, told the Independent they were “buzzing”.
“It’s taken us 30 years to get to this point, and it feels like we’re bigger and better than ever, which is crazy,” said Witter, the lead vocalist.
The group also secured the bestselling album of the week in UK independent record shops.
Formed amid the burgeoning Britpop movement, their debut album, Change Giver, peaked at number 16 after its release in 1994.
Four of the Shed Seven’s albums have made it into the UK chart’s Top 10: A Maximum High in 1996, which peaked at No 8, Let It Ride in 1998, which peaked at No 9, Going For Gold – The Greatest Hits in 1999, which went to No 7 and Instant Pleasures in 2017, which hit No 8.
A Matter Of Time is the band’s sixth studio album and first studio release in more than six years.
Ska stalwarts The Specials hold the overall record for the longest gap between their official album’s chart debut and first No 1 LP, with 39 years and three months between the eponymous 1979 release The Specials and 2019 chart-topper Encore.
